What Do I Do After a Car Accident?
July 12, 2021
Being involved in a car accident can be - and likely is - a very traumatic experience both physically and emotionally. When a person gets in their vehicle, they hardly anticipate or prepare for the possibility that they will be involved in a motor-vehicle accident. In order to ensure that you have the ability to be compensated for your damages, there are several things you should do immediately after you are involved in an accident.
Do Not Drive Away
It is essential that immediately after an accident occurs that you remain at the scene of the accident even if you believe you are not seriously injured and your car is safe to drive. Remaining at the scene will give you time to assess what happened and gather information that will be useful later.
Exchange Information with The Other Driver(s)
If you are able to exit your vehicle safely, make sure you get the name and insurance information from the other driver(s) because you will need this later on if you plan on filing an lawsuit against them.
Fill out A Police Report
When the police arrive to the scene of the accident, make sure you give them a statement of everything that occurred to the best of your knowledge. Having a police report is an excellent tool to document what caused the accident and who is responsible.
If Hurt, Go to The Hospital
If you feel any pain after the accident, it is strongly advisable that you seek medical attention immediately. If you decide to go to the hospital, make sure that you inform the treating physician of all your pain and the areas of your body that were impacted from the car accident. Similar to the police report, by documenting your medical issues with hospital staff, you are creating a good record of what occurred and how it directly impacted you.
Take Pictures of The Scene (if Possible)
If you are able to do so safely, document the scene of the accident by taking pictures of the scene with your phone. this includes the vehicles involved in the accident, the intersection/street on which the accident occurred, as well as any businesses nearby that may have surveillance cameras - and could have captured the accident on video. This will help you later down the road if you decide to file a lawsuit against the other driver(s).
Keep Conversation at A Minimum
While it is essential to exchange information with the other driver(s), you should not go into a discussion as to who was at fault or what happened that caused the accident. There will be a time and place where that is determined but certainly not at this stage.
I Was Just Involved in A Car Accident…who Can I Call?
At The Town Law, we understand just how stressful a car accident can be. With our vast experience handling personal injury cases throughout Bucks County, Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia County in Pennsylvania, we are well-equipped to ensure you get the best result possible with attentive attorneys by your side throughout the process. Contact our firm today for a free consultation. Our staff of experienced attorneys is dedicated to the best outcomes for all of our clients.