Nobody is thinking clearly right after a crash. Here is the short list, in order, so you do not have to.
Make sure everyone is safe first
Check yourself and your passengers before anything else. If the vehicles are drivable and you are on Route 9 or another busy road, move to the shoulder or a nearby lot. If anything is not drivable or anyone is hurt, leave it and call 911.
Get a police report even for a small hit
In Dutchess County a report from the Town of Hyde Park police or the State Police gives your claim a neutral record of what happened. Insurers lean on it heavily when fault is in question, and it is very hard to go back and create one later.
Take more photos than you think you need
Both vehicles, all four corners, the plates, the road, the traffic controls and the other driver’s insurance card. Photograph the damage before anything is moved. These are the photos that settle disagreements months later.
Do not agree to a shop on the phone
Your insurer may recommend one of their network shops while you are still standing at the scene. You are not required to use it. In New York the choice of repair shop is yours, and you can decide once you are home and thinking straight.
Call us before you make any decisions about the repair. 845-229-7353, and we tow 24 hours a day.
