What should I do immediately after a car accident in NYC?

The moments immediately following a motor vehicle collision on New York City roadways—such as the FDR Drive, Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE), Cross Bronx Expressway, or busy surface streets—are disorienting. However, the actions you take in the first 24 to 48 hours directly dictate whether your medical expenses will be covered and whether you can hold the negligent party accountable.

1. Call 911 and Request an NYPD Collision Report

Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL § 605), any motor vehicle crash resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 must be reported. Request that an NYPD officer respond to the scene to file a formal Police Accident Report (Form MV-104AN). Ensure you write down the responding officer’s name, badge number, and precinct.

2. Document the Scene & Gather Evidence

• Take wide and close-up photographs of all vehicle damage, license plates, traffic signals, and street signs.
• Photograph visible injuries, road debris, and skid marks.
• Obtain names, phone numbers, and addresses of any eyewitnesses, including nearby shop owners whose surveillance cameras may have recorded the impact.

3. Seek Immediate Medical Evaluation

Even if you believe your symptoms are minor adrenaline-induced soreness, visit an emergency room (such as Bellevue, Mount Sinai, or NewYork-Presbyterian) or an urgent care clinic immediately. Soft tissue trauma, concussion, and spinal disc herniations frequently manifest hours or days after the collision. Gaps in medical care are the primary defense used by insurance carriers to dispute claim validity.

4. Mind the Strict 30-Day NY No-Fault Deadline

Under New York Insurance Regulation 68, you must file an NF-2 Application for No-Fault Benefits within 30 days of the accident with the insurer of the vehicle you occupied (or the vehicle that struck you if you were a pedestrian). Missing this deadline can forfeit up to $50,000 in medical bill reimbursements.