{"id":375356,"date":"2017-05-02T18:12:28","date_gmt":"2017-05-02T23:12:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-york-law\/your-new-york-car-accident-the-basics.html"},"modified":"2024-06-16T00:17:04","modified_gmt":"2024-06-16T05:17:04","slug":"your-new-york-car-accident-the-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-york-law\/your-new-york-car-accident-the-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"What To Do After a Car Accident in New York"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What To Do After a Car Accident in New York<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Driving in New York City is not for the faint of heart. Narrow streets, bizarre traffic patterns, audacious pedestrians, gawking tourists, and so! many! trucks! make for a challenge like no other. It’s not certain that you’ll have an auto accident in NYC, but the probability suggests you should be prepared just in case.<\/p>\r\n

Knowing what to do after a car crash, including your legal obligations<\/a>, can save you from additional headaches. In this article, we’ll get you up to speed on when to call the police, how to handle minor accidents, and what reports you must file.<\/p>\r\n

As a motorist in the Big Apple, you’re used to handling whatever life throws at you. Read on to learn about what to do after a motor vehicle accident in New York City.<\/p>\r\n

What should I do at the scene of the accident?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Well, the first thing you should do is stay there. Whether the accident involves a pedestrian, a moving car, a parked car, or someone’s property, you are required to stop at the accident scene<\/a>. If you leave, you face hit-and-run charges that could include fines, driver’s license revocation, and incarceration. At the very least, you’ll need to exchange information with the other driver(s).<\/p>\r\n

Check on the health of everyone involved. This includes yourself. If someone is injured, offer the level of first aid you’re competent at. When you call 911, alert the operator to any serious injuries.<\/p>\r\n

Whether the police come to the scene or not, New York law states that you have the responsibility of exchanging contact information and insurance information with all other drivers. The collision information exchange form<\/a> isn’t considered a legal NYC form, but it can be helpful for recording information.<\/p>\r\n

Consider keeping a copy of FindLaw’s helpful Motor Vehicle Accidents: First Steps<\/a> checklist in your glove compartment. It offers step-by-step instructions on what to do after an accident and what information to gather.<\/p>\r\n

Do I have to call the police?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

In certain instances, you’re required to summon the NYPD to the scene of the accident. You must call the police when:<\/p>\r\n