What to Do After a Car Accident in New York

The minutes, hours, and days after a car accident shape the rest of your case. Here is a practical checklist for New Yorkers — whether the crash happened on the BQE, the Cross Bronx, or a quiet Brooklyn side street.

At the scene

1. Get to safety. Move out of traffic if you can do so without making injuries worse.
2. Call 911. Always — even for minor crashes. The police report becomes a critical piece of evidence.
3. Exchange information. Driver’s license, insurance card, and license plate of every vehicle involved. Photograph each one.
4. Photograph everything. The vehicles, the scene, skid marks, traffic signals, weather conditions, and any visible injuries.
5. Look for witnesses. Get names and phone numbers. Witnesses fade fast.

Within 24–48 hours

• See a doctor, even if you “feel fine.” Adrenaline can mask serious injuries, and having a same-day medical record matters for your case.
• Notify your auto insurer of the crash.
• Do not give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurer. They are not on your side.

Within 30 days

• File a no-fault application (NF-2) with your own insurer. This is required to access PIP medical and wage-loss benefits, even if the other driver was 100% at fault.

When to call a lawyer

If you were injured at all — even modestly — call us before signing anything from any insurer. Initial consultations are free, and we can usually tell within one phone call whether you have a viable third-party claim on top of your no-fault benefits.