With more than 8 million people living in New York City, it’s not surprising that New York’s roads are consistently among the most congested in the country. While high levels of traffic can mean longer journeys, it can also increase the risk of accidents occurring.
In July 2021, more than 19,000 motorists were involved in collisions in New York City. With so many people being affected, it’s important to know what to do if you’re involved in a road traffic accident. With this in mind, take a look at these five steps to take after a New York City car accident:
1. Stop the Vehicle and Assess the Damage
An unexpected accident can leave you shaken and disoriented, so stabilizing the vehicle and assessing the situation should be the first thing you do. Determine whether you, your passengers, or anyone else has sustained serious injuries and, if so, contact 911 so that medical help can be sent to your location.
2. Notify the New York City Police Department
If you need to call 911 for medical assistance, it’s likely that police will be dispatched to the scene. However, even when urgent medical help isn’t required, you’ll still need to notify the police about the accident. If anyone has been hurt or significant property damage has occurred, contact 911 and make the car accident report immediately.
3. Exchange Information
Following a car accident, you’re required to exchange information with other parties. This means providing those involved with a range of information, including your name and address, insurance company and policy number, driver’s license number, and the name of the legal owner of the vehicle.
Once you’ve exchanged information, notify your insurance company of the incident as soon as possible.
4. Seek Medical Advice
If you didn’t require immediate medical assistance at the scene of the accident, you should still seek medical help as soon as possible afterward. Many injuries, such as whiplash, aren’t evident straight away, so getting yourself checked over at the emergency room should be a top priority. 3 million Americans sustain whiplash every year and it’s one of the most common injuries to arise following a car accident. By seeking medical advice swiftly, you can ensure that potentially hidden injuries, like whiplash, are diagnosed and treated appropriately.
5. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in New York City
Getting legal advice might not be the first thing on your mind after an accident, but it probably should be! If you were hurt during the accident, you could seek financial compensation by filing a car accident claim. When you get help from a car accident attorney, you can determine who is legally responsible for the incident and take action against them. Additionally, a local car accident lawyer will help you protect your own liability and ensure that you’re not blamed for an incident that wasn’t your fault.
Dealing with the Aftermath of an Accident in NYC
Any type of road traffic accident can be a traumatic experience, so be sure to give yourself time to process the situation. As well as getting medical and legal help, fulfilling your legal obligations and taking good care of yourself is a top priority after any type of accident.