Free Consultation
A car accident is a sudden and unexpected event that can leave you shaken and unsure of what to do next. But the steps you take in the moments (and days and weeks) after a car crash can significantly impact the outcome of your case and your ability to receive full and fair compensation for your injuries and other losses. Staying calm and following these steps will help protect your rights, ensure you receive timely and appropriate medical care and treatment, and secure the compensation you may be entitled to.
The moments immediately after a car crash can be disorienting, confusing, and stressful. Check yourself and any passengers for serious, life-threatening injuries. If you are able, you should also check the driver of the other motor vehicle and any passengers.
In New York, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident involving injuries. If your motor vehicle is moveable and it is safe to do so, move it out of the roadway. If possible, take photos of the motor vehicles before and after moving them.
In cases of injuries, call 9-1-1 immediately. Tell the dispatcher the location of the accident and about any injuries. The police and EMS will be dispatched to the accident scene.
Regardless of the severity of the collision, filing a Police Accident Report ensures there is an official record of the accident. You should tell the police officer how the accident occurred in a simple, forthright manner. The report can potentially be used to establish negligence. It should verify your version of how the accident occurred and any statements from the other driver.
Exchange insurance and contact information with the other drivers. Under New York law, drivers are required to exchange:
You should also note the make, model, and color of the other motor vehicles. If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information.
If possible, take photos and video of the accident scene. Note the location of the vehicles, any stop signs or traffic control devices, skid marks, road debris, road signs, and weather conditions.
Even if your injuries do not feel severe at the time, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries take hours or days to appear. Other injuries, such as internal bleeding, can only be detected by a thorough physical examination. Having a medical record of your injuries will help with any insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
New York operates under a “no-fault” insurance system, which means your own insurance company will pay your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident, regardless of who was at fault. You should notify your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process.
An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate the situation, explain your rights (and help protect them), and guide you through the insurance claims process. Looney Injury Law can help you navigate the “No-Fault” claim and represent you in court with a lawsuit against the other driver(s) to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries. With decades of experience handling personal injury claims throughout New York, John Looney will ensure you do not miss any filing deadlines and get the most compensation possible. If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer to settle your case, he will continue to litigate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve all the way up to and through a trial.
Looney Injury Law represents injured people and their families in and around Western New York and throughout the State of New York. Call us at (716) 300-7777 or contact our law firm via our website today to schedule a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and how we may be able to assist you.
© 2026 Looney Injury Law, PLLC
| View Our Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Law Firm Website Design by The Modern Firm
Share