Protect Your Health and Legal Rights Right Away
Accidents happen when we least expect them—and when they do, your response in the moments and hours afterward can significantly impact your physical well-being and your legal rights. Whether it’s a car crash, a slip and fall, or a workplace injury, taking the right steps can protect your ability to seek compensation.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in New York, it’s essential to know your rights and act quickly. For those who may be uncertain about how to proceed, Ira Pintel, a trusted personal injury law firm in New York, offers guidance to help you make informed decisions. You can contact them at :
📍 Office: 147 East 82nd Street Suite 6B, New York, NY 10028
📞 Phone: (917) 941-4094
📧 Email: Ira@irapintel.com
Knowing what to do immediately after an accident in New York can make a huge difference in how your case unfolds. Below are the key steps you should take to protect your health and legal rights.
Prioritize Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Your health should always come first. If you’re seriously hurt, call 911 or ask someone nearby to do it. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s a good idea to get checked by a medical professional. In many personal injury cases, symptoms may not appear immediately—issues like whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussion often show up hours or days later.
Getting prompt medical attention not only protects your health but also creates a medical record that can serve as evidence if you pursue legal action.
Call the Police and Report the Incident
In cases like car accidents or public injuries, always notify the police or property authorities. A police or incident report serves as an official record of the event and may contain key facts about fault, witness statements, and the environment where the accident took place.
Even in situations where the other party suggests not involving the authorities, politely decline and insist on filing a report. In New York, it’s legally required to report a motor vehicle accident if there’s injury, death, or significant property damage.
Document Everything You Can
Evidence fades quickly, especially in accidents involving vehicles, businesses, or public spaces. Take clear photos and videos of:
- The accident scene
- Injuries you sustained
- Property damage
- Road signs, weather, or floor conditions
- Any visible surveillance cameras nearby
Additionally, collect contact details from any witnesses. Their testimony may become critical down the road.
Avoid Admitting Fault or Making Official Statements Too Soon
In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to say “I’m sorry” or “It was my fault” out of instinct—but these words can be twisted later and used against you.
Keep your conversations factual. Avoid discussing fault, and never provide a recorded statement to an insurance company without legal guidance. Insurance adjusters may sound helpful, but their goal is often to minimize payouts.
Notify Your Insurance Company (But Be Cautious)
If you’re involved in a car accident, notify your insurance company promptly. However, share only the basic facts: the time, location, and type of accident. Avoid speculation or emotional language.
Before signing any documents or accepting settlements, consider speaking with a personal injury attorney who can evaluate the fairness of the offer. Ira Pintel has helped numerous New Yorkers understand their coverage and options before agreeing to terms that may limit their future rights.
Keep a Personal Injury Journal
Document your symptoms, doctor visits, emotional distress, and how your daily life is affected. This written account provides strong support for pain and suffering claims and gives insight into the long-term impact of the injury.
Be honest and consistent, and update it regularly. A well-kept journal can speak volumes in a personal injury case.
Do Not Post About the Accident on Social Media
It may be tempting to share your experience with friends online, but anything you post could be used against you in a legal case. Even a photo of you smiling at a family gathering can be misinterpreted as proof that you’re “not really hurt.”
Until your case is resolved, it’s best to avoid posting about your accident, injuries, or any related medical or legal developments.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney Early
While not every case requires legal action, it’s wise to consult a personal injury lawyer as early as possible. Laws in New York—including strict deadlines (statutes of limitations), comparative fault rules, and specific filing procedures—can be complex.
An experienced attorney like Ira Pintel can help assess your case, preserve critical evidence, handle communication with insurance companies, and ensure you understand your legal rights.
To get personalized legal guidance, you can reach :
📍 Office: 147 East 82nd Street Suite 6B, New York, NY 10028
📞 Phone: (917) 941-4094
📧 Email: Ira@irapintel.com
Accidents are stressful—but the steps you take afterward matter. From gathering evidence and seeking medical care to knowing when to speak (or stay silent), you can protect your legal rights and set yourself up for a fair recovery process.
If you have questions about what to do after an accident, or if you feel unsure about your next steps, the team at Ira Pintel is here to help. Their experienced legal guidance can help you make confident, informed decisions without feeling pressured.
FAQs: Protecting Your Legal Rights After an Accident in New York
What’s the first thing I should do after an accident in New York?
Seek medical help immediately. Your health and safety come first, and a medical record also supports any future legal claims.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in New York?
Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, but this can vary depending on the type of case and parties involved.
Should I talk to the insurance company right after the accident?
You should notify your insurer, but avoid giving recorded statements or accepting any offers until you’ve spoken to a lawyer.
Can I get compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. New York follows comparative negligence, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partly responsible, though the compensation may be reduced.
Do I really need a lawyer for a minor accident?
Even in minor cases, legal advice can help ensure you don’t miss out on rightful compensation or make mistakes that weaken your case.
