At the scene of a car accident: step by step
Take it one step at a time. If anyone is hurt or in danger, call 911 first. Then follow the steps, and keep your notes in one place.
Call 911 first. Everything else can wait.
Call 911Is everyone okay?
Check on everyone first.
Move out of traffic, if you can
If no one is hurt and the car can still be driven, move it safely out of traffic. Do not leave the scene.
Alert the police
Alert the police, especially after a serious accident or an injury. Ask the officer for a name and badge number, and how to get a copy of the report. If officers do not come, Triple-I says you can file an incident report with the nearest police department or online.
Swap information
Get the other driver's name, address, phone number, insurance company and policy number, driver's license number and plate number. Share the same about yourself. Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
Photos and notes
If it is safe, take photos of the damage on every vehicle involved. Write down the date, time, place, road conditions and weather.
Photo and video checklist
Photos and videos can help if you file a claim. Only take them where it is safe, away from traffic. Tick each one as you go.
Use your phone's camera app so the photos and videos are saved on your phone.
Call your insurer
Call the number on your proof-of-insurance card as soon as possible. Keep notes of who you speak with and when.
Need help with the car?
If the police are arranging a tow, follow their directions. New York City's consumer agency, DCWP, says the tow company must take your car where you say within the city, so you can name one of our body shops. Call us for the address. A person at iDeal Automotive Group will try to help.
You have the basics
Your notes are below. Copy them so you have them when you need them.
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Later on
- If anyone was hurt, or the damage is over $1,000, New York's DMV says you must file a crash report with the DMV (form MV-104).
- If anyone was hurt, New York's DFS says to give your no-fault insurer written notice as soon as you reasonably can, and no later than 30 days after the accident.
- To get a copy of the police report, the NYPD says its online portal can take up to 7 business days to show it.
- If you make a claim for the damage, New York's DFS says your insurer must get a Certification of Automobile Repairs from you and your repair shop.
Questions about your repair? Tell us what happened.
Request an estimateCalls to this number are answered by iDeal Automotive Group, who connect you to one of our body shops. Ask for a specific shop if you have one.(917) 672-3726General information only. Rules vary by place and policy.