A car accident can turn your life upside down in a matter of seconds. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious collision, the decisions you make in the first 24 hours can have a significant impact on your health, your financial recovery, and your ability to pursue a personal injury claim.
At Basch Keegan & Spada, we have helped injured New Yorkers for decades, and we’ve seen firsthand how simple mistakes immediately after an accident can make it more difficult to recover the compensation victims deserve. If you’ve been involved in a crash, here’s what you should do during those critical first 24 hours.
Make Safety Your First Priority
Your health comes first.
If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Even if injuries seem minor, don’t assume everyone is okay. Some serious injuries, including head injuries and internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.
If anyone is injured call 911 immediately.
Contact the Local Police
Always report the accident to law enforcement – even if there are no injuries.
The responding officer will investigate the scene, gather information from the drivers and witnesses, and prepare an official accident report. That report often becomes an important piece of evidence when determining fault and negotiating with insurance companies.
When speaking with the officer:
- Stick to the facts.
- Don’t guess about what happened.
- Don’t admit fault or apologize.
- If you don’t know the answer to a question, simply say so.
Remember, determining legal responsibility often involves facts you may not know at the scene.
Exchange Information
Before leaving the accident scene, exchange information with the other driver, including:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Address
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance company
- Policy number
- Vehicle registration
- >License plate number
If there are witnesses, politely ask for their names and contact information as well. Independent witnesses can play a valuable role if liability is later disputed.
Document Everything
Your smartphone may become one of the most valuable tools you have after an accident.
Take photographs of:
- Vehicle damage
- The position of each vehicle
- Skid marks
- >Debris
- Traffic signs and signals
- Weather conditions
- Road hazards
- Visible injuries
If possible, record a short video walking around the accident scene.
These photos preserve evidence before vehicles are moved and conditions change.
Seek Medical Attention (Even If You Feel Fine)
Many injuries don’t show symptoms immediately.
Adrenaline can mask pain for hours after a crash. It’s common for people to feel “fine” immediately after an accident only to wake up the next morning with severe neck pain, back pain, headaches, or other symptoms.
A prompt medical evaluation helps:
- Identify hidden injuries.
- Begin appropriate treatment.
- Create medical records connecting your injuries to the accident.
Waiting days or weeks to seek treatment may allow an insurance company to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the crash.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Most insurance policies require timely notice of an accident.
When speaking with your insurance company:
- Report that the accident occurred.
- Provide basic facts.
- Avoid speculating about fault.
- Don’t exaggerate or minimize your injuries.
Remember that you are generally required to cooperate with your own insurance carrier, but you are not obligated to provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company.
Be Careful When the Insurance Company Calls
Many people are surprised by how quickly the at-fault driver’s insurance company reaches out.
The adjuster may sound friendly and tell you they “just want your side of the story.”
It’s important to understand that the insurance company’s goal is to protect its financial interests – not yours.
A recorded statement can later be used to challenge your claim or suggest your injuries aren’t serious.
Before speaking with the other driver’s insurance company, consider consulting an experienced car accident attorney who can protect your rights.
Avoid Posting on Social Media
This is one of the biggest mistakes accident victims make.
Insurance companies routinely review Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other social media platforms looking for evidence they can use against injured people.
Even an innocent photo or comment may be taken out of context.
Until your case is resolved, it’s often best to avoid posting about:
- The accident
- Your injuries
- Your activities
- Your recovery
It’s also wise to ask friends and family not to tag you in posts or photos.
Keep Every Document
Start a folder dedicated to your accident.
Save:
- Medical bills
- Hospital paperwork
- Pharmacy receipts
- Repair estimates
- Tow truck invoices
- Rental car receipts
- Insurance correspondence
- Photographs
- Accident reports
Keeping records organized can make the claims process smoother and help document your losses.
Speak With an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
One of the most important steps you can take during the first 24 hours is consulting an attorney.
An experienced car accident lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident.
- Preserve critical evidence.
- Communicate with insurance companies in your best interest.
- Help calculate the full value of your claim.
- Protect you from common insurance tactics.
- Prepare your case for settlement – or trial if necessary.
Many people believe they should wait until problems arise before contacting an attorney. In reality, getting legal guidance early can help avoid mistakes that become difficult to correct later.
Why the First 24 Hours Matter
- Evidence begins disappearing almost immediately after an accident.
- Witnesses’ memories fade.
- Vehicles get repaired.
- Security camera footage may be erased.
- Road conditions change.
- The sooner important evidence is preserved, the stronger your claim may be.
Don’t Guess About Your Rights
Every accident is different. The severity of injuries, available insurance coverage, questions about fault, and the long-term impact on your life all affect how a claim should be handled.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you don’t have to navigate the process alone.
At Basch Keegan & Spada, we’ve spent decades helping injured people throughout the Hudson Valley understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. From dealing with insurance companies to preparing cases for trial, our team is committed to protecting our clients every step of the way.
Contact the New York Car Accident Attorneys at Basch Keegan & Spada
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t wait to learn about your legal options. The actions you take in the first 24 hours can make a meaningful difference in your recovery and your claim.
Contact the Albany car accident lawyers at Basch Keegan & Spada for a free consultation. We’ll answer your questions, explain your rights, and help you move forward with confidence.