Car Accidents
What to Do After a Car Accident in New York City: 9 Steps to Protect Your Claim
Jonathan Fuzailov, Esq.
January 14, 2026 · 4 min read
The steps you take in the first 24 hours can protect both your health and your claim. Here's what to document and who to call.
Call 911 and get checked out
A police report creates the official record of the crash, and an emergency-room or urgent-care visit creates the medical record that links your injuries to the collision. Adrenaline masks pain — soft-tissue and concussion symptoms often appear a day or two later, and a gap in treatment is the first thing an insurer will point to.
Document everything at the scene
Photograph all vehicles, license plates, the roadway, traffic controls, and any visible injuries. Get names and phone numbers for every witness, and note nearby businesses that may have surveillance cameras — that footage is often overwritten within days.
File your no-fault application within 30 days
New York no-fault insurance pays medical bills and a portion of lost wages regardless of who caused the crash, but the NF-2 application must be submitted to the insurer within 30 days of the accident. Miss that window and those benefits can be denied outright.
Do not give a recorded statement
The other driver's adjuster will call quickly and sound helpful. Anything you say about how you feel or how the crash happened can be used to reduce your claim. Politely decline and speak with a lawyer first.
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