Someone Hit My Car in NYC! Whose Insurance Do I Call?

If you’ve been in a car accident in New York City, you’re probably wondering what to do next. Under the state’s no-fault insurance system, you’ll need to contact your own insurance company first to report the accident and file a claim.

But don’t stop there – gathering key details and reporting the incident to the other party’s insurer may also be necessary, especially if liability is disputed. To guarantee you’re fully protected and compensated, let’s explore the steps you should take after a collision in the Big Apple.

New York’s No-Fault Insurance System

New York is one of 12 states that follows a no-fault insurance system. Under this system, your own car insurance will cover your medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. This is where no fault insurance benefits come into play.

Every driver in New York must carry a minimum amount of no fault insurance coverage to comply with state requirements. These no fault insurance requirements guarantee that injured parties receive prompt compensation without the need to prove fault in court.

However, there are limitations to no-fault coverage, and in cases of serious injury or significant property damage, you may still have the right to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

Gathering Necessary Information

To protect your rights and strengthen your claim, you’ll need to gather essential information at the accident scene. Collect the other driver’s name, contact details, insurance company, and policy number.

Take photos of the damage to both vehicles, the location, and any visible injuries, and get contact information from any witnesses.

Filing a Police Report

You’ll need to file a police report if someone hits your car in NYC. This incident reporting is essential for insurance purposes and potential legal claims. Police notification should happen immediately after the accident, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage.

When filing the report, provide accurate details about the incident, including the date, time, location, and parties involved. The police report will serve as an official record of the accident and can help streamline the insurance claim process.

Contacting Your Insurer

Even if the other driver was at fault, you’ll need to contact your own insurance company to report the accident. Provide them with all the relevant details about the crash, including the date, time, location, and a description of what happened.

They’ll also let you know what coverage you have and how it applies in this situation.

Notify Your Insurer

After a car accident in NYC, your first step is to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. When you call, have your policy number ready and follow their claim procedures.

Provide details about the accident, including the date, time, location, and a description of what happened. Your insurer will open a claim and assign an adjuster to investigate.

Review your policy coverage to understand what’s covered. The adjuster will gather information, assess damages, determine fault, and negotiate settlements. Cooperate fully and provide any requested documentation to expedite the claims process.

Provide Accident Details

When you call your insurance company to report the accident, be prepared to provide key details about what happened:

1. Give them the date, time, and location of the collision
2. Describe how the other driver hit your vehicle and the resulting damage. If you took photos at the scene, those will help with the damage assessment
3. Relay any eyewitness accounts that support your version of events.
4. Provide the other driver’s name, contact, insurance, and vehicle information that you collected.
5. If police responded, let your insurer know, as the accident report will be important.

The more details you provide, the better your insurance company can advise you on the next steps and determine fault. Your insurer is there to help you through the claims process.

Clarify Coverage

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to clarify your coverage. They’ll review your policy details, including deductible amounts and coverage limits for collision, essential, and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. This information is vital for understanding what out-of-pocket expenses you may face.

Reporting to Other Party’s Insurance

Even if the other driver admits fault, you’ll still need to contact their insurance company to report the accident. When you call, provide them with all the relevant details, including the date, time, location, and a description of what happened.

If there are any disputes about who was at fault, this is known as disputed liability. The insurers will investigate to determine negligence.

It’s important to stick to the facts when speaking with the other party’s insurer. Provide them with your statement, but avoid speculating, admitting fault, or apologizing, as this could be used against you later if you need to prove the other driver’s negligence.

Consulting With an Attorney

Legal guidance can be invaluable when filing a car accident claim. If you’ve been hit by another driver in NYC, seeking legal representation can help protect your rights and confirm you receive fair compensation.

At Held, Held & Held, our lawyers will assess your case, gather evidence, and handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. They can also advise you on the best course of action and handle the legal process from beginning to end.

If you’ve been hurt in an accident in NYC and need help collecting compensation for your medical bills, property damage, and other expenses, contact us today for a free consultation.