Important Steps to Take After a Car Accident in New York

After a motor vehicle collision, you may feel disoriented and unsure about the next steps to take. Knowing what to do after a car accident in the moments and days following a crash can help protect your health and your rights. At Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Law, our car accident lawyers in Staten Island have helped clients navigate complex personal injury claims for more than 50 years. Here, we explain how gathering car accident evidence, seeking medical care, and consulting an attorney can support your claim. 

Quick Facts

• Get to safety, call police and seek medical care as soon as possible after a car accident in NY.
• Evidence like photographs, witness contact information, police reports, and medical records can be vital to supporting your personal injury claim.
• Even if police are at the scene or you file a report, you must notify the DMV within 10 days if the accident involved injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage.  
• No-fault insurance claims must be submitted to your insurer within 30 days of the collision date.
• Our personal injury law firm has served clients in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and the greater NYC area for more than 50 years. 

What to Do After a Car Accident

The action you take after a crash can set the groundwork for a successful legal claim. If you’re seriously injured, ask a passenger or bystander to help you document the scene and gather information.

Get to Safety and Call 911

Check for injuries and move to a safer location if necessary. Even if you don’t think the accident was that severe, call 911 so any injured parties can be evaluated and treated by EMTs. An official police report also provides documentation and details about how an accident happened. Get a copy of the report at the scene if possible. 

Gather Evidence and Information

If you’re able, collecting the following evidence can strengthen your claim:

• Driver information — Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, driver's license, plate numbers, and insurance information with all involved motorists
• Photographs and video — Take photos of vehicle damage, vehicle positions, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals and anything else you think is relevant.  
• Witness statements — Ask anyone who may have seen the crash for their contact information and a brief statement.

If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run, make sure to note the vehicle color, make, and model. Even a partial license plate number can help police find the fleeing driver.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you think you feel fine, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of serious conditions like internal bleeding, brain and spine injuries, and organ damage may not appear for hours after a crash. Symptoms of injuries like whiplash may not even show up for days.



Medical records and x-rays also establish a link between the collision and your injuries, which is critical in any car accident claim. Make sure to keep all crash-related documentation, including medical bills, mileage for treatment visits, and repair receipts or estimates. 

What To Avoid After a Crash

Steering clear of common pitfalls after a car accident can protect your rights.

Admitting fault — Never say “I’m sorry,” admit fault, or speculate about who caused an accident. It’s best to keep quiet and focus on documenting the scene and tending to your injuries.  Stick to the facts when speaking with police.



Giving early recorded statements — Do not give a statement to insurance adjusters, sign anything or accept a personal injury settlement without speaking to a Staten Island car accident attorney first.  

Posting on social media — Refrain from posting photos, discussing the crash, or checking in online while your car accident claim is active. Even a seemingly innocuous post or comment can be twisted to undermine your credibility. Our car accident lawyers recommend that you avoid social media altogether until your case is resolved.

Ignoring doctor’s orders —Failing to follow your treatment plan, skipping appointments, or engaging in tasks that don’t adhere to your doctor’s prescribed limitations gives insurance companies an excuse to assert that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim. 

Notify Your Insurance Company and the DMV

Report the accident to your insurance carrier promptly. Missing the 30-day filing window for no-fault claims can result in a denial of coverage. If the accident involved injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage, you must report it to the New York DMV within 10 days, or you could face fines, driver’s license suspension, or other penalties. 

File a Claim with Your Insurer

Under New York’s no-Fault insurance system, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays medical treatment, a portion of lost wages, and necessary daily expenses, regardless of who was responsible for a crash. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or flees the scene, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can help cover your damages.



It’s important to remember that PIP does not cover damages like pain and suffering, and may not be enough to cover all your medical bills. That’s why it’s vital to contact a car accident lawyer, even if you’re not sure if you have a viable claim. 

When Should You Contact a Car Accident Attorney?

Consulting a car accident lawyer as soon as possible can help ensure you meet tight deadlines and secure digital evidence like traffic camera footage before it disappears. Our personal injury attorneys offer an initial consultation at no cost to you. We’re well-versed in New York auto accident claims and the nuances of the state’s serious injury threshold. Your attorney can also help you understand policy limits. We handle all communications and negotiations with insurers so you can focus on healing.  

Why Choose Our Staten Island Personal Injury Attorneys?

At Chelli & Bush, we treat our clients like human beings, not case numbers. We also understand the local legal and insurance landscape. Over the past five decades, our Staten Island personal injury law firm has developed longstanding professional relationships with local attorneys, insurance adjusters, and court staff. This gives us unique insight into which legal approach that may work best for a specific case.

Our car accident attorneys handle hundreds of cases each year and have recovered more than $500 million for our clients. We‘re not afraid to take on powerful insurance companies with patience, persistence, and strategy to help you find the accountability and compensation you deserve. 

Contact a Staten Island Car Accident Attorney Today

At Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Law, our team is dedicated to helping you get back on your feet after a car accident injury. To schedule a free, confidential consultation with a car accident lawyer near you, contact us or call 718-987-8444. We serve injury victims in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and the greater NYC area. 

Frequently Asked Questions about What to Do after a Car Accident in NY

Can I sue the driver who hit me?

Yes. You can file a car accident lawsuit against the at-fault driver if your medical costs exceed your PIP limits or if your injuries meet New York's serious injury threshold.

How long do I have to file a car accident injury claim in New York?

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in New York is three years. However, the sooner we get started on your case, the better.

How much does a personal injury attorney cost?

Our team takes cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won’t incur any upfront costs and we only get paid if we win your case. Attorney fees and other legal costs are deducted from any personal injury settlement or court award you receive.