What to Do Right Away After a Car Accident in Rochester

Start Here After a Crash in Rochester

Car accidents happen fast. One second you’re driving through the Inner Loop or headed down Lake Avenue, and the next, you’re dealing with a wrecked car, injuries, or worse. If you’re like most people, your heart races, your hands shake, and your mind struggles to focus. It’s scary, stressful, and overwhelming.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we know what you’re going through. Our Rochester-based team has helped countless people across Monroe County deal with the aftermath of serious car crashes. Whether your accident happened near East Ridge Road or along Route 104, we’re here to help you take that stress off your shoulders. If you’re unsure what to do next, this step-by-step guide walks you through it clearly and calmly so you can focus on protecting yourself and your future.

Prioritize Your Safety First

The very first thing you need to do is get to a safe spot. If your car still runs, move it to the shoulder, a nearby parking lot, or a side street. Turn on your hazard lights right away. On busy roads like I-490 or Route 590, staying in the travel lane after a crash is dangerous. If the car won’t move, and there’s no immediate danger outside, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives.

Always check your surroundings. Broken glass, leaking fuel, or unstable vehicles pose serious risks. Use your phone flashlight if it’s dark. Staying visible and alert can make a real difference while you wait for help.

Check Everyone for Injuries

Before worrying about the car or exchanging information, check yourself and anyone else in the vehicle. If you’re hurt, try not to move until emergency responders arrive, especially if you feel pain in your neck, back, or head. If someone else is bleeding or unconscious, call 911 immediately and follow the operator’s instructions.

Rochester General Hospital and Strong Memorial Hospital both offer excellent emergency care. If you’re nearby, EMS may transport you there based on the severity of the injuries. Even if injuries seem minor, you should still seek treatment. Pain from whiplash, concussions, or internal damage can take hours to appear.

Call 911 and Report the Crash

Under New York law, you must report any accident that causes injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. In Rochester, the safest and smartest thing to do is call 911 right away. When the dispatcher answers, stay calm. Give your exact location, something like “Clinton Avenue and East Main,” or “just off 390 near Chili Avenue.” If you don’t know the nearest street, describe landmarks like Frontier Field or the Rochester Public Market.

Tell the dispatcher how many vehicles were involved, whether anyone appears hurt, and if there are road hazards. A Rochester Police Department officer, Monroe County Sheriff, or New York State Trooper will likely respond, depending on where the crash occurred. New York State Department of Motor Vehicles' crash reporting requirements provide more details on legal obligations.

Stay at the Scene and Wait for Police

Even if you think the damage is minor, never leave the scene. Stay nearby until officers arrive. When they do, speak calmly and honestly. Give them the facts, what you saw, what you heard, what you felt. Don’t guess or try to explain what you think happened. Don’t admit fault. Just tell your side of the story as clearly as possible.

Police officers in Rochester will often file an official crash report on the spot. That report can be a vital part of any insurance claim or legal case. The officer might ask for your driver’s license, insurance card, and registration, so have those ready.

Exchange Contact and Insurance Info

Once everyone is safe and law enforcement is present, exchange information with the other driver. Be polite but brief. If the situation feels tense or the other driver becomes aggressive, wait for the officer to facilitate the exchange.

Make sure you collect:

• Full name and phone number
• Driver’s license number
• Vehicle make, model, and plate number
• Insurance company and policy number

Take clear photos of their license and insurance card, if possible. This prevents errors and helps with your insurance claim later. Companies like GEICO, State Farm, or NYCM will ask for these exact details.

Document the Scene with Your Phone

Use your smartphone to create a visual record. Take wide and close-up shots of the damage to all vehicles. If the crash happened near a landmark like the Liberty Pole or Rochester City Hall, include those in your background shots to confirm the location. Don’t forget road signs, traffic signals, and any skid marks or debris.

Also, capture conditions that might have contributed to the crash:

• Potholes or broken pavement
• Snow or ice on the roadway
• Obstructed stop signs or signals
• Weather conditions like fog or heavy rain

Video can help, too. A slow sweep of the entire crash site preserves details you might miss.

Speak with Witnesses Nearby

Bystanders can provide valuable support if there’s a dispute about who caused the accident. Politely ask if anyone saw what happened. That includes pedestrians, nearby drivers, or even people standing outside storefronts.

If someone agrees to help, ask for their name and contact information. You don’t need a full statement on the spot. Just having a name and number can help later if your insurance company or attorney needs clarification.

Busy intersections near Monroe Avenue or Ridge Road often have a lot of foot traffic. A local witness can make your version of events more credible.

Request a Copy of the Police Report

Before leaving, ask the officer how to get a copy of the crash report. In Rochester, you can request one through the Police Records Department or search the Monroe County crash report portal online. New York State crash report access offers a centralized way to retrieve it.

That report includes:

• Diagrams of the crash
• Officer observations
• Statements from both drivers and witnesses
• Ticket information (if any citations were issued)

It’s one of the first things your insurance company or lawyer will request. Keep it in your accident file.

Get Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you walked away from the crash, don’t skip medical care. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue damage might not hurt until the next day. Going to a clinic or hospital right away also documents the timing of your injuries, which can protect you legally and financially.

Options in Rochester include:

• Rochester Regional Health Immediate Care (West Ridge Road)
• Unity Hospital’s Emergency Center
• Urgent care centers around Henrietta and Irondequoit

Bring your insurance card and photo ID. Keep all discharge papers, test results, and prescriptions.

Notify Your Insurance Provider

Once you’ve received medical attention and returned home safely, contact your insurance company. Call them within 24 hours if possible. Stick to the facts. Don’t speculate about who caused the crash.

When speaking with your insurer:

• Provide your policy number
• Give them the police report number
• Share photos and contact info for any witnesses
• Don’t agree to a recorded statement unless you’re sure what you’re saying is accurate

New York’s no-fault system means your insurer will cover certain expenses regardless of fault. But if injuries are serious, you may need to file a personal injury claim outside the no-fault system.

Keep All Accident Records Organized

After the crash, you’ll likely have a lot of documents. Keep them in one place, a folder, a binder, or a digital file on your phone or computer. That way, if you need to file a lawsuit or deal with multiple insurance adjusters, you’re ready.

Your accident file should include:

• All medical records and bills
• Repair estimates or receipts
• Police reports
• Witness contact details
• Insurance correspondence
• Photos and videos from the scene

Organization matters. If your case ends up in court, this paperwork becomes vital.

Talk to a Local Car Accident Lawyer

You’re not required to hire an attorney after a crash. But if you’re dealing with lost wages, serious injuries, or pushback from an insurance company, it’s smart to talk to someone who knows the system.

A Rochester-based car accident injury lawyer understands local road conditions, area hospitals, and court systems. They know what it’s like to handle cases involving crashes near Route 104, Genesee Street, or Mount Read Boulevard. They can tell you if you’re entitled to more than what your insurer is offering.

Let Horn Wright, LLP, Help You After a Crash

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Rochester, the steps you take now matter. Horn Wright, LLP, helps Monroe County residents handle car crash claims with clarity and care. Our attorneys know the roads you drive and the laws that apply. We help you understand your rights and deal with insurance so you can focus on healing. You don’t have to handle the aftermath alone. Reach out to our Rochester office to learn how we can support your recovery.