What to do after an accident
A crash is disorienting even when no one is hurt. Having a clear sequence in your head makes the next steps easier and protects both your safety and your insurance claim. Here is a practical walkthrough for drivers in New York.
At the scene
- Check for injuries first. If anyone is hurt, call emergency services immediately. Nothing else on this list matters more.
- Move to safety if you can. If the vehicles are drivable and blocking traffic, move them to the shoulder or a nearby safe spot. Turn on hazard lights.
- Call the police when appropriate. For injuries or significant damage, a police report creates an official record that helps your claim later.
- Exchange information. Get the other driver's name, contact details, insurance company and policy number, license plate, and the vehicle make and model. Give yours in return.
- Document everything. Photograph vehicle positions, damage on all vehicles, the roadway, traffic signs, and any visible conditions that contributed. Note the time and location. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information.
- Do not argue fault at the scene. Stick to facts. Statements made in the heat of the moment can complicate the claim.
In the first days
- Report the accident to your insurer promptly. Give accurate facts. You are reporting the event, not settling the claim on the phone.
- Know that the choice of repair shop is yours. Your insurance company may suggest shops, but in New York you have the right to have your vehicle repaired at the shop you choose.
- Get the vehicle assessed. Take the vehicle, or have it towed, to a reputable collision repair shop for a written estimate. Hidden damage is common, so a careful teardown may reveal more than the first look.
- Keep every document. Police report number, claim number, estimates, photos, receipts for towing or a rental car. A simple folder saves headaches later.
During the repair
Stay in touch with your shop, ask questions about anything you do not understand, and request documentation of the completed work. To understand the paperwork you will see along the way, read our companion guide on how to read a repair estimate.