Are There Certain Things I Should Do Regardless of The Type of Accident?

The steps you take in the minutes, hours, and days after a serious accident can significantly impact your health and your ability to recover compensation. Your injury can be very different depending on whether your accident was a car accident at a busy White Plains intersection, a workplace injury on a construction site in Peekskill, or an accident in your home. There are key actions you should always take, no matter the type of accident, and there are actions you should take that depend on the type of accident suffered.

At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we help injured New Yorkers navigate every kind of accident. If you have been injured, reach out for a free consultation with our team to find out whether you may have a claim that allows you to pursue compensation.

What to Do in any Accident

The following actions can make a substantial difference, no matter what kind of accident you’ve been in:

1. Get Medical Attention Right Away

No matter what kind of accident or injury you have experienced, always get immediate medical attention. If your injuries may be serious, contact 911 or go to the nearest emergency room as soon as you can.

Even if your injuries seem minor or you’re not even sure you’re injured, it’s essential to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Symptoms like internal bleeding, concussions, or soft-tissue injuries may not show up immediately. Getting prompt medical attention can get you medical treatment quickly, improving your prognosis. It can even save your life. In addition, medical records serve as crucial evidence if you pursue a claim later. Seeing a doctor early can help you secure evidence that your injuries are linked to a specific accident.

2. Document Everything

Take photos or videos of the scene, your injuries, and any contributing hazards. Get names and contact information from witnesses, including employees, coworkers, or bystanders. Take note of any surveillance cameras in the area that may have captured what happened.

When safe to do so, write down your own recollection of what happened. Adrenaline can mean your memory fades faster, so capture your notes about what happened early on.

Keep taking notes and holding onto any documentation. Record when you visited medical professionals (and what was discussed in every appointment), the severity and frequency of your symptoms, the days you have missed work, and receipts for anything from taxis to your doctor appointments to invoices from people who helped you at home while you were injured. No matter what kind of injury you have, having plenty of documentation helps your attorney investigate your accident.

3. Avoid Discussing the Accident on Social Media

It might feel natural to share what happened with friends and family online, but insurance companies and defense attorneys comb social media for any evidence they can use to challenge your claim. Scammers can also target you online if they see you are seeking compensation.

No matter what kind of accident you have been in, avoid posting photos and comments online. Also talk to your friends and family and encourage them to avoid sharing anything about you online. If you have questions about your online presence or social media use, talk to your attorney about ways to stay safe online and ways to protect your claim.

4. Report Your Accident

In any accident, you will need to report your injury to someone. Where you need to report your accident will depend on the nature of your accident.

5. Consult With a Local Personal Injury Attorney

Even if you’re unsure whether you have a case, it’s worth having a consultation. Early legal guidance can prevent you from making costly mistakes, like missing deadlines or unknowingly signing away your rights.

What To Do in a Workplace Accident

Work-related injuries are common across industries in Westchester County, especially in construction, healthcare, and manufacturing. Under New York law, injured workers must report a workplace accident to their employer within 30 days. However, the sooner you do it, the better. Follow your company’s internal reporting process and request a copy of the report.

New York State requires employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance for most employees, with few exceptions. File Form C-3 with the Workers’ Compensation Board as soon as possible to start the claims process. You must file within two years to get any benefits.

In addition to seeking workers’ compensation benefits, you may have a third-party claim that allows you to seek additional compensation. For example, if you were in a construction accident because a contractor, site owner, or other liable party violated New York’s Labor Law or other safety rules, you may have a claim that allows you to seek compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, lost income, future reduced earnings capacity, and more.

What To Do in a Vehicle Accident

From the Bronx River Parkway to Route 9 in Peekskill, car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are among the most common causes of serious injuries in our area. If you’re involved in a crash, always contact the police, even if the other driver suggests settling privately. A police report provides an objective account of what happened and helps establish fault.

In addition, get the other driver’s name, address, license plate number, and insurance details. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact info as well.

Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible. In New York, no-fault benefits can help cover immediate medical costs and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. Your insurer also requires you to report any accident.

In addition, keep in mind that many vehicle accidents take place on roads that are maintained by governments and agencies who enjoy additional protections in the event of a civil claim. If your accident involved Metro-North, MTA, or any transit or public transportation property, you usually have 90 days for notice of claim filings. The same is true if any government agency is involved.

An Accident on Private Property

If your accident took place in a store, amusement park, restaurant, or any public place with which you are unfamiliar, be sure to note any surveillance cameras and work with an attorney to secure the footage. It is also important to report the accident to a manager, supervisor, or other person in charge and to get an incident report. Unfortunately, sometimes these individuals are “not available” when you have been hurt. In these situations, gather as much documentation as you can, get the names of any employees or workers on site and any contact for any witnesses, and contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can work to protect you if the owner of the property tries to minimize a claim because there “wasn’t an incident report” or “they didn’t hear about it.”

You should do the same if you are injured in your own home or at the home of someone you are visiting. There may not be any witnesses at all, but you may still have a claim against a product manufacturer or other liable party. Document everything as well as you can, hold onto any product that may have hurt you, and contact a personal injury attorney as soon as you can.

Contact Our Law Firm

At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we’ve helped clients secure compensation after all types of accidents, from serious car crashes to construction injuries. We understand the nuances of different kinds of cases and are happy to work with clients in:

• Westchester County
• Rockland County
• Putnam County
• Orange County
• New York County
• Queens County
• Sullivan County
• Dutchess County
• Ulster County
• Bronx County
• Kings County
• And surrounding areas

If you have been injured in any kind of accident, reach out today to schedule a free consultation. We can review whether you may have a claim.