Levine & Slavit | March 17, 2026

Short answer: Yes. Unless you are certain you were uninjured, you should see a doctor after a car crash in New York to protect your health and your legal rights.

Even a low-speed collision in New York City can cause injuries that take hours or days to show up. Prompt care creates the medical record you need for no-fault benefits and, if your injuries are serious, a potential claim for pain and suffering.

Why seeing a doctor after a crash in New York matters

  • Hidden injuries are common. Whiplash, concussions, internal injuries, and soft-tissue damage often appear later. Early diagnosis improves recovery and helps you avoid complications.
  • Medical records protect your claim. Insurers and courts look for contemporaneous records that connect the crash to your injuries, show severity, and outline treatment.
  • No-fault benefits. New York’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) can pay medical bills and some lost wages regardless of fault, subject to policy limits and procedures.
  • Serious injury threshold. To pursue pain-and-suffering damages against another driver, you generally must meet New York’s “serious injury” definition under Insurance Law § 5102. Documented treatment and objective findings are key.
  • Faster recovery. Seeing a provider quickly leads to a plan for imaging, medications, and physical therapy that can shorten recovery time.

When to head to the emergency room

  • Loss of consciousness, confusion, or seizure
  • Severe or worsening headache
  • Neck or back pain with weakness, numbness, or tingling in arms or legs
  • Chest pain or shortness of breath
  • Abdominal pain, tenderness, or vomiting
  • Heavy bleeding or any obvious fracture
  • Neurological signs such as vision changes, slurred speech, or balance problems


If none of these apply but you feel sore or shaken, get checked within 24 to 72 hours at urgent care or with your primary care doctor. Waiting weeks can harm both your health and your claim.

If symptoms worsen or new ones emerge after you were seen, go back promptly or head to the ER.

What to expect at the doctor

  • Review of the crash details and your symptoms
  • Focused exam of your head and neck, spine, chest, abdomen, and neurological status
  • Imaging when indicated, such as X-rays, CT for head or internal concerns, or MRI for soft-tissue and back issues
  • Treatment such as pain control, muscle relaxants, braces or immobilization, and referrals to orthopedics, neurology, or physical therapy
  • Creation of medical records that state diagnoses, treatment plan, restrictions, and prognosis

Key New York insurance and legal points

  • No-fault first. In New York, you submit medical bills and wage-loss claims to your own auto insurer under PIP, regardless of fault. Report the crash promptly and follow your insurer’s procedures.
  • Serious injury. Pain-and-suffering claims usually require meeting the “serious injury” definition under Insurance Law § 5102. Examples include fractures, significant disfigurement, permanent consequential limitation, or a non-permanent injury that keeps you from most usual activities for 90 of 180 days.
  • Time limits. Most personal injury lawsuits in New York must be filed within 3 years from the crash date under CPLR 214. No-fault forms and insurer deadlines can be much shorter, so act quickly.
  • Medical billing and liens. PIP often pays initial bills, and providers may use specific billing codes. If a third party later pays in a settlement or verdict, there may be liens or rights of reimbursement. Save every record.

Common crash injuries doctors see

  • Cervical and whiplash injuries with neck pain, stiffness, and headaches
  • Lower back strains and disk injuries that can radiate pain into the legs
  • Concussion and other traumatic brain injuries with dizziness, brain fog, or sensitivity to light
  • Chest injuries such as rib fractures and bruising from seat belts or airbags
  • Soft-tissue injuries including sprains and strains to shoulders, knees, and wrists
  • Internal injuries that may be subtle at first but can become dangerous without treatment
  • Psychological injuries like anxiety or PTSD, which are compensable when diagnosed and documented

Practical steps after a New York City area crash

  1. Put safety first. Move to a safe spot and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
  2. Document the scene. Take photos of vehicles, damage, skid marks, road conditions, plates, and visible injuries.
  3. Exchange information and collect witness names and numbers.
  4. Report the crash to the police and request the report number.
  5. Notify your auto insurer right away and ask how to start your PIP claim.
  6. See a doctor within 24 to 72 hours, or immediately if severe. Follow all treatment and referrals.
  7. Keep copies of every medical record, bill, prescription, and note. Track symptoms and how they affect work and daily life.
  8. Avoid social media posts about the crash, your injuries, or activities.
  9. Before giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer or signing broad medical releases, get legal advice.

When Legal Guidance May Be Necessary After an Accident

  • You believe you meet, or may meet, New York’s serious injury threshold
  • Your insurer delays or denies PIP or medical payments
  • The other driver’s insurer disputes fault or offers a low settlement
  • You have long-term limitations, substantial wage loss, or complex rehab needs
  • You have questions about medical liens and how your bills will be handled

What to bring to your first medical visit

  • Photo ID, auto and health insurance information
  • Any photos and your police report information
  • Your auto policy number if you plan to use PIP

Pitfalls that can hurt your claim

  • Waiting too long to seek treatment, which creates gaps in care and invites arguments that injuries are unrelated
  • Skipping physical therapy or ignoring medical advice
  • Agreeing to recorded statements or broad medical releases without knowing your rights
  • Posting photos or updates on social media that conflict with claimed injuries

Get help protecting your health and your rights

If you were hurt in a car crash in New York, New York or the surrounding areas of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island, or Westchester, err on the side of caution. Get checked by a healthcare provider right away, follow the treatment plan, keep thorough records, and report the crash to your insurer.


If injuries are significant or an insurer gives you a hard time, the team at Levine & Slavit is ready to help you pursue the benefits and compensation you deserve. Call 212-687-2796 or visit newyorkinjuries.com to speak with an experienced New York personal injury attorney.