Five Things to Do Immediately Following Your Accident
If you are in New York City or the surrounding area and get into a car accident, you need to be aware that there are several things you should do afterwards. While we typically see clients after an accident has already occurred, it is all too common for people to get into more than one accident in their lifetime. Even if you are an existing client of ours, read through these tips so you can use them if you ever get into a wreck again.
#1 – Get to Safety
After being in a New York City car accident, you need to get to safety, which means getting out of the way of other drivers. Whether you are in a wreck on Fifth or on the interstate, you will need to do your best to get over to the shoulder or as close to it as possible. It is very common to be hit a second time as cars try to get by or simply do not notice that you are stopped. To prevent this, put your lights and hazards on and be prepared to use your horn if necessary.
#2 – Call the Police
Even if the accident was minor, you should call the police and file a report. If you do not do so, it can become a “they said/you said” scenario with the other driver disputing what happened. A police report can be a useful tool in proving things like where the accident took place, who was involved, and what the vehicles looked like afterward.
#3 – Document the Evidence
Car wrecks can be frightening, and with all of the activity, it is easy to forget what happened, along with the surrounding details. Grab your phone and start taking pictures of everything, including the street, any debris, signs, the weather, the other car, and yours. You should also make a note of what happened before, during, and after the accident as soon as possible. Remember that part of gathering evidence in New York City is getting information on the other driver, their insurance company, and how to contact them.
#4 – Go See a Doctor
It is critical that you take care of yourself and that you go see a doctor as soon as possible. You cannot be sure that you do not have any internal injuries or brain damage unless you go and get checked out. In some cases, the shock of the accident can be so high, people do not notice broken bones or severe sprains until a couple hours later. Go to a doctor and remain in their regular care until you are fully recovered from your New York City accident.
#5 – Call Greenstein & Milbauer to Schedule a Consultation
Once you are safe and have been checked out by a doctor, call an attorney for advice. Each case is different, making it wise to seek legal guidance as soon as possible.
While some of these tips may seem like common sense, they may not be for new drivers. If you have any teenage drivers in your family, be sure to share this blog with them!
