Craig D. Rosenbaum | November 4, 2025 | Car Accidents in New York
Car accidents in New York City can be chaotic, stressful, and confusing. Between heavy traffic, honking taxis, and crowded intersections, a crash can happen in seconds. Knowing what to do next can make all the difference in protecting your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you should do after a car accident in NYC:
1. Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your safety and the safety of others should be your top priority. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately to request medical help. Even if the accident seems minor, it’s still a good idea to have police officers respond to the scene.
Under New York law, drivers involved in a crash that causes injury or property damage are required to stop and exchange information with the other parties involved. Failing to do so can result in severe penalties. Always remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives.
2. Move to a Safe Location
If it’s safe and your vehicle can still move, try to pull over to the side of the road or a nearby parking area. Staying in the middle of a busy NYC street can be dangerous for you and others. Turn on your hazard lights and stay inside your vehicle until it’s safe to get out.
3. Exchange Information with the Other Driver
When police arrive, they will likely help facilitate the exchange of information, but it’s also smart to collect it yourself.
Be sure to write down:
- The other driver’s name, address, and phone number
- Driver’s license and license plate number
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, and color
Avoid discussing fault or arguing about who caused the accident. Keep the conversation factual and concise, focusing on only the necessary details.
4. Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you’re physically able, use your phone to take clear photos or videos of:
- Vehicle damage (close-ups and wide shots)
- Road conditions, weather, and traffic signals
- Skid marks, debris, or anything unusual on the road
- Any visible injuries
If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. Their statements could help clarify what happened later.
5. File a Police Report
Officers in New York who respond to the scene will usually complete an MV-104A Accident Report, which includes details about the crash. You can later request a copy from the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the local precinct.
If police don’t come to the scene, you’re still legally required to file your own Report of Motor Vehicle Accident (Form MV-104) with the DMV within 10 days if the crash caused injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Failure to do so can result in license suspension under NY Veh. & Traf. Law § 605.
6. Seek Medical Care Right Away
Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s critical to see a doctor after a crash. Some injuries, like concussions or whiplash, may not show symptoms right away. Getting checked immediately also helps link your injuries directly to the accident—something insurance companies often question later.
Keep copies of all medical records, hospital bills, prescriptions, and follow-up instructions to ensure continuity of care. This documentation will be essential for any insurance claim or lawsuit.
7. Notify Your Insurance Company
New York is a no-fault insurance state, which means your own auto insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages up to the policy limit, regardless of who caused the crash. This coverage is called Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
You must generally file a no-fault claim with your insurer soon after your accident. If you miss that deadline, your claim could be denied. Provide only factual details and avoid making assumptions about fault or injuries until you’ve received medical evaluations.
8. Keep Track of All Related Expenses
After an accident in NYC, costs can add up quickly. Create a folder to store all receipts, estimates, and pay stubs that document lost wages. If your injuries result in long-term treatment or therapy, ongoing documentation will help demonstrate the full financial impact of the crash.
Contact Our New York City Car Accident Lawyers at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A car accident in New York City can turn your day upside down, but staying calm and taking the right steps afterward can protect your health and financial well-being.
Knowing what to do in those first moments and days after a crash can help you stay in control and set the stage for a smoother recovery, both physically and financially. Call Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with our New York City car accident lawyers.
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
100 Wall St 24th Floor
New York, NY 10005
(212) 514-5007
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Bronx Office
1578 Williamsbridge Rd suite 3b
Bronx, NY 10461
(212) 514-5007
(917) 905-2339
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
32 Court St #704
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(212) 514-5007
(917) 920-7332
