Motor Vehicle Collisions

Very few motorists get behind the wheel of their vehicles thinking that they will be involved in a collision. However, auto accidents occur all too often on the streets of New York City, and throughout the state. In fact, according to a New York State Traffic Safety Data report, there were more than 304,000 car crashes in 2013 alone. Since getting into a wreck is often a frightening experience for those involved, it may help people to know what to do after an accident before one happens.

Notify the authorities

Drivers and their passengers are often injured as a result of motor vehicle collisions. As such, it is advisable for people to ensure that they, as well as the occupants of their vehicles, are okay following an accident. The New York
This may include taking pictures of scene and the vehicles involved, as well as any visible injuries that they, or their vehicles’ occupants, may have suffered. While law enforcement will generally generate an accident report, having these pictures may be helpful should the need for legal action arise down the road.

Exchange information

As most people are aware, New York state law requires people to exchange insurance and contact information with the other motorists who are involved in motor vehicle accidents. It is also recommended that drivers obtain the names and contact information for the occupants of the other vehicles involved, as well as for anyone who witnessed the crash. Witnesses may provide valuable, unbiased testimony in the event motorists have to go to court.

When talking to the other drivers, passengers, witnesses or law enforcement officers, it is important that people do not admit guilt. This may include something as simple as saying, “I’m sorry.” The insurance companies, or law enforcement, could use anything drivers say following an accident against them. This may impact their ability to obtain compensation for the damages they suffered as a result of the