Essential Steps After a Car Accident in New York with Shim Law Group
Car accidents in New York happen fast. In just a few seconds, your day flips upside down, and what you do next matters more than most people realize. The choices you make right after a crash can protect your health, your finances, and your legal rights. This guide breaks down the exact steps to follow on the spot and explains how Shim Law Group supports you at every stage, from the roadside to full recovery.
What should you do right after a car accident in New York?
Every day, drivers across New York find themselves caught in sudden crashes. In these moments, actions speak louder than panic. What you do in the first few minutes shapes your recovery, insurance payout, and legal protection. This guide walks you through the steps that protect your safety, build your case, and show how Shim Law Group helps you from the very beginning.
Stay Safe First
Stop and stay alert
Bring your vehicle to a full stop, keeping it clear of traffic if possible. Use your hazard lights to stay visible. Place flares, cones, or warning triangles if available.
Check yourself and others
Take a breath. Scan your body for any pain or dizziness. Ask passengers how they feel. If someone struggles to move or seems in distress, avoid moving them until professionals arrive.
Call for Emergency Help
Dial 911 immediately
In New York, calling the police is required when someone is hurt, property damage seems significant, or cars are no longer drivable. Share your location clearly and confirm if anyone needs medical help.
Wait for emergency teams
Keep your hazard lights on. Stay calm and wait where it feels safe. Emergency responders will handle injuries and begin the official accident documentation.
Collect Important Details
Exchange basic information
You must share and collect these details from every driver involved:
- Name and contact number
- Address
- Insurance provider and policy number
- License and license plate
- Make, model, and year of each vehicle
Snap pictures of insurance cards and plates for accuracy.
Write down the facts.
Use your phone or a notepad to record:
- Time, date, and exact location
- Road signs, signals, or landmarks
- Weather and road conditions
- Vehicle speeds and impact details
- Any odd behavior before or after the crash
Your notes help build a strong foundation for your case.
Gather Visual Evidence
Take photos and videos
Capture wide shots of the crash scene, as well as close-ups of vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, and surroundings. Show traffic signals and street layout.
Record a short video walking around the area. Show the condition of each car, your position on the road, and anything out of the ordinary.
Get witness information
If anyone saw the crash, ask for their name and phone number. Say something simple like, “Can I save your number in case someone needs a statement?” Witnesses help clarify fault.
Interact with Police Wisely
Stick to facts
When officers ask what happened, stay calm and explain only what you observed. Avoid guessing, apologizing, or assigning blame. Let the evidence speak.
Request the report number
Ask how and when you can get the police report. This document contains details about damage, injuries, vehicle placement, and possible fault. Shim Law Group can help collect it quickly.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Make the call as soon as possible
Share the basic facts of the crash. Keep your explanation neutral. Let them know photos and documents are ready. You can wait to provide more details after talking to Shim Law Group.
Log all conversations
Write down whom you spoke with, the date, and the summary of the conversation. Save confirmation emails and messages in your file.
Get Medical Care Immediately
Visit a doctor right away
Even if you feel fine, pain or injury can appear later. A same-day medical check creates a strong link between your injuries and the accident.
Keep up with treatment
Follow medical advice and attend every appointment. Track your prescriptions, therapy sessions, and all health-related expenses.
Build a Solid Compensation Case
Understand how fault works in New York
New York uses pure comparative fault. This means you can still recover compensation even if you share some responsibility. Shim Law Group works hard to reduce your share of fault using strong evidence.
Document every type of loss
Compensation includes more than car repairs and medical bills. It covers missed work, therapy, pain, suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Shim Law calculates everything that matters to your full recovery.
Handle Insurance Carefully
Watch for early settlement traps
Some insurers push for fast payouts to avoid future expenses. These first offers rarely reflect the full value of your injury or hardship. Let Shim Law Group review every offer to see what’s fair.
Let a legal team lead the negotiation
Shim Law uses medical records, witness accounts, photos, and expert input to present a complete case. We speak with insurance adjusters directly, protecting you from tricks and pressure.
