Ensure everyone involved in the accident is safe. Check for injuries and call an ambulance if necessary.
Take down all identifying information, including names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, vehicle information (year, make, and color), and insurance company and policy number. Also, ask witnesses to provide their contact information if possible.
Gather Information
Many car accident cases hinge on the details of the crash. That’s why gathering as much information as possible at the collision scene before anyone leaves is crucial.
This includes the name, address, phone number, and insurance policy number of all drivers involved in the crash. Also, try to get witness names and contact information as well. Insurance adjusters consider neutral witnesses more credible than those who may have a vested interest in the outcome of the claim.
Finally, be sure to document any injuries with a notepad and pen. This will help establish that the damage was directly related to the accident and will be helpful later in the claim process and in dealing with some SLG Accident Attorneys. Also, make sure to get a copy of the police report.
Call the Police
Involving law enforcement ensures correct, impartial documentation of the accident. It also provides accountability to both parties and can assist your insurance company in determining liability.
Be sure to note the police officer’s name and badge number, as well as their phone number, before they leave the scene. Additionally, take down any information the police officer shares with you (such as the police report number) in case you later remember additional details about the accident.
While waiting for the police to arrive, be careful not to talk too much about the accident. Anything you say to the other driver or the police could be used against you later in court. Additionally, avoid volunteering any information about your insurance policy coverage.
Contact Your Insurance Company
New York law requires you to inform the other driver’s insurance company and your own. This will help speed up getting your car repaired or replaced if you have collision coverage on your policy.
While you’re at the scene, if it is safe to do so, take photos of your vehicle and any other vehicles involved in the accident. You can also use your phone to record video of the scene. Be sure to capture any skid marks or gouges on the pavement, dirt, and any other visible signs of the crash. Also, make sure to document any injuries. Many car accident symptoms, such as whiplash and concussions, don’t show up immediately but can have serious long-term consequences.
Take Photos
When proving liability, high-quality photos of the scene are invaluable. It’s a good idea to get pictures from every angle of the cars involved in the accident and the surrounding location. Place an object in each image (like a coin or key) for scale if possible. It’s also a good idea to take close-up pictures of both vehicles’ dents, scratches, and other visible damage.
Taking the photos as soon as possible is essential because the scene will change as time passes. Additionally, the images will serve as evidence if you file an insurance claim or lawsuit relating to the crash. Make sure your camera or phone has a timestamp feature to document the date and time of each photo.
Contact an Attorney
Drivers should diligently document their injuries, property damage, and other damages in the days and weeks following a car accident. An experienced attorney can assist with this process and handle conversations with the insurance company on a victim’s behalf.
Drivers should take pictures of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved in the collision and any other objects nearby (like street signs or traffic signals). They should also take pictures from multiple vantage points.
Once it’s clear that everyone is ok, drivers should determine if they can safely move their cars away from traffic and use the hazard lights to help other road users see them. They should also take a photo of the initial police report and capture any witness contact information.
