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If Injured in a Car Accident What Do You Do?

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Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C.

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Written/Reviewed By:

Barry S. Kantrowitz, Esq.

Last Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Read Time: 4 mins

Millions of people are involved in car accidents each year. While the majority of the accidents are minor, it is not always possible to tell at the time of an accident whether the injuries involved will prove to be serious. If you are injured in a car accident in New York or New Jersey, be sure to assess your injuries, document the event, report the accident to the police and your insurance carrier, seek medical evaluation, and speak with a car accident lawyer.

Assess the injuries

Safety must always be the top priority. Check yourself for injuries and then check anyone else involved. Do not move anyone who cannot move on their own. Call 9-1-1 if there are any injuries, even if the other driver asks you not to.

Document the event

Car accidents happen quickly and without warning but once one occurs, you need to take a moment (if physically possible) to preserve what evidence you can. Visuals can go a long way in helping an insurance adjuster, judge, or jury understand how the event took place and the consequences. Some steps that can help you later on include:

Exchange names and insurance information with anyone else involved
Take photographs of the area where the crash occurred
Collect the names and contact information of witnesses
Take photos of the vehicles, as well as any significant injuries

While speaking with anyone at the scene – whether it is the other driver, the police, or a witness – be careful about what you say. Never apologize or say anything else that can be construed as an admission of liability. Even when you were not at fault, it is very easy to say something out of politeness that implies you were to blame; these innocent statements may seem harmless but can later be used against you.

Report the accident to the police and your insurance carrier

Calling the police is not just a suggestion; it is the law. New Yorkers involved in an accident must report it to the police if anyone is injured or there is property damage of at least $1,000. In New Jersey, an accident must be reported if it resulted in an injury or at least $500 of property damage. Failing to file a report when required can lead to fines and a suspended license.

You likely also have a contractual responsibility to notify your insurance carrier as soon as possible, even if the other party was to blame. If your injuries are minor, you may need to file a claim under your no-fault policy. In New Jersey, if you have opted for unlimited right to sue, you may still bring a claim against the other party for the non-economic damages that their negligence caused but you still need to put your carrier on notice of your PIP claim for economic damages.

If it turns out that you were to blame for the accident, your insurance carrier has a duty to defend you against claims that the other parties may bring. Complying with prompt notice requirements will afford you this valuable protection.

Seek medical evaluation

Not all injuries appear immediately after an accident. Brain damage and soft tissue injuries are two types that can go undetected for the first couple days but they respond better to earlier treatment. See a doctor within the first 24 hours after your accident so that any latent injuries can be assessed and treated as soon as possible. This will also document and validate your claim if you seek reimbursement from insurance or need to file a lawsuit.

Speak with an attorney

A car accident sets other things in motion. It triggers the deadlines for claims and the statute of limitations for any lawsuits you may file. Within days, you may also begin receiving calls from the other party’s lawyer or insurance adjuster. By speaking with an attorney first, you can be prepared by knowing your rights and responsibilities. If you choose to retain a lawyer, he or she can handle all communications with the other parties so that you do not need to.

Choose a personal injury law firm with experience that counts. The attorneys at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. offer the expertise of a large firm with the personal attention of a small firm. Our attorneys are committed to helping clients throughout Rockland County and Bergen County. If you are injured in a car accident, call today to schedule a free consultation.

Why Trust Us?

150+ Reviews

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Client Reviews

    
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   LWelsh 
 8 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Clever and efficient.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Kenny Perlow 
 29 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. KGG Law, and Barry Kantrowitz in particular, set the bar high for what a thorough, practical, strategic, compassionate and smart lawyer can be. Everything about Barry's advice and representation was exemplary and the stress mitigation that resulted was invaluable. On top of that, the ultimate result Barry achieved was beyond what was reasonable to expect and we are forever grateful. Often, people say that you hire a lawyer to prevent a problem. Sometimes, unfortunately, you need an attorney to solve a problem and I could not recommend Barry and his firm any more highly in that regard.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Aliza Ali 
 93 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My dad had a great experience with this law firm. From the very beginning, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and always willing to answer our questions. They kept us informed throughout the entire process and made what could have been a very stressful situation much easier to handle. We truly appreciated their dedication, honesty, and hard work. Thanks to their support, my dad felt confident every step of the way. We are very grateful for everything they did and would highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for reliable legal representation.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Jana Montero 
 96 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a wonderful experience working with Sam Smith. He was very responsive, thorough, and easy to work with from start to finish. He walked me through everything clearly and made what started as a very stressful situation for me into something completely manageable. I would not hesitate to recommend him and the firm!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Mike Sakmann 
 102 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I sought legal advice regarding an employment matter and had an excellent experience working with Sam Smith, Esq. at KGG Law. Sam was thorough, attentive, and took the time to listen carefully to my concerns before providing clear, thoughtful guidance. I appreciated the professionalism and care shown throughout the process, and I would confidently recommend KGG Law to anyone in need of legal assistance.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Liz Hecker 
 108 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't say enough about this firm. They manage to comfort you during the whole legal process while staying professional and doing what is right. I would recommend them to anyone and also hire them again if I need legal help.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Brandy Miller 
 131 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate is the best. She helped me very quickly, and was very attentive with all of my needs. So thankful for her
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Mike Greenspan 
 144 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate Carballo is a dedicated, passionate, and creative attorney whom I had the pleasure to lecture with at a state trial lawyer's conference. Kate's lecture demonstrated how she uses her innovative and "out-of-the-box thinking" to achieve outstanding results for her injured clients. That Kate is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a civil trial attorney is a testament to her skills, experience and commitment to excellence.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Jonathan Sampson 
 151 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was referred to KGG law by a friend and could not have asked for better legal representation. They walked me through every step of the process after my accident and began every call with “ how are you feeling” which was just one example of how much they care about their clients. They handled my case very efficiently, professionally and courteously. My attorney Kate Carballo was a rock star! So clearly experienced, she consistently made me feel at ease with the process. Highly recommend
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Vinnie Kung 
 154 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with the team at KGG Law. While it was a traumatic time for our family, they made it very easy for us and explained all of our options. They even performed due diligence to make sure that after our settlement, there would be no further issues which I think is even more important than the settlement itself. Thank you!

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If Injured in a Car Accident What Do You Do?

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Rockland County, New York

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