If you have been involved in a car crash in New York state, you should stop as soon as it is safe to do so. After coming to a stop, you should check yourself for injuries and call for assistance. An officer will then come to the scene of the wreck to render whatever aid may be necessary.
Gather as much evidence as you can
Assuming that you are capable of doing so, you should gather evidence from the crash scene while waiting for police. If the other driver is in a cordial mood, you should attempt to exchange insurance information. In the event that you don’t feel safe taking such a step, the officer who responds to the scene will get that information for you. You will want to take pictures of the wreck, obtain any videos that may have been taken of the crash and look for witnesses.
Get contact information from anyone who witnessed the crash
If you do find a witness, be sure to get that person’s name, phone number or any other contact information before leaving the scene. It may also be a good idea to ask that person to make a written or recorded statement before going anywhere. This will help maximize the chances that the individual who saw what happened will be able to remember as many details about the wreck as possible.
Don’t forget to seek treatment
You might feel fine in the moments and hours after a motor vehicle accident occurs. However, this doesn’t mean that you are not hurt. Failing to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after a wreck may make it harder to prove that the wreck was the cause of injuries such as a concussion or broken bones.
If you are hurt in a car crash, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other damages. However, this is only true if you can prove that the crash took place because of another party’s negligence.