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What Should I Do After an Auto Accident in New York City?

Straightforward answers from a New York City car accident attorney you can trust

Knowing what to do after an auto accident in New York City can be overwhelming. While you’re struggling to recover, you may be worried about filing out police reports and medical forms. You may be stressed about how to handle aggressive insurance companies. Knowing where to start can be confusing.

Fortunately, you’re not alone. At the Manhattan auto accident law firm Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC, we have worked with numerous victims of serious car accidents in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. We’re familiar with common causes of auto accidents and we’re here to help you.

We know you must have a lot of questions about your car accident. That’s why we have compiled a list below of some of the most common questions people have about what to do after an auto accident in New York City. The more you know, the smarter your decisions. Learn more about how a Manhattan car accident lawyer can help you by visiting our page “How can a New York auto accident attorney help me?

Why should I hire New York City car accident lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter?

When you have an experienced New York City auto accident attorney on your side, you can take an aggressive approach with your case without having to worry about doing all the leg work. That’s where we can come in. We know how to investigate car accidents, negotiate with insurance companies and make sure our clients receive the money they deserve.

All lawyers talk about what they can do for clients. We deliver results. Our proven track record of success speaks for itself. In case after case, we have consistently helped injury victims and their families obtain sizable verdicts and settlements for their New York auto accidents.

Discover what New York City personal injury attorney Jonathan C. Reiter and his team of talented NYC car accident attorneys can do for you. Contact us. Call (212) 736-0979 and schedule a free consultation at our office conveniently located in The Empire State Building.

Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC – case results matter here.

Frequently asked questions about auto accidents in New York City


What should I do after an auto accident in New York City?

We strongly advise people to take the following steps after a car accident in Manhattan or anywhere else in New York City:

  • Call for emergency medical attention if you or someone else is hurt
  • Call the police
  • Get the other driver’s name, address, phone number and insurance information
  • Take photographs of your accident
  • Write down the exact time and location of your accident
  • Talk to witnesses. Get their names, addresses and phone numbers
  • Contact us. Our experienced NYC car accident lawyers can help

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What if the police refuse to come to my New York City auto accident?

New York City Police Department officers do not respond to all car accidents in the city. Insist they come to your accident if you believe you or anyone else was injured in the accident. Having a NYPD officer there will ensure that an investigation takes place. That means you will have an official police report, which can be important evidence when negotiating with an insurance company for compensation. If the police do not come to the scene of your accident, make sure you document the location, the angles of the vehicle, damage to all vehicles involved and the weather conditions. Essentially, do everything outlined in the question above: what should I do after an auto accident?

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What should I do if the driver who caused my auto accident has no insurance?

Tell the police when you call them that the other driver does not have insurance, so they can take appropriate action. New York drivers by law must have auto insurance. That’s why it’s critical you have a police officer at your car accident in New York in such circumstances. You shouldn’t have to pay for your car accident just because the driver who caused your accident doesn’t have car insurance. Our attorneys can discuss your options if the driver is uninsured. We may be able to help you pursue a claim against your own insurance company.

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What if the driver who caused my NYC car accident flees the scene of my accident?

Hit-and-run accidents often happen in New York City. You might be tempted to follow the other driver. Don’t do it. You could put yourself and others at risk. Drivers who flee the scene of an accident often do so for several reasons:

  • They don’t have auto insurance
  • They don’t have a driver’s license
  • They’re involving in criminal activity

If the other driver is never found, you may be able to file a claim against your own insurance policy. Talk to us for a free consultation about your options.

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What if the driver who caused my NYC car accident denies wrongdoing?

Many drivers insist they didn’t do anything to cause car accidents. In some cases, the other driver might even point the finger at you, claiming you are responsible for causing your New York City auto accident.

When an at-fault driver tries to shift the blame, contact an experienced New York City car accident lawyer immediately. And if you’re still at the scene of the accident, make sure to take lots of photographs of your accident. And if others saw your accident, talk to these witnesses and get their full names, addresses and phone numbers so they can be contacted later.

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Should I see a doctor if I feel fine after my New York City auto accident?

Yes. Don’t try to diagnose yourself. Have a medical professional decide if you are injured. Even if you feel OK, you might have an injury that is not apparent. Some people with serious injuries or even brain injuries don’t notice symptoms until many hours or days after the accident.  Don’t take chances with your health. Consult with a doctor, emergency medical technician or another medical professional. And schedule a follow-up exam. It’s important to take your medical treatment seriously. By continuing with follow-up appointments and following doctor’s orders, you are strengthening your potential New York car accident claim.

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What if the insurance company for the other party contacts me?

Never talk to the insurance company’s adjuster without first consulting with an attorney. Our New York City car accident lawyers recommend not talking to the insurance company at all, and don’t agree to offer any recorded statements. Anything you say can be used against you when seeking compensation.  If you are represented by Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC, we will deal with the adjuster for you. If you don’t have an attorney and the adjuster contacts you, decline to answer any questions. Then contact our law firm and find out how we can help.

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Should I contact a lawyer if I’m involved in a New York City auto accident?

If you are injured or suffer serious property damage through no fault of your own, it’s wise to contact an experienced New York City auto accident attorney. Lawyers for NYC car accident victims can help in many ways. Even if your car accident seems straightforward, many car accidents in New York can quickly become very complicated.

At Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC, we can put our experience and resources to work for you after your car accident, including:

  • Investigating your car accident
  • Dealing directly with insurance companies
  • Helping you fill out any accident paperwork
  • Negotiating with insurance companies
  • Helping file an auto accident lawsuit in New York if necessary

We will fight for your rights and make sure you receive the money you rightfully deserve for your accident. We will not rest until justice is served. Discover what we can do for you. Call (212) 736-0979 and schedule a free consultation at our office located in The Empire State Building in Manhattan.

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