Being in a car accident is a scary experience to go through. While the aftermath of your crash may seem overwhelming to bear, the actions you take after the incident can help safeguard your legal rights.
Stay at the scene and call for help
In New York State, leaving the scene of an accident when it involves personal injury is a crime. To help ensure that you will not suffer any legal consequences from the crash, you must stay at the scene while you wait for help to arrive.
Aside from calling the paramedics, you must also call the local police to inform them of the accident. This is because it is mandatory to report car collisions to the authorities if it has caused an injury, a death or over $1,000 in property damage.
Wait for the police to arrive
After you notify the local police, you need to move to a safe spot and exchange contact details and insurance information with the other party. If there are witnesses in the vicinity, ask for their contact details too.
Once the authorities arrive, cooperate with the investigation by giving them vital details about the crash. This police report helps create an official record of the accident, which in turn can also help strengthen the details of your personal injury claim.
Go to the hospital
After dealing with the key factors of your accident, you need to take care of your health next by going to the hospital. When you receive timely care for your crash-related injuries, you can help your body recover better.
As a good rule of thumb, you must keep a copy of your medical records and hospital billing invoices. These documents are important when you start your claims process.
File a report with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Aside from the police report, you also need to submit a separate crash report (MV-104 form) to the New York State DMV within 10 days from the date of your accident.
If you do not file a report within this period, you may lose your driving privileges.
Call your insurance company
To start your personal injury protection (PIP) benefit claims process, you must call your insurance provider to tell them about the accident. You also need to provide them with evidence and a copy of your medical bills.
Keep in mind that your statements must be short and factual. Do not discuss details that may undermine your crash injuries as this may result in a lower claim amount.
Your focus should be on your recovery
While being in a car accident is a traumatic experience, you must still follow the state’s legal procedures and inform the authorities about the crash.
With these initial steps out of your way, you can become more at ease with your PIP benefit claims process and your recovery at home.
