You drive down Northern Boulevard while focusing on your dinner plans when suddenly—BAM. Another car slams into you. Your heart’s racing. There’s broken glass everywhere. You feel lost because you need guidance about who to contact and what steps to take next.

The situation you experienced matches what many others have already encountered. Long Island experiences thousands of car accidents each year while many drivers remain unaware about proper accident response procedures. That’s exactly why we talked to some experienced personal injury lawyers who handle these cases day in and day out. Here’s what they want you to know.

The First Hour Matters More Than You Think

The actions you perform immediately after a car accident will play a major role in determining the outcome of your legal case. People fail to understand this fact because the situation becomes confusing during the critical moments. People should start by performing self-assessments to detect any injuries they might have as well as those their passengers could have sustained. Contacting an expert lawyer, such as the Palermo Law team, can help in this situation.

An emergency medical situation requires you to contact 911 immediately. Don’t move if you’re seriously hurt—just wait for help to arrive. Once you’re safe, get your car out of traffic if you possibly can, unless it’s completely totaled. People try to avoid getting hit twice under any circumstances.

People tend to make mistakes when they reach this particular stage. They want to be nice, to apologize, to make small talk with the other driver. All lawyers we interviewed recommended maintaining short professional discussions which focus on essential case facts. Don’t admit fault. Don’t say things like “I’m sorry” or “I wasn’t paying attention. These statements can be used against you later, even if you weren’t actually at fault. Just exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance information.

Take pictures of everything. Your phone camera is your best friend right now. Get shots of both cars, the damage, the accident scene, street signs, traffic lights, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses around, grab their names and numbers too. These details become gold when your lawyer is building your case.

Understanding Your Rights Under New York Law

New York has something called no-fault insurance, and honestly, a lot of people get confused about what that means. Your own insurance policy will handle medical expenses and work compensation up to the limits established by your policy regardless of who caused the accident. Pretty helpful, right?

The process becomes difficult at this point. Once you exceed those no-fault benefits, you can file what’s called a personal injury claim against the other driver if they were truly at fault. This is where you might be able to get money for pain and suffering, not just your medical bills. The problem is proving who was actually responsible, and that’s where having a good lawyer really counts.

The lawyers we talked to explained that New York follows a “comparative fault” system. You will receive compensation if you share responsibility for the accident but your payment amount will decrease. The law allows you to claim damages even though you share fault for the accident at 30 percent while the other party holds 70 percent of the fault. The legal process appears complex but understanding it demonstrates the necessity of legal representation.

Medical Records Are Your Paper Trail

One thing almost every lawyer emphasized was this: don’t skip doctor visits. You should seek medical evaluation after the accident even though you feel fine right now. Some injuries don’t show up right away. The symptoms of back pain and whiplash and concussions often emerge after several days or weeks. If you wait too long to get checked out, insurance companies might argue that your injuries aren’t really from the accident.

Get everything documented. Every hospital visit and physical therapy session and medication prescription makes a difference. Keep copies of medical records, bills, and receipts. This is the evidence that proves your injuries are real and that the accident caused them. Without this paper trail, it’s really hard to convince an insurance company to pay you what you deserve.

One lawyer shared a story about a Levittown woman who believed she was fine after sustaining only minor damage from a car accident. Three weeks later, she started having terrible headaches and neck pain. The long delay between the accident and her treatment search created substantial difficulties for her to prove her claim. Don’t be that person.

When Should You Actually Call a Lawyer?

People want to know the answer to this question but the correct solution exists in no single absolute answer. If you have minor injuries and minimal damage—say, a small dent and some soreness—you might be able to handle it yourself. Your insurance company employs adjusters who specialize in resolving this type of claim.

You need to contact a personal injury attorney when you experience severe injuries or major property damage or when the other driver lacks insurance or when you face pressure to settle for an unreasonably low amount. Also, if the accident involved a commercial vehicle or a truck, that’s another reason to get a lawyer involved. The cases tend to become complex at a rapid pace.

The good news? Most personal injury lawyers on Long Island work on what’s called a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay them anything unless they win your case. They receive payment based on a portion of the money you win. The program eliminates financial obstacles which prevent people from receiving professional assistance.

Making Your Decision

You need to take these specific steps when you get into an accident on Long Island. The essential steps include seeking medical care when necessary and recording all details and avoiding quick settlement agreements. People should contact a personal injury lawyer when their injuries exceed basic minor harm. Many professionals offer free initial consultations to help you understand your situation. The service operates without cost while offering assistance to identify your available choices.

The laws around car accidents and personal injury claims exist to protect you. Your job is to protect yourself by making smart choices in those first critical days. Take it from the lawyers who handle these cases every single day—preparation and patience usually lead to better outcomes.