Keep Every Record
Organize all receipts and files
Set aside a folder that includes:
- Medical records and bills
- Prescription costs
- Transportation expenses
- Lost income proof
- Car repair or replacement invoices
Prepare for ongoing costs
If you need future treatment or care, Shim Law works with your doctors to predict long-term costs and secure funds for those needs.
Watch the Clock on Legal Deadlines
Know your time limits
In New York, you get three years from the crash date to file an injury or damage lawsuit. Miss the deadline, and your right to file disappears. Shim Law tracks all deadlines to protect your claim.
Stay Quiet Online
Avoid social media updates
Even casual posts can be twisted by insurance adjusters. A photo of you walking or smiling could make it seem like you aren’t hurt. Shim Law recommends staying off social media or keeping your account private.
Don’t Overlook Extra Costs
Include rental and travel expenses
If your car needs repairs or replacement, you may qualify for rental reimbursements or ride-share credits. Save all receipts, mileage, and travel costs. Shim Law adds every dollar to your demand.
How Shim Law Group Helps You in New York
The legal process after an accident feels overwhelming. Shim Law Group simplifies everything and stands in your corner from day one.
What We Handle For You:
- Free case evaluation with no obligation
- Full evidence collection, including traffic cam footage
- Complete insurance claim filing
- Communication with insurance companies on your behalf
- Scheduling of medical care with trusted professionals
- Accurate valuation of current and future damages
- No fees unless we win your case
Why Clients Choose Shim Law Group
Not all law firms operate with the same level of focus, commitment, or care. Shim Law Group stands apart because of its client-first approach and deep experience handling car accident cases in New York.
You benefit from deep New York legal knowledge.
Shim Law Group understands the specific laws, court systems, and traffic regulations across the state. This local insight gives your case a stronger foundation and a smarter strategy from the beginning.
You get real communication.
You speak directly with your attorney and support team. No confusion. No being passed around. Just clear, personal updates every step of the way.
You experience a transparent process.
Shim Law Group keeps you informed. You always know what’s happening with your case. There are no surprises and no hidden decisions.
You never face upfront costs.
We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. That gives you peace of mind from day one.
You receive respect and full support.
You’re never treated like just a case number. The team treats every client with care, attention, and the urgency your situation deserves.
You benefit from strong negotiation skills.
Shim Law Group fights for the full value of your claim. We review every detail and negotiate from a position of strength to recover what you truly deserve.
FAQs
1. Do I need to call the cops after an automobile accident in New York?
2. What details should I exchange at the crash scene?
You need to get names, phone numbers, license plates, insurance details, and automobile descriptions from all chauffeurs. Snap images of their files to prevent errors.
3. Should I take images or videos after the crash?
Yes, videos and pictures show what happened much better than memory. Capture automobile damage, the scene, roadway signs, and anything uncommon.
4. What if I feel okay after the mishap? Do I still need a doctor?
Yes, some injuries show up hours later. A same-day examination links your injuries to the crash and strengthens your claim.
5. When should I alert my insurance coverage company?
Call them as quickly as you can, even if you don’t have all the information. Stick to the basic facts and save full declarations until you talk with an attorney.
6. Can I still get cash if I was partly at fault?
7. What if the other motorist's insurance provides me with cash quickly?
Beware. Quick deals usually exclude important expenses like therapy, long-lasting care, or discomfort and suffering. Constantly let an attorney evaluate before you sign anything.
8. Why do I need to keep every receipt and record?
Every document shows your loss. Medical bills, car repair work costs, missed out on salaries, and travel invoices all add up to your complete compensation.
9. For how long do I need to submit an automobile accident lawsuit in New York?
You have three years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long can obstruct your opportunity to recover damages, so act early and let your attorney track due dates.
10. How does Shim Law Group aid after a vehicle accident?
What to do Next
Shim Law Group brings deep legal insight, honest guidance, and relentless dedication to your case from the very beginning. Take control after a crash. Focus on your recovery. Let Shim Law Group handle everything else.
📞 Visit shimlawgroup.com to book a consultation or call us directly today.
