An injury can happen anywhere in Auburn—on a busy stretch of Route 5 & 20, downtown near Genesee Street, at a local job site, or on private property. Knowing what to do next can make a meaningful difference in your recovery and your ability to protect your rights.
Whether the injury occurs in a car accident, a workplace incident, or a slip and fall, taking the right steps early is critical.
Get Medical Care Right Away
If you’re seriously injured, call 911 or seek emergency care immediately. Many Auburn residents are treated at Cayuga Medical Center, which serves as the primary hospital for Cayuga County.
Even if your injuries don’t seem severe, it’s still important to be evaluated by a medical professional. Head injuries, internal trauma, and soft-tissue injuries often worsen hours or days later. Early treatment also creates medical records that clearly connect your injuries to the incident.
Report the Injury Where It Happened
Reporting the incident helps create an official paper trail:
- Car accidents: Call police to the scene—especially on high-traffic corridors like Route 5 & 20, Grant Avenue, or North Street.
- Workplace injuries: Notify your supervisor immediately and follow your employer’s reporting process.
- Falls or property injuries: Report the incident to the business owner, landlord, or property manager—whether it happened downtown, at a retail plaza, or in a residential building.
If the incident occurred in a public space near Downtown Auburn, official documentation can be especially important due to higher pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
Document the Scene and Your Injuries
If you are able, collect evidence as soon as possible:
- Take photos or videos of the scene, hazards, vehicles, or road conditions
- Capture nearby signage, crosswalks, or storefronts that show location
- Get names and contact information from witnesses
- Photograph visible injuries over time as they heal or worsen
Save all paperwork related to your medical care, including discharge instructions, prescriptions, and bills.
Be Cautious With Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies may contact you quickly after an accident, particularly after car crashes on major Auburn roadways. While they may seem helpful, their goal is often to limit how much they pay.
You are not required to give a recorded statement right away. Avoid guessing about fault or minimizing your injuries before fully understanding their extent.
Follow All Medical Instructions
Attend follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and specialist visits as recommended. Skipping care can slow recovery and may be used to argue that your injuries are not serious.
If your injury prevents you from working or affects daily activities—such as driving, lifting, or walking around town—keep a simple record of how your life has changed.
Know the Deadlines Under New York Law
In New York, injury claims are subject to strict time limits. If a claim involves a government entity—such as a public sidewalk, municipal building, or roadway—the deadlines can be much shorter.
Failing to act in time can permanently prevent you from seeking compensation, even if the injury was clearly not your fault.
Stay Off Social Media
Posts made while recovering—photos, comments, or check-ins—can be taken out of context and used against you. Even something as simple as attending a local event can be misinterpreted.
It’s best to avoid posting about the accident or your condition until the matter is resolved.
Talk With a Personal Injury Attorney Familiar With Auburn
If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, speaking with a personal injury attorney who understands Auburn and Cayuga County can help you navigate next steps. Local familiarity matters when cases involve regional roadways, employers, medical providers, or property owners.
Many attorneys offer free consultations, allowing you to explore your options without upfront costs.
Moving Forward After an Injury in Auburn
From downtown sidewalks to busy highways like Route 5 & 20, injuries can happen anywhere in Auburn. Acting quickly—seeking care, documenting what happened, and understanding your rights—can help you focus on recovery while protecting your future.