Jeff Marion | January 28, 2026 | Legal Consulting Services, Personal Injury
A car accident can turn an ordinary day upside down in seconds. Whether the motor vehicle crash is minor or serious, what you do immediately afterward can have a major impact on your health, your finances, and your legal rights. In Buffalo and throughout New York, car accident victims often make mistakes early on simply because they are overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next.
This legal checklist walks you through the most important steps to take after a car accident in Buffalo, NY, so you can protect yourself and avoid common pitfalls.
Step 1: Make Safety the First Priority
After a car accident, your first concern should always be safety. Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor, it is better to let emergency responders assess the situation.
If vehicles can be moved safely, move them out of traffic to reduce the risk of another collision. Turn on hazard lights and, if available, set out flares or warning triangles.
Do not leave the scene of the car accident. Leaving could lead to criminal penalties and seriously harm any insurance or injury claim.
Step 2: Call the Police and Get a Report
In New York, police should be called to the scene of most car accidents, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. When officers arrive, they will document what happened and create an official car accident report.
This police report can become a key piece of evidence later. Insurance companies rely on it, and it can help establish fault. Be honest and factual when speaking with officers, but avoid guessing or speculating about what caused the motor vehicle crash.
Before leaving the scene, ask how to obtain a copy of the police report and note the report number if possible.
Step 3: Exchange Information with the Other Driver
You should exchange basic information with all drivers involved in the car accident. This includes names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, insurance company names, and policy numbers.
If there are witnesses, try to get their names and contact details as well. Independent witnesses can be extremely helpful if there is a dispute about how the car accident happened.
Avoid discussing fault or apologizing, even casually. Statements made at the scene can later be used against you.
Step 4: Document the Car Accident Scene, Including Other Vehicles
If you are physically able, take photos and videos of the car accident scene. Capture vehicle damage, license plates, traffic conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
These images can help preserve details that may fade or change over time. Even small details can matter when dealing with insurance companies or legal claims.
Write down what you remember about the car crash as soon as possible. Memories can fade quickly, especially after a stressful event.
Step 5: Seek Medical Attention Promptly
Some injuries do not show symptoms right away. Whiplash, concussions, soft tissue injuries, and internal injuries can take hours or even days to become noticeable.
Seek medical care as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you feel “okay.” This protects your health and creates medical records that link your injuries to the accident.
Follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments. Gaps in treatment can be used by insurance companies to argue that your injuries are not serious or not related to the motor vehicle crash.
Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company
You should notify your insurance company about the car accident promptly. Stick to the basic facts and avoid providing recorded statements until you understand your rights.
In New York, no-fault insurance coverage typically covers initial medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the traffic accident. However, serious injuries may allow you to pursue an insurance claim against the at-fault driver.
Do not assume the insurance company is on your side. Their goal is often to limit payouts.
Step 7: Be Careful with Insurance Adjusters
You may be contacted by insurance adjusters shortly after the car accident, including adjusters from the other driver’s insurance company. They may sound helpful, but their job is to protect the insurer’s interests.
Avoid giving recorded statements or signing anything without legal guidance. Early settlement offers are often far lower than what a claim may truly be worth, especially before the full extent of injuries is known. Once you accept a settlement, you usually give up the right to seek additional financial compensation later.
Step 8: Understand New York’s Car Accident Laws
New York follows a no-fault insurance system, which means your own insurance coverage typically pays for medical bills and lost wages up to certain limits. However, if you suffer a “serious injury” as defined by state law, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
There are also strict deadlines involved. The statute of limitations for most car accident injury claims in New York is generally three years, but some insurance claims have much shorter time limits. Missing a deadline can mean losing your right to compensation entirely.
Step 9: Keep Records and Track Your Losses
Start a file for everything related to the car accident. This includes medical bills, receipts, repair estimates, insurance correspondence, and proof of missed work.
Keep notes about how your injuries affect your daily life. Pain levels, limitations, and emotional impacts are all relevant when evaluating an insurance claim.
Detailed records make it easier to show the full impact of the car accident on your life.
Step 10: Speak with a Buffalo Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Before making decisions that could affect your future, consider speaking with an experienced Buffalo car accident lawyer. Legal guidance can help you understand your options, deal with insurance companies, and pursue full compensation when appropriate.
An attorney can evaluate whether your injuries meet New York’s serious injury threshold, calculate damages, and handle negotiations so you can focus on recovery. Many car accident consultations are free, and there is no obligation to move forward.
Talk to a Buffalo Car Accident Lawyer for Help with Your Case
A car accident in Buffalo can leave you dealing with injuries, medical bills, vehicle damage, and uncertainty about what comes next. Following this legal checklist can help protect your rights and put you in a stronger position moving forward.
If you are unsure about any step or feel overwhelmed, you do not have to navigate the process alone. The Law Offices of Jeffrey E. Marion help car accident victims understand their rights and make informed decisions after a motor vehicle crash. Taking the right steps early can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case and your recovery, so contact us today.