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5 necessary steps to take after a New York car crash

On Behalf of | Oct 5, 2024 | accident

Most people feel so shaken up by car crashes that they don’t know what to do next. They can easily make mistakes that put them at a disadvantage if they need to request compensation later. People who already have a plan to follow during chaotic and confusing moments may find it easier to protect themselves.

What steps do people typically need to take following a significant motor vehicle collision?

Document the scene of the crash

Best practices after a car crash include moving the vehicles out of an intersection or onto the shoulder of the road. Doing so allows traffic to proceed around the crash while the drivers involved wait for the police. Before moving the vehicle, using a mobile phone to record video footage or take multiple pictures can preserve important evidence in case a crash reconstruction is necessary later.

Contact the local authorities

Filing a police report is a mandatory part of the crash response process. State law requires a report, and it may also be necessary to request assistance from first responders if there are serious injuries to any of the people present. Even if the other driver asks to handle the matter privately, filing a formal crash report is an important step after a car wreck.

Communicating concerns to the police

Simply informing the local authorities of a crash is not sufficient to protect the people involved. Whether someone suspects the other driver of distraction or intoxication, they may need to convey that information to the police officer. Officers who are aware of potential complicating factors can better focus their investigations. Small details can play a major role in determining who is at fault for the incident.

Seek medical evaluation

If a collision is just a fender bender that did not cause any injuries or significant vehicle damage, seeing a doctor may not be necessary. However, higher-speed collisions that cause visible injuries or significant property damage can also cause hidden injuries. People could have traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding. Seeing a doctor helps identify those injuries and creates a record of the impact the crash has.

Review available insurance

The driver at fault for the collision should have liability insurance coverage. However, the mandatory coverage required under the law is often relatively low. People need to look at the coverage available and compare it with the estimated cost of a collision to determine if insurance is sufficient for their needs. In some cases, those involved in crashes may need to consider a lawsuit in addition to an insurance claim when there isn’t enough coverage available.

Having a plan about how to respond to a car crash can help people protect themselves. Drivers who take the right steps can often maximize the compensation they eventually obtain.