1. FIRST: STOP! Leaving the scene of an accident is against the law.
2. SECOND: Stay Calm
3. THIRD: Notify Police (if necessary): In NY State, you must call the police if there is any injury or death, or the property damage exceeds $1,000.00.
4. FOURTH: Alert Oncoming Traffic. When you and the other driver(s) and any passengers and pedestrians are safe from injury, proceed to the next step.
5. FIFTH: Gather/Exchange Information:
   a) drivers – name, address, telephone numbers – home/work (optional), date of birth, license #
   b) vehicles – make, model, year, registration #, brief description of any damage observed (optional)
   c) owners – name & address
   d) occupants /passengers – name & address, brief description of condition or any injuries complained (optional)
   e) witnesses – name & address
   f) date, time & location of accident – draw position of vehicles, showing point(s) of impact (optional)
   g) insurance companies – name on policy, code/numbers policy, expiration date
   h) police agencies – name of agency, police report #, officer’s name, shield/badge/identification number
   i) other emergency personnel – example: fire, ambulance, tow truck, etc.
6. SIXTH: Call your injury attorney for his/her counsel & advice.
7. SEVENTH: Notify Your Insurance Agent.

Most other cases involve: slips & falls; construction site accidents; home & personal property damage/loss; fires; injuries caused by defective products, foods, or drugs; animal attacks; or other situations where the a person’s actions – or lack of action – causes a foreseeable injury to an innocent bystander or to another person whom protection was owed. Gathering the relevant information about the accident such as dates, times, witnesses, and the chain of events (like the information outlined above) is vital. Also, before speaking with an insurance company, a claimant should be represented; the interests of the insurance company are not the same as the injured person.

Members of a family household (usually a spouse and/or children under 21 years of age) may bring suit for the loss of the support due to an accidental or negligent death caused by another. Gathering the information outlined above and about the lost loved one’s business affairs, education and future job growth are also important. Again, speaking with an attorney before speaking with an insurance company representative is best. The attorney will represent your interest exclusively, unlike the insurance representative.