Introduction

Being involved in a “Car accident” can be a traumatic experience, leaving you shaken and unsure of what to do next. However, it’s essential to take the right steps immediately after the accident to ensure your safety, protect your rights, and facilitate the claims process. In this article, we will guide you through the crucial actions to take after a car accident.

Safety First

Move to a Safe Location before Car Accident

If the accident occurs on a busy road, move your vehicle to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot, if it’s safe to do so. Turn off the engine and engage the parking brake.

Assess yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. If anyone is injured, call emergency services immediately.

Put on Hazard Lights

Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to the accident.

Gather Information

Document the Accident Scene

Take photos of the accident scene, including:

Damage to all vehicles involved
Skid marks or other road signs
Weather and road conditions

Exchange Information

Exchange the following information with the other parties involved:

Names and contact details
Vehicle make, model, and registration number
Insurance information

Assess Your Injuries

Immediately after the accident, take the time to calm yourself down and assess whether you have any injuries that need medical attention. Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone else in the accident suffers severe injuries. Your number one priority should be your health and well-being.

Stay At The Scene Of The Accident

If you have suffered no injuries, do not leave the accident scene. Stay in the vicinity of the accident scene and remove yourself and your passengers from exposure to further harm. Offer help to those in need.

Report The Accident

It is critical to call the police to report the accident. A police officer will come to the scene and make a police report. A police report is a significant piece of evidence that provides the insurance company with vital information regarding your claim. A police report is an impartial third-party account by a police officer that summarizes the officer’s interpretation of the accident and who bears responsibility.

Collect And Share Information

In New York, all drivers involved in an accident should stop at the scene without blocking traffic and provide their name, address, and vehicle registration number to any driver or passenger of any other vehicle involved. Drivers also must provide this information to any police officer who responds to the accident.

Failing or refusing to provide this information or leaving the accident scene before the police arrive turns this accident into a hit-and-run. While failure to file a report isn’t a crime, it can lead to license suspension. There’s a presumption that a driver who leaves the accident scene is fully or partially responsible for the wreck.

Identify Witnesses

Note down the witnesses’ names and contact information. Witnesses may not stay at the accident scene until the police arrive, and even if they do, an officer may not talk to every witness.

Get Witness Statements

If there are witnesses, ask for their:

Names and contact details
Account of what they saw

Notify Authorities

Call the Police

Report the accident to the police, even if it’s minor. They will help:

Direct traffic
Provide a report for insurance purposes

File a Police Report

Ensure a police report is filed, as it will help with insurance claims.

Notify Insurance

1. Inform Your Insurer

Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible.

2. Provide Required Documents

Submit the following documents to your insurer:

Police report
Medical reports (if applicable)
Repair estimates

Seek Medical Attention

1. Get Checked by a Doctor

Even if you feel fine, see a doctor to rule out internal injuries.

2. Keep Medical Records

Keep a record of:

Medical bills
Treatment plans
Doctor’s notes

Preserve Evidence

1. Keep a Record**internal injuries