Accidents happen to nearly everyone
In 2021, there were 117,899 reportable traffic crashes in Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. That means one in fifty people in PA was involved in a car accident.
Pennsylvania car accident laws determine what occurs after a crash happens. Car accidents can be a stressful and traumatic experience, Knowing your legal options and potential compensation is important,
It’s important to know what to do after a car accident and know the immediate steps to protect yourself.
Call the police
Even if the accident appears to be minor, it is extremely important to call the police immediately. Reporting the accident will result in the police writing an incident report. This report is evidence in a Pennsylvania car accident case. Wait for the police to arrive at the scene unless it is simply impossible to do so. If you can’t wait for the police to arrive at the scene make sure you speak to them as soon as possible.
Seek medical help for those injured
If needed, call for an ambulance. Call for medical assistance for yourself, passengers, or anyone else injured at the scene. always allow a medical professional to examine you. Many symptoms don’t always occur immediately after an accident. You’ll need to have a medical evaluation right away. If your regular medical provider isn’t available, go to the nearest urgent care or hospital emergency department. Don’t refuse treatment after an accident. An insurance company could deny your injury claim and argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the collision.
Gather information
Get information from the other driver. One of the most critical things you can do after a car accident is to exchange information with the other driver as well as any other passengers who might be in the other driver’s vehicle. Get their contact information, including their name, address, and phone number. Also, note the license plate/tag number and state for the other driver’s vehicle. If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information as well.
Document everything
Document all injuries. Oftentimes, very serious injuries are not experienced immediately after the accident. Make a detailed list of all injuries and pain you and other passengers are experiencing, even if it seems to be minor at the time. Photograph the scene. Take pictures of the accident scene, if you can do so safely. If possible, take photos from multiple angles and locations. Be sure to photograph vehicle damage, any visible injuries, skid marks on the roadway, the road or intersection where the accident occurred, and any lights or stop signs at the location of the accident.
Cooperate with the police and stay put
Cooperate with police, but speak with an attorney before accepting responsibility for the accident. Avoid speaking with anyone, other than the police, about your car accident. You are not under any obligation to accept responsibility for the accident. Nor is there a need to blame others for the accident. Do not leave the scene of the accident. It is important to remain at the accident scene unless you are being transported to the emergency room by ambulance until all other drivers and police have left.
File a claim with your insurance company
In Pennsylvania, drivers are required to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. Contact your insurance company to report the car accident as soon as possible. Your insurance company can provide you with guidance on how to proceed with filing a claim. You can also help you navigate any issues that may arise during the claims process.
Lawsuit against the at-fault driver
If the other driver was at fault for the accident, you may find that their insurance company calls and asks you for a quick settlement. The company will attempt to offer a certain sum of money in exchange for signing a release of any future claims. You should avoid doing this. You may have additional injuries or expenses not determined right away. Plus, Victims may get additional compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. You may be able to file a lawsuit against that driver. In Pennsylvania, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This lawsuit can help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages
Lawsuit against a third party
You may be able to file a lawsuit against a third party, such as the manufacturer of a defective car part or the government agency responsible for maintaining the road Like if a defective product or hazardous road conditions caused the accident.. These types of lawsuits can be more complicated, so it’s important to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Filing a lawsuit for property damage
If your car was damaged in the accident, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover the cost of repairing or replacing your car. Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 42 section 5524 sets a two-year filing deadline for the filing of a lawsuit from the date of the accident.
Seeking compensation for lost wages
If you were injured in a car accident and had to take time off work to recover, you may be able to seek compensation for lost wages. This can be done through a personal injury lawsuit or by working with your insurance company.
Know your rights
Make sure you know what to do after the car accident and what your legal options are. Victims hurt in a collision should get help from a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer if they sustained injuries. Car accidents can be life-changing. An attorney helps accident victims receive compensation to become whole.
Whether you need to file a claim with your insurance company, file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, or seek compensation for lost wages, an experienced personal injury lawyer like Amil Minora Law helps you navigate the process and ensures your rights are protected. Remember, you have a limited amount of time to take legal action, so it’s important to act quickly.