Accidents move fast. This guide doesn't. Every step below is attorney-reviewed and specific to New York City, New York law — so you don't miss what matters.
The 24 hours after a NYC accident are the most consequential. Decisions made at the scene, in the ER, and in the first calls with insurers shape the trajectory of your entire claim. NYC's dense urban environment also creates evidence opportunities — and risks — that don't exist in suburban accidents.
Hour 1: Scene
- Call 911
- Photograph everything
- Exchange information
- Get witness contacts
Hour 2-12: Medical
- Go to the ER or urgent care
- Tell the doctor about the accident explicitly
- Don't refuse imaging if recommended
Day 1: Notification
- Notify your own insurer
- Request the NF-2 form
- Do NOT speak with the at-fault driver's insurer
Day 2-7: Documentation
- File NF-2 (deadline: 30 days but file ASAP)
- Pull NYPD report from collisionreport.nypdonline.org
- Begin symptom journal
- Consult an attorney
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What You're Experiencing
You've just been in a NYC car accident. You're at the scene or in the immediate aftermath, unsure what to do first.
What This Likely Means
- If anyone is injured → Call 911 immediately; do not move injured persons unless there's immediate danger
- If vehicles are blocking traffic on a highway → Move to shoulder if safe; on city streets, leave them in place
- If you feel dazed or confused → Possible TBI; tell EMS and go to ER
Your Options
You Can Do This
- •Call 911
- •Photograph everything before vehicles move
- •Exchange information with all drivers
- •Get witnesses' names and phone numbers
- •Go to the ER same day
- •File NF-2 within 30 days
Attorney Handles
- •Sends preservation letters for surveillance footage within 48 hours
- •Coordinates with NYPD for full crash reconstruction if needed
- •Manages all insurer communication
- •Builds simultaneous PIP and serious injury threshold cases
Avoid Doing This
- •Don't admit fault at the scene — even 'I'm sorry' can be construed as admission
- •Don't refuse medical care
- •Don't agree to handle it without insurance
- •Don't speak with the at-fault insurer beyond basic information
What This Typically Costs
NYC PI attorneys offer free initial consultations and contingency-fee representation. There is no upfront cost to consult or retain.
When to Call a Professional
Contact an attorney immediately if any of these apply:
- 1
If anyone has visible serious injuries → 911 and ER immediately, not urgent care.
- 2
If a TLC vehicle, MTA bus, or commercial truck is involved → Contact attorney within 48 hours; preservation letter is time-critical.
- 3
If you suspect the other driver is impaired → Tell 911; field sobriety tests will be conducted.
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Get Free Case Review →Key Numbers
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| NF-2 filing deadline | 30 days | NY Insurance Law § 5106 |
| NYPD report online availability | After 7 business days | NYPD Collision Report Portal |
| Statute of limitations | 3 years (CPLR § 214) | CPLR § 214 |
| Government claim Notice deadline | 90 days (if MTA/city vehicle) | NY Gen. Mun. Law § 50-e |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 1
Mistake #1: Refusing the ER visit at the scene.
'I feel fine' on the day of the crash is the single most common reason claims are later disputed. Adrenaline masks pain. Go to the ER even if you feel okay.
- 2
Mistake #2: Forgetting to photograph the scene.
Car positions, traffic signals, skid marks — all of this is gone within hours. Take wide shots and close-ups before vehicles are moved.
- 3
Mistake #3: Speaking with the at-fault driver's insurer in the first 24 hours.
They will call. Decline politely.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to file a police report after every NYC accident?▼
Under VTL § 605, you must file a police report for any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. In practice, NYPD responds to all injury accidents in NYC. The MV-104 report becomes the foundation of your insurance claim.
What if the other driver wants to handle it without insurance?▼
Don't agree. Even if the other driver offers cash on the spot, you're foregoing the protections of the formal insurance process — including no-fault PIP coverage for medical bills. Always involve insurers and police.
Sources & Citations
Related New York City Accident Guides
Deep-dive service guides written with our verified partner attorneys.
What to Do After a Car Accident in New York City
Injured in a NYC car accident? New York's no-fault law limits lawsuits — but you may still have a case under the serious injury threshold (§ 5102(d)). Learn the 30-day NF-2 deadline and 3-year SOL.
Hit-and-Run Accidents in New York City
Hit by a driver who fled the scene in NYC? New York's Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) covers victims of unidentified drivers. Learn VTL § 600, MVAIC claims, and your 30-day filing deadline.
Check My Case Value & Protect My Claim →
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Step 1 — Select accident type
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