Safety First – If a minor accident occurs, and there are no life-threatening injuries, attempt to move vehicles to the side of the road and out of the way of traffic.
Call Police – Contact police and if needed, emergency services. When law enforcement officers arrive fully cooperate and ask which precinct will be handling your accident case.
Exchange Information – Exchange your name, contact information, driver’s license and insurance information with all parties involved.
Take Photos – Assuming it’s safe to do so, take photographs of the accident scene and detailed photos of all vehicle damages.
Identify Passengers – Be sure to get the names and contact information of the passengers in your vehicle and all parties involved in the accident.
Identify Witnesses – Request and document the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
Report the Accident to American Transit Insurance Company and to your broker – Immediately contact both ATIC and your insurance broker regarding the circumstances of the accident. Call ATIC at 800-683-ATIC, ext. 5455.
Obtain the Police Report – Contact the precinct assigned to your case to obtain a copy of the Police Accident Report. Check the report for accuracy, and immediately forward a copy of the paperwork to ATIC and to your broker.
File an MV-104 Form – In New York State, you must file an MV-104 form with the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of an accident if it resulted in a fatality, personal injury, or damage greater than $1,000.
Insurance Fraud
Unfortunately, insurance fraud is commonplace, and affects all parties. Beyond the fact that fraudulent insurance claims increase premiums and delay claims processing, insurance fraud is a CRIME punishable by fines and/or incarceration. Should you suspect insurance fraud, we ask that you immediately contact Edward Kurathowski at 212-857-8200, ext. 1768.