1. Stop. In New York State, and most States, if you're involved in a car accident causing injury to person or property, you are required to stop and give your name, address and show your driver's license to the person who is injured or whose property is damaged, or to a police officer. If this information isn't available at the scene, it must be given to the nearest police station or judicial officer as soon as possible. 2. Injured Persons Receive First Consideration. If possible, have someone call a doctor or an ambulance at once. If you don't know the local area, a telephone operator will locate one for you. Remember, in getting aid, it is necessary to fix your location as precisely as possible, so that help can reach you without delay. Meanwhile, make the injured person as comfortable as possible. You normally should not move an injured person. Keep him or her warm with blankets or coats. If there is bleeding, stop it by applying direct pressure with a clean cloth. Do not give an unconscious person anything by mouth. 3. Protect the Scene. After a car accident, if possible, make every effort to prevent further collisions. You may be liable for damage to approaching vehicles unless they are properly warned. Cars should not be left in a position of danger on a highway if they can be moved, nor should passengers remain in such a vehicle. If the highway is obstructed at night, have someone with a flashlight warn approaching motorists. Be sure he or she stands in a safe place out of harm's way. Set out flares and reflectors if they are available. 4. Call the Police or Other Officials. Request the presence of a police officer, highway or other officer, or manager, and give briefly the basics facts. The official accident report may help you later if any liability claim is made. 5. Trade Facts. In a car accident, get the names and addresses of all the other drivers involved. Most importantly, get the driver's date of birth. Most DMV departments use this to distinguish people with similar names. Also, get the names and addresses of all passengers. Note the ownership, license number, year, color and make of all cars involved. In other types of incidents, get the names and addresses of all people or companies you think may be responsible for your injury. Write down the name of any individual to whom you reported the accident, such as a store manager or proprietor. If possible, obtain the names of the insurance companies and policy numbers covering the cars or premises involved. By law in New York State, an insurance policy card must be carried in every car licensed in the state. These cards have all the necessary information. Write down everything! 6. Get the Names and Addresses of as Many Witnesses as Possible. Witnesses will be a tremendous help to you in any subsequent court action and even in settlement negotiations with an insurance carrier. Get the names, addresses, dates of birth and telephone numbers of as many witnesses as possible. If they refuse to identify themselves, jot down the license number of their cars, or any other information that will help identify them later. Do not discuss the accident with the witnesses. Do not give their names to anyone but the police or your attorney. Remember to get the name, badge number and command of any police officials who appear at the scene. Get the police or accident report number assigned to that incident. 7. Write Down the Details of the Accident and Call Us. Make a note of the details of the accident, including the date and time, street or pavement conditions and speed of all cars involved. It is also a good idea to make a diagram of the accident scene and if possible take photographs of any condition that may have caused the accident. Then, call the lawyers at The Law Office of John P. Gianfortune, P.C. Toll free at 1-800-579-4-LAW. The call and the advice are free. Let us begin our investigation and take every vital step necessary to protect your legal rights!