Car accidents can flip your life in the blink of an eye. If you’ve been in an accident in Brooklyn, your first 24 hours are crucial to maintaining your health, your rights, and your right to receive an award. If you reside in Brooklyn, Queens, or the Bronx, this will guide you through the first step following a collision. For additional guidance and legal advice, talk to a Brooklyn car accident lawyer. This is how to do it effectively and smartly.
1. Safety First
Inspect yourself and others for injuries immediately. If you are seriously injured, do not attempt to move and stay put until emergency services arrive. If you can safely move and it is safe, move to a location out of traffic. Flash hazard lights to alert other traffic.
2. Call 911
Even if the crash seems minor, call 911 to report the accident. A police report is required for insurance purposes and legal proceedings. Ensure that you provide the responding officers with an accurate report of the crash. Be objective; do not apologize or speculate about what happened.
3. Get Medical Help
Don’t delay seeking medical treatment. Numerous injuries, including concussions or internal trauma, are not apparent immediately. Go to the ER, urgent care, or have your physician see you soon after the crash. Your medical history will be valuable if you do choose to make a claim through a Brooklyn car accident lawyer down the line, especially if your injuries worsen.
4. Document Everything
Take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, signs, and your injuries, if available. Take note of information from the other driver, including name, contact, insurance, and license plate number. If there are witnesses, get their information too.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurer within 24 hours. Provide them with a basic overview of the accident, focusing on the facts. Avoid giving a recorded statement without speaking to a car accident lawyer first. Insurance companies often look for ways to minimize payouts.
6. Don’t Post on Social Media
It might be tempting to put your experience on the internet, but don’t. Anything you say or do will be used against you by the other driver’s insurance company or attorneys. Do not mention a word on the internet about the accident until your case is closed.
7. Get a Local Car Accident Lawyer ASAP
You may be eligible for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, but time is running out. New York personal injury claims have strict filing deadlines. That’s why it is imperative to contact an attorney in the first 24 hours, if at all possible.
If it occurred in Brooklyn, consult a veteran Brooklyn car accident lawyer who understands local traffic law and procedures of the Brooklyn courts. If you are located in another borough, look for a Queens car accident lawyer or a Bronx car accident lawyer who can offer localized services. Having an attorney by your side in the early stages protects your rights and keeps you from saying or doing something that can hurt your claim.
8. Follow Up on Medical Treatment
Continue all recommended treatments and follow up with specialists as needed. Keep track of medical bills, prescriptions, and lost workdays. This documentation will support your injury claim and show that you’re taking recovery seriously.
9. Don’t Sign Anything Without Legal Advice
If the other driver’s insurance company calls you with an offer of a settlement, don’t do it until you have a car accident attorney review it for you. Initial offers are usually much less than what you should get. Your lawyer will go over your case and settle it for a reasonable amount.
Final Thoughts
The first hours following a car accident are frantic, disorienting, and emotionally exhausting, but the correct action can save the day. Put your health first, document all that happens, and seek legal assistance immediately. If you need a Brooklyn car accident attorney, Queens car accident attorney, or Bronx car accident attorney, use someone with a long history of success and extensive local experience.
Be safe, be calm, and protect your future — starting in the first 24 hours.