What to do After a Car Accident

Doylestown PA Car Accident Injury Attorneys

In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, the last thing on your mind is the steps that you need to take to effectively advocate for yourself against an uncooperative insurance company. Exhausted, shaken, and injured, filing and resolving a claim against the driver or party who is at fault is not likely to enter your mind. Unfortunately, when the dust has settled, you may need to pursue a claim that becomes yet another battle to fight. However, if you are armed with the knowledge that you need at the outset, you are more likely to remember the ways in which to protect yourself in the moments, minutes, and days after a car accident.

The talented team of personal injury attorneys at Cohen and Riechelson have been advocating for injured car accident victims in Pennsylvania since the firm opened its doors over four decades ago. Our approach is simple: personalized service, proactive representation. With this in mind, we deploy our own early investigative teams to the site of the accident to gather evidence and begin constructing a compelling case on your behalf. Utilizing all of the knowledge, experience, and resources at our disposal, we are committed to securing the financial resources that our clients need to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitative care, necessary future accommodations, and the emotional hardships incurred as a result of an accident. Every member of our compassionate team will serve to guide, advise, and support you and your family through each phase of your case and recovery. For a cost-free case assessment from one of our highly skilled lawyers, contact our Bucks County offices today at 215-337-4915. Every question answered is a step in the right direction.

What to do After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania

Provided below is a practical guide to your best course of action following a car accident. With these critical steps, you can protect your interests and more effectively advocate for yourself when seeking compensation for your injuries.

Within Moments:

• Stop your vehicle. Even if the accident was relatively minor, it is in your best interests to stay at the scene. In fact, leaving the scene of an accident is a valid criminal or motor vehicle offense in Pennsylvania, the consequences of which can be severe for those found guilty.
• Contact the police. Law enforcement will conduct questioning and create a report that you may need to file a claim with your insurance company, even if the sole damage that resulted from the accident was to your vehicle. Obviously, as the accident becomes more severe and/or if someone was injured, police involvement and the subsequent report become increasingly integral to the successful resolution of your case.
• Evaluate whether you, your passenger/(s), or the occupants of the other vehicle have been injured and if so, immediately call emergency medical services (EMS).

Within Minutes:

• Photograph the scene of the accident, including your vehicle, your injuries, the current weather conditions, speed limit signage, skid marks on the road, damage to surrounding property, etc.
• Exchange information with the other driver. Make sure to obtain his or her name, address, telephone number, license plate number, driver’s license number, and auto insurance information.
• Obtain the names and contact information for any witnesses and/or passengers involved in the crash, as they may provide critical insight to your attorney during the latter phases of your case.
• Request the responding officer’s information, as well as the number associated with the police accident report.
• Seek medical attention. Even if you do not feel any pain or noticeable discomfort, the physiological effects of stress (i.e. adrenaline) may prevent you from fully experiencing the physical effects of an accident until a day or two passes. Also, closed head injuries, such as concussions, often present with no visible symptoms, but can be extraordinarily dangerous if left untreated.
• Perhaps most importantly, NEVER ADMIT FAULT.

Within Days:

• Consult with an attorney. Finding the answers to your questions and understanding all of your available options is the best way to ensure that your interests are thoroughly protected. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can serve as an indispensable asset when dealing with insurance companies, providing statements, and attending to a variety of issues that will be crucial to the successful resolution of your case.
• Review your insurance policy. If there are components that you do not understand, retain a list of questions for your insurance provider when reporting your claim.
• Report the accident to your insurance company. Do not provide a statement without first speaking with your attorney. Do not provide a hypothesis as to the cause of the accident, as the evidence obtained during the investigation will provide the necessary information to support your claim. Document the employee with whom you spoke, his or her job title, as well as his or her direct contact information.
• Retain all receipts related to the accident. Develop a file which contains all expenditures, including medical bills, car rentals, vehicle repairs, etc.
• Lastly, NEVER accept any settlement offers from an insurance company without first consulting with your attorney. Their assessments of damages are notoriously under-valued and you may receive less than you are entitled to.

Contact our Bucks County PA Car Accident Injury Lawyers for a Free Assessment

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident due to the negligence or reckless behavior of another driver, your time is limited, but your options are not. A seasoned team of personal injury attorneys can protect and aggressively advocate for your interests and position you to achieve the most desirable result. Contact the Bensalem offices of Cohen and Riechelson at (215) 337-4915 for a free, no-obligation consultation.