You Have Just Had a NY Car Accident: A Checklist of What To Do
You might want to print this article and
keep it your glove compartment or you might want to keep an
electronic copy on your IPhone, Blackberry or other smart phone.
Checklist: What To Do at the
Scene of the NY Car Accident
If
Necessary, Take Steps to Prevent Further Injuries or Damage:
Move your vehicle to the side of the road. Put on your hazard
lights. If you have them, put up flares or warning signs.
If
Anyone Is Injured, Get Medical Treatment: If anyone
is hurt, dial 911 for medical help. Do not move the injured person,
especially if the injury involves a head or back injury, as movement
may worsen the condition.
In
New York, If the Accident Caused Injuries or Substantial Property
Damage, You Must Contact the Police: Dial 911 and
notify the police of the accident., They can help direct
traffic and prepare an accident report, which may be important for
insurance or legal purposes.
Exchange Information: After the accident, New York
State law requires you
to exchange information with all drivers involved. You should
provide the following to them and collect the same: name, address,
phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver license
number and license plate number for the driver and the owner of each
vehicle. If the driver's name is different from the name on the
insurance card or registration, ask what the relationship is (e.g.,
parent, friend, employer, etc.) and write down that information.
Collect Information: Take the time to write down a
description of each car, including year, make, model and color — and
the exact location of the collision and how it happened. If you have
a camera with you or in our phone, take photos. Make sure you get
pictures of all the vehicles and the damage to each. Take pictures
of the accident scene. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact
information.
Arrange to Have Your Vehicle Moved: If your car is
drivable, by all means, drive it home. However, if you notice any
problem or unusual sound, you may want to have it checked by a
mechanic to ensure that there is no unseen damage that could pose a
hazard. If you cannot drive your car, then contact a tow service to
move your car. Your insurance company can often help. Many people
have road coverage through
AAA and they can arrange a tow.
Checklist: What Not To Do At the Scene of the NY Car Accident
-
Do Not Think to Leave the Scene of the Accident: Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in New York and can bring jail time. Stop and do the right thing.
-
Do Not Panic: Remain calm and follow the above steps.
-
Do Not Admit Any Wrong Doing: Many times people are confused in the immediate aftermath of an accident. Be polite. Be helpful, but do not admit to any wrongdoing even if you think you were at fault.
Checklist: What to Do After
the NY Car Accident
Take care of any medical needs: See a doctor
as soon as possible to treat any medical needs. What may seem like a
minor hurt may not go away on its own; when in doubt see a doctor.
If you need help finding a doctor, feel free to call me at
1-800-660-1466.
If
Necessary, notify the Police or the
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles: In New York State, each driver
involved in a motor vehicle accident involving an injury or a death
must report it to the police. If the accident involved $1,001 or
more in property damage, each driver must file form
MV-104 with the
NYS Motor Vehicle Department within 10 days of the accident.
Failure to complete these actions could result in a suspension of
your license or an arrest. If you have questions about these
requirements, feel free to call me at 1-800-660-1466.
Notify Your Insurance Company: New York law and
insurance policies require you to notify your insurance company.
Please do not avoid this step. You may think that the incident is
too small to matter or that New York is a
No-Fault state so the other driver
will take care of it. If you fail to notify your insurance company
of an accident, you may lose your coverage. If you have questions
about these requirements, feel free to call me at 1-800-660-1466.
Gather Information about the Motor Vehicle Accident:
If you have not done so, take pictures of any damage to your car or
other property damage. Take pictures of the scene where it happened.
Make a sketch of how the accident happened. Put the contact
information for the other driver(s) and any witnesses in one place.
If
appropriate, contact an attorney experienced with car accidents:
If the motor vehicle accident involved a death, injuries or
substantial property damage, you may be entitled to seek
compensation above what insurance will pay. If you think you may
have a lawsuit or if you have questions, you should seek the counsel
of an attorney experienced in auto accidents in New York State.
I have experience with car accidents in New York State. Feel free to
call me at 1-800-660-1466.
Carol L. Schlitt -
New York Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved has been injured in a car accident or through the neglect or actions of another person or organization, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. You should contact an experienced New York personal injury attorney. If you think you have a case or if you have questions, you can call me and I will be glad to discuss your rights, answer your questions and help you with a potential case. You can call me at 1-800-660-1466 or send me an e-mail at Carol@SchlittLaw.com. The consultation is free and I will be glad to help you.
I hope you have found this information
helpful.
Carol L. Schlitt
New York Car Accident Attorney
1-800-660-1466
Carol@SchlittLaw.com.