What Should I Do If I’m Injured in a Car Accident in New York City?

If you’re injured in a car accident in New York City, take immediate steps to protect your health and legal rights. Call 911 to seek medical attention and report to the police, then gather evidence and contact a New York car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

You may not be able to do these things at the scene if you’ve suffered a serious injury, but you should take them afterward to start building the case for your accident claim. Here is more information about why these steps are important.

Call 911 and Report the Accident

Your first priority after a car accident should be safety. If you’re able, call 911 immediately. This will alert both the police and emergency medical services. In New York City, the police are required to respond to accidents involving injuries. 

Their report will be crucial for your insurance claim and potential legal action. The police will note any injuries after a car accident and put them into the report. While it won’t be as detailed as a medical report, it will prove that an objective third party saw evidence of injuries at the scene.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not be immediately apparent. By the time your shock and adrenaline wear off, you may have caused yourself greater injury by not seeing a doctor for your hidden injuries.

Prompt medical attention ensures your well-being and creates an official record of your injuries. It will tell the insurer exactly what you suffered, how much recovery you may need, and your course of treatment. That will give them a starting point for your medical bill damages.

Gather Information and Evidence

This step is not possible if you’re too injured, but it can greatly help your case. If it’s safe to do so, collect as much information as possible at the accident scene. This includes:

• Names and contact information of all parties involved
  
• Insurance details of the other driver(s)
  
• Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries
  
• Contact information of any witnesses

The more evidence you gather, the stronger your case will be. If you are too injured to collect evidence, get a copy of the police report and contact a lawyer as soon as possible. They can take measures to preserve evidence before it is cleaned up.

The Importance of Prompt Legal Consultation

Speaking with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident can help you avoid common pitfalls that could jeopardize your claim, such as:

• Making statements to insurance adjusters that could be used against you
  
• Accepting a quick settlement that may not cover all your expenses
  
• Missing important deadlines for filing claims or lawsuits

Our experienced attorneys at Morelli Law can give you legal advice to protect yourself when the insurers start calling you for answers about your accident.

When Should I Contact My Insurer to Report the Accident?

New York is a no-fault auto insurance state. This means that after most car accidents, you’ll primarily deal with your own insurance company, regardless of who was at fault. Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage will pay for your medical expenses and lost wages up to the policy limits, typically $50,000.

It’s often beneficial to consult with a car accident lawyer before giving detailed statements, even to your own insurance company. Yet you should not delay too long before reporting. Your policy will have a deadline for promptly reporting an accident.

Even though you’ll primarily deal with your own insurance company after a car accident in NYC, it’s still important to be cautious in your communications. Your insurer may try to minimize payouts, and statements you make could affect your claim. 

What About the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?

In most cases, under the no-fault system, you won’t need to communicate directly with the other driver’s insurance company for your immediate medical expenses and lost wages. However, there are exceptions:

• If your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold, allowing you to step outside the no-fault system
  
• For property damage claims, which are not covered under no-fault insurance

In these cases, it’s best to have your attorney handle communications with the other driver’s insurance company to protect your interests.

Why Choose Morelli Law Firm for Your Car Accident Case in New York City?

At Morelli Law Firm, we bring a combination of experience, dedication, and proven results to every case we handle. Our team is known for:

• Aggressive representation in and out of the courtroom
  
• A track record of substantial financial recoveries for our clients
  
• Handling complex and high-profile cases
  
• Always being prepared to take your case to trial if necessary

We know what to do if you’re injured in a car accident in New York City. Contact our team today for a free consultation. Let us put our experience and resources to work for you so you can focus on your recovery while we pursue justice.