What to Do Right After a Car Crash in Northeast Philadelphia

A car crash can happen in an instant, leaving you shaken, confused, and wondering what steps to take next. Those first moments matter. The actions you take can protect your health, safeguard your rights, and preserve your ability to recover fair compensation for your losses.

At the Law Offices of Cohen & Riechelson, we have guided individuals and families in Northeast Philadelphia and Bucks County through every stage of the recovery process after serious collisions. This step-by-step guide is designed to help you take control after a crash so you can protect yourself physically, emotionally, and financially.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Care

Your safety and well-being are the top priority.

• Check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt.
• Move to a safe location if you can do so without further risk. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
• Accept medical attention at the scene and pursue a more thorough evaluation after you leave. Even if you feel fine, certain car accident injuries, such as concussions, internal bleeding, and whiplash, may not be noticeable right away.

Getting prompt medical care not only protects your health but also creates important documentation for any potential claim.

Step 2: Call the Police and Remain at the Scene

In Pennsylvania, you must report an accident that results in injury, death, or significant property damage.

• Stay calm and cooperate with law enforcement.
• Provide clear and factual statements, avoiding speculation about fault.
• Ask for the police report number before leaving.

The police report is an official record that can help establish the facts if questions arise later. If police do not respond, Pennsylvania law requires you to file a Driver’s Accident Report (Form AA-600) with PennDOT within five days. Doing so helps protect your legal rights and potential claim.

Step 3: Gather Key Evidence While You Can

If you are able, start collecting information before the scene changes.

• Take photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, weather, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
• Get names and contact details for any witnesses.
• Exchange information with the other driver, including name, phone number, driver’s license, license plate number, and insurance details.

Because accident scenes change quickly, documenting what you can now can make all the difference later.

Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly and Cautiously

Reach out to your insurance provider as soon as possible to let them know about the collision.

• Share only the essentials: the date, time, location, and the parties involved.
• Do not agree to a recorded statement until you have consulted an attorney, and avoid guessing about your injuries or the cause of the accident.

Insurers may try to reduce what they pay, so keeping your statements brief and factual helps preserve the strength of your claim.

Step 5: Know How Pennsylvania’s Comparative Negligence Law Works

In Pennsylvania, car accident claims follow a modified comparative negligence system.

• You can still recover damages if you are less than 51 percent at fault.
• Your compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.

For example, if you are found 20 percent at fault and your damages are valued at $100,000, you could receive $80,000. Understanding this rule can help you avoid mistakes that might hurt your recovery.

Step 6: Avoid Common Mistakes After a Car Accident

Some missteps can have lasting consequences on your case.

• Posting about the accident or your injuries on social media.
• Delaying medical treatment after the crash.
• Accepting a quick settlement without knowing the full extent of your injuries.
• Failing to track medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.

Avoiding these mistakes helps protect both your health and your legal claim.

Step 7: Protect Your Claim by Speaking With an Attorney Early

Consulting an attorney soon after the accident allows you to protect your rights from the start. At Cohen & Riechelson, we can:

• Investigate the accident using police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
• Negotiate directly with insurance companies on your behalf.
• Ensure all filing deadlines under Pennsylvania law are met.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay attorney’s fees if we recover compensation for you.

Why Acting Quickly Matters in Northeast Philadelphia

Car accident injury claims are time-sensitive.

• Physical evidence fades quickly.
• Witnesses can be difficult to locate as time passes.

Pennsylvania generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, although certain exceptions such as the discovery rule, claims involving minors, or lawsuits against government entities can affect the deadline. Taking action early increases the chances of a stronger, more supported claim.

Understanding the Full Scope of Your Losses

After a crash, many people focus only on their immediate medical bills or the cost of repairing their vehicle. While those expenses matter, they may be just part of the bigger picture. Car accidents often lead to other financial and personal losses that are easy to overlook in the early days, such as:

• Ongoing medical treatments, physical therapy, or rehabilitation.
• Reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to the same job or work the same hours.
• Long-term pain, emotional distress, or diminished quality of life.
• Out-of-pocket expenses for travel to medical appointments or help with daily activities.

Recognizing these broader impacts is important when pursuing a Pennsylvania car accident claim. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you identify and document every category of loss so you are not left covering costs the other driver should be responsible for.

Injured in a Car Crash in Northeast Philadelphia or Bucks County? We’re Here to Help

You do not have to face the aftermath of a serious car crash on your own. The Law Offices of Cohen & Riechelson is here to listen, explain your rights under Pennsylvania law, and provide the guidance you need to move forward.

Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free, confidential consultation. We proudly represent clients in Northeast Philadelphia, Bensalem, Levittown, Bristol, Langhorne, and surrounding Bucks County communities.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship with the Law Offices of Cohen & Riechelson. Every case is unique, and laws may change. For advice about your specific situation, please contact our office directly.