What To Do Right After A Car Accident

Being in a New York car accident is jarring enough, but dealing with everything at the scene can be even more stressful. There are injuries to treat, vehicles to tow and get off the road, and information to collect and process. With so many things happening at the scene, it can be difficult to know what is most important. It seems like no matter how much information you gather, there’s always some piece of the puzzle that will be missing.

For personalized assistance after a car accident, call our Buffalo office at (716) 634-3320.

Steps To Take After A Car Accident

Here are some important tips about what to do right after a car accident.

  1. Move yourself to safety. First, check the scene for potential dangers. If possible, move your car to the side of the road and out of the way. If you cannot move your car, turn on your hazard lights to warn oncoming vehicles. Before you get out of your car, check for other hazards like oncoming traffic. If necessary, get out of your vehicle on the other side.
  2. Call 911. The 911 operator will ask about the accident and if anyone was injured. If there are injuries, they can send an ambulance to the scene. They will also send the police. Having the police come to the scene of the accident is critical because they can write a report which will help you when you file your claim. The report could help verify what happened. The officer may want to issue citations, and the police report could help prove liability.
  3. Stay at the scene. Until help arrives, everyone must stay at the scene. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime. Even if you do not feel like you have any injuries, do not leave the scene. Being at the scene can help emergency personnel find the accident location, help others and get information about what happened. This helps them treat any injuries more efficiently.
  4. Gather information. Get information both about the other driver and about the scene. Get their contact information as well as their driver’s license number, insurance and license plate information. Take as many notes as you can about where the accident happened, the condition of the road and anything else you may have noticed.
  5. Take pictures. While you are getting information about the scene, take some pictures. Make sure you get pictures of where the crash happened and any damage to the vehicles. If you have injuries, take pictures of those too.
  6. Get medical attention. Even if you did not need an ambulance at the scene, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible, both so that you can get a plan for your treatment and get documentation of your injuries. Seeing a doctor soon after the accident is important because the insurance company may try to say that your injuries were not from the accident and deny your claim.

Seek Professional And Personalized Counsel

Pope Law Firm can help you fight for your injury compensation. Our personal injury lawyers can communicate with the insurance adjuster in order to protect your rights to pursue an injury claim. Call our law office in Williamsville at (716) 634-3320 or contact us online. Our attorneys work with clients throughout Williamsville, Lockport, Buffalo and Niagara County.