What to Do After a Car Accident in New York

A car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. In the moments and days that follow, what you do or fail to do can have a significant impact on your health, your finances, and your ability to recover compensation for your injuries. New York’s no-fault insurance system and strict legal deadlines add additional complexity. Knowing the proper steps to take after a crash can help protect both your well-being and your legal rights. For immediate assistance after a crash in Orange County or the mid-Hudson Valley, contact Dupée & Monroe, P.C., to speak with an experienced and successful Goshen car accident lawyer.

Ensure Safety and Call for Help

Your first priority after any car accident is safety. If you are able to do so, move yourself and others out of harm’s way and call 911. If there are any injuries or property damage that isn’t minor, police should be notified. Law enforcement officers will create an official accident report, which can become a critical piece of evidence in any insurance claim or lawsuit.

If you or anyone else is injured, request medical assistance immediately. Do not attempt to “tough it out” or assume injuries will resolve on their own. Some injuries, including concussions, internal injuries, and soft tissue damage, may not be immediately apparent but can worsen without prompt treatment.

Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible

Getting medical care right away is essential, both for your health and for documenting your injuries. Under New York’s no-fault system, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. However, delays in treatment can give insurance companies an excuse to argue that your injuries were not serious or were caused by something else.

Follow all medical recommendations and attend follow-up appointments. Keep copies of medical records, diagnostic tests, and bills, as these documents help establish the extent of your injuries and the costs associated with them.

Document the Accident Scene

If you are physically able, gather as much information as possible while you are still at the scene. Take photographs or videos of the vehicles involved, visible injuries, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and weather conditions. These details can be invaluable later, especially if fault is disputed.

Exchange information with the other driver, including names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information as well. Independent witness statements can play a key role in supporting your version of events.

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

New York law requires that you notify your insurance company promptly after an accident. In most cases, you must also submit a no-fault application to receive PIP benefits within 30 days of the crash. Missing this deadline can jeopardize your ability to have medical bills and lost wages covered.

When speaking with insurance adjusters, be cautious. Provide basic facts, but avoid speculating about fault or minimizing your injuries. Statements made early on can be used against you later if your condition worsens or if a liability dispute arises.

Understand New York’s No-Fault System

New York is a no-fault insurance state, which means that your own insurance generally covers your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages after a car accident, regardless of who caused it. However, no-fault benefits do not cover pain and suffering or all financial losses.

To pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver, you must meet New York’s “serious injury” threshold. This includes injuries such as fractures, significant disfigurement, permanent loss or limitation of a body function, or injuries that prevent you from performing your usual daily activities for at least 90 of the first 180 days after the accident. While these are medical conditions, analysis from an experienced auto accident attorney is often required to determine whether your injury qualifies as serious under New York’s legal definition.

Preserve Evidence and Avoid Common Mistakes

In the days following the accident, preserve all evidence related to the crash. Keep copies of medical bills, repair estimates, correspondence from insurance companies, and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses. Avoid posting details about the accident or your injuries on social media, as insurers may monitor online activity and use posts out of context to undermine your claim.

It is also important not to accept a quick settlement offer without understanding the full extent of your injuries. Once you settle, you generally give up the right to seek additional compensation, even if future medical issues arise.

Consult an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

Car accident claims can quickly become complicated, especially when serious injuries are involved or liability is disputed. An experienced personal injury attorney can explain your rights, handle communications with insurance companies, and determine whether you have grounds to pursue compensation beyond no-fault benefits.

At Dupée & Monroe, P.C., we represent car accident victims throughout Orange County and the Hudson Valley. Our attorneys understand New York’s insurance laws and know how to build strong cases supported by medical evidence, accident reconstruction, and expert testimony when necessary. We work to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages you may be entitled to under the law.

Protect Your Rights After a Crash

What you do after a car accident in New York matters. Taking the right steps can protect your health, strengthen your claim, and improve your chances of a successful recovery both physically and financially. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, do not take on the system without legal help.

In Orange County or the Hudson Valley, contact Dupée & Monroe, P.C., in Goshen for a free consultation. We are here to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence after a serious crash.