New York's yearly 300,000 traffic crashes, in which 3.1% drivers receive serious injuries or lose their lives, demand immediate attention. However, the city reported fewer traffic fatalities in 2025 due to the authorities' Vision Zero initiative, in which transitional decisions are taken to minimize the effects of accidents. According to this program, the government focused on road safety and improved the traffic environment. Still, human errors are causing accidents with low frequency.
Instead of the accident, the post-incident actions matter most. A person who understands their responsibilities and rights after an accident can obtain fair compensation through liability claims. However, it all depends on how you collect evidence, get access to an expert physician, and hire a professional attorney for your advocacy. Your calm and informed reaction can make a huge difference in later circumstances. This article covers all critical actions to take right after receiving a sudden collision.
Your safety matters first, so check the injuries you and others in the vehicle received. If these are not major, then try to remove your vehicle from the road, as it can block traffic. You can also turn on the emergency lights for others' attention. Keep fastening your seat belt and park the car off the lane. It will ensure smooth traffic and prevent further crashes.
According to New York law, you are responsible for informing 911 and acting according to the dispatcher’s instructions. The police arrive to assist you and provide an initial report for further liability claims or medical assistance. It also protects victims when other drivers try to shift the liability claim.
Before moving your vehicle, drivers should capture a picture of their cars for police reference. While waiting for the police, instead of wasting time, collect images of the damage and nearby signboards to explain your situation. Next, you have to collect eye witnesses’ information for stronger advocacy and confirm the availability of the surrounding CCTV.
Avoid accepting your mistake before the police arrive, as it can weaken your legal claim. Instead, you should ask other drivers’ names with complete addresses. Not their vehicle number, model, or number plate, and check their license to ensure ownership. After arriving at the police location, you should describe only facts in reasonable words. Avoid recording your final statement and answer in short sentences that cannot go against your rights during a liability claim.
According to New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, if anyone is injured during a car accident or if there is severe vehicle damage, calling 911 is compulsory. If the liable person or victim does not involve the local authorities, both the liable person and the victim can face legal fines.
Submission of MV-104 with the DMV is also essential within 10 days after the accident for both drivers. Although police attend to the complaint and visit the spot to provide a detailed report, both drivers are responsible for submitting their MV-104. If you submit this form after the deadline, the state department can suspend your driving license.
New York’s no-fault insurance rule is beneficial for injured persons because it provides quick medical assistance. Under this rule, the driver’s auto insurance company offers financial support for medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and lost wages without disputing fault. For this coverage, you need to submit Form NF-2 to your vehicle insurance company in New York within 30 days after the accident.
You can handle minor cases with No-Fault Insurance options, but complex and severe injuries need an attorney’s guidance. If you received multiple fractures, faced disruptive and multiple vehicles’ involvement, then a legal advocate can protect your rights.
A detailed medical checkup is necessary even if you are apparently feeling relaxed and injury-free. It helps in strong insurance claims and is also safe for health. The stress hormones and adrenaline can create several complex medical issues. A minor neck or shoulder pain can turn into whiplash if you do not visit the doctor.
An immediate check-up targets internal injuries and provides long-term protection. This check-up also connects all health issues and injuries with accidents. However, if you do not visit the doctor right after the accident, your No-Fault Insurance claim can become weaker. Insurance companies often delay such claims due to a lack of a detailed medical report.
Personal injury attorneys also need your medical records to advocate for compensation for injuries received and medical expenses. Due to critical needs, you should collect all medical bills, perform test reports, and receipts. All this documented information helps to protect your rights during liability claims and fair compensation.
After collecting police and medical reports, it's time to talk with your insurer. You should not delay, as late reporting can give insurance providers a reason to pay less. Before dialing the payer’s number, ensure that you remember the incident date, location, policy number, and other driver’s details.
During a talk with insurers, you should focus on facts instead of opinions. Tell them correctly about the accident date and do not use phrases like “I am feeling fine” or “ it was my fault”. Your incorrect wording or confusing statements recorded during the call and later can be used by insurers to lower the ball.
Tell the payer about the injuries’ intensity and expected cost for damage repair and health recovery. The insurer requests the documentation details, including pictures of the damage and the medical record. You also have to submit copies of your official reports to strengthen the case. It is the payer’s duty to investigate your case to confirm eligibility, so you should politely answer their questions without showing anger.
Most of the people leave the scene immediately without reporting to the police or collecting evidence. This first mistake can turn the situation against you and be considered a hot-and-run act. In this case, you have to owe a legal penalty instead of receiving insurance compensation for liability coverage.
You should ensure everybody’s safety at the location until the medical team arrives to provide first aid. You should exchange information with other drivers and wait for the police arrival, who will give you a detailed report upon release.
Avoid using phrases like “I am sorry” or “It was my fault”. Such sentences can create a challenging situation for you. In most cases, it is considered a legal admission of mistake. You should focus on collecting as much information from the scene as possible to further guide you in proving eligibility.
People often skip the medical due to feeling fine after an accident. Their minor pain or dizziness can turn into severe medical conditions, so visiting an ER, emergency unit, or family doctor is necessary within 24 hours. Visiting a doctor is not enough. You should also keep all records safe to submit to insurers.
Car accidents are sudden, and their results are also unexpected, but what matters most is your post-incident actions. These wise and patient steps can ensure your future protection from legal penalties and also help in winning the liability claims. In all these complexities, hiring an expert attorney can turn the challenges into convenience. Every New York citizen should know in detail about the rights and responsibilities after a car accident. This detailed knowledge will save you from minor mistakes and provide enough confidence to fight for your rights. Accidents may bring several unpredictable problems, but your knowledge can beat them all.
