5 Critical Steps After an Accident That Can Double Your Settlement

What to Do After a Car Accident to Maximize Your Injury Claim

After a serious accident, most people feel completely overwhelmed. You're dealing with pain, confusion, and nonstop calls. Insurance companies want fast answers. You just want some peace. But here’s what most people don’t realize: the things you do in those first few hours and days can dramatically change your settlement amount.

The attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP know how New York State's personal injury laws work. We help people make smart choices early, so they can focus on healing while we fight for the compensation they deserve. If you want someone to take that stress off your shoulders and build a stronger claim from day one, we’re ready to help.

Call 911 and Request a Police Report in New York State

First things first: get the crash officially documented. In New York State, calling 911 triggers a formal investigation. A responding officer will arrive, secure the scene, and write a police accident report. That report becomes a critical part of your claim.

Insurance companies will review the police report for fault, damage description, witness info, and any citations. If no report exists, you may lose credibility. Even if you're in a minor fender-bender on Route 9 in Poughkeepsie or a more serious crash on the Long Island Expressway, always report it. Don’t assume the damage is too small.

If for some reason law enforcement doesn’t arrive, file your own MV-104 form through the New York DMV within 10 days. That form still carries weight in your case.

Keep in mind:

• Ask for the officer’s name, badge number, and precinct
• Write down the report number before leaving the scene
• Request a copy from the precinct or online through the New York State DMV website

This first step sets the tone. Make sure the story is told accurately and quickly.

Get Medical Attention, Even If You Feel Fine

Accidents do strange things to the body. Right after a crash, your system floods with adrenaline. You may feel fine at first, then wake up the next day with intense neck pain or blurry vision. That’s why it’s so important to get checked out right away, even if you’re not bleeding or limping.

In New York, waiting too long to seek treatment can seriously weaken your case. No-fault insurance rules require you to receive medical attention within 30 days of the accident. Still, the sooner you go, the stronger your claim looks. A quick visit connects your injuries directly to the crash.

We often see cases where someone tries to tough it out, then ends up needing surgery weeks later. When that happens, insurers will argue the injury came from something else.

What you can do:

• Visit an urgent care clinic or ER the same day
• Keep a full list of symptoms and when they started
• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Hold onto every bill, prescription, and scan

If you’re in Buffalo, head to ECMC or a nearby walk-in clinic. In Queens, Elmhurst Hospital is a trusted option. Wherever you are, go now. Don’t wait until the pain worsens.

Document the Scene and Keep Everything

Memories fade fast. But cameras don’t forget.

Before you leave the accident scene, try to capture as much as you can. If you’re hurt, ask someone you trust to help. Photos and videos can show exactly how the crash happened, the position of the cars, skid marks, broken glass, or a missing stop sign. These little details matter more than most people think.

In New York State, personal injury settlements often depend on evidence that clearly shows fault and damage. The more you can preserve, the better your negotiating power.

Here’s what to focus on:

• Take photos of all vehicles from multiple angles
• Record street signs, traffic signals, and any visible injuries
• Get names and contact details of any witnesses
• Write down the time, weather, and anything unusual (road hazards, construction zones)

Later, start collecting all documentation tied to the crash:

• Medical records
• Repair invoices
• Rental car receipts
• Communications with insurance adjusters
• A daily log of pain levels or activities you can’t do

If your crash happened near Albany’s I-787 or on the Belt Parkway, include those locations in your records. Being detailed strengthens your timeline and supports your story.

Don’t Talk to the Insurance Company Alone

Once your phone starts ringing, proceed carefully. Insurance adjusters are trained to get information from you that helps them pay less. They may sound polite, even concerned, but they’re building a file, and you’re not the priority.

In New York, adjusters often push for quick recorded statements. Don’t do it. You might say something small that ends up damaging your claim. Even simple comments like "I feel okay" or "I didn’t see the other car" can be taken out of context.

Some companies will try to settle fast, especially with soft tissue injuries. A low offer might sound tempting when you’re stressed and bills are stacking up. But once you accept, that’s it. You can’t ask for more if you need surgery later or can’t return to work.

If you must speak to the insurer:

• Stick to basic facts: date, time, location
• Don’t guess or speculate
• Decline to give a recorded statement
• Don’t sign anything without legal review

New York's no-fault insurance laws are tricky. Having someone who understands the system can make all the difference.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Who Knows New York Law

This step is about protecting your future. In New York, not all accidents qualify for a personal injury lawsuit. You have to meet a "serious injury threshold," which includes things like fractures, significant disfigurement, or permanent loss of function.

A qualified attorney can evaluate your injuries and determine if your case qualifies. They also help calculate future damages, like:

• Lost income from missing work
• Physical therapy costs
• Permanent disability or long-term care needs
• Emotional distress or reduced quality of life

If you’ve been injured in an accident on I-90 near Rochester or a busy street in Manhattan, you need someone who understands local court systems and state laws.

What to look for in a New York personal injury attorney:

• Experience handling no-fault claims and threshold issues
• Familiarity with insurance company tactics
• A strong record of settlements and verdicts in New York
• Clear communication about timelines and case strategy

When you have the right legal support, you can focus on healing while your attorney builds a solid, evidence-backed case.

Protect Yourself, Protect Your Claim

Accidents shake up everything, your health, your job, your plans. But you don’t have to handle it alone. In New York State, every step you take after an accident has the power to help or hurt your settlement. Being proactive now can double what you walk away with later.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we know how to protect our clients and maximize results. From Syracuse to Staten Island, our attorneys guide people through the chaos and make sure no detail gets overlooked. If you want trusted support and strong advocacy, we’re here when you’re ready.