What To Do After A Pennsylvania Car Accident

September 7, 2018

A car accident is a traumatic experience. In the moments during and after an accident, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and confused about how to handle the situation. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to file a claim.

This month, we would like to offer a brief review of the timeline for responding to a car accident.

Primary concerns when filing a claim

There are some things that should be handled quickly after an accident. DMV.org reminds drivers that it is deeply important to never leave the scene of an accident until released in accordance with state law. The first concern should be safety, both for yourself and others. If your vehicle can still be driven and is blocking traffic or otherwise in danger, move it to a safe location – but if it is safe to do so, take pictures of the scene first. Photographs taken at the scene may provide visual evidence of the damages and potential cause of the accident.

In Pennsylvania, drivers involved in accidents are required to provide certain information to each other. This includes the names, addresses, and license numbers of the drivers involved, as well as the license plate numbers of the vehicles and auto insurance policy information. You should also collect the contact information of any witnesses in case you need their testimony later.

If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is crucial that you notify law enforcement immediately, as required by state law.

Later steps you can take

You may be required to report the accident to PennDOT within five days if there was no police investigation or if there was any injury or death related to the accident. You should also report the incident to your insurance company as soon as possible; otherwise, they may deny your claim. However, keep your comments brief and stick to the facts of what happened.

You should also seek medical attention shortly after an accident, especially if you did not receive emergency care. Some symptoms of a car accident, such as pain, numbness, and dizziness, may take days to appear. Document any bruises, cuts, or other signs of an injury that appear on your body within a few days of an accident. Highly vulnerable individuals, such as children and pregnant women, should see a doctor immediately after an accident no matter how they feel at the scene.

If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident and were unable to identify the driver, you must have uninsured motorist coverage (UIM) in order to be compensated. This will cover the cost of your medical bills and lost wages while you recover.

Insurance companies are not always eager to pay out the money you will need for recovery, and drivers responsible for car accidents may seek to challenge their responsibility. When situations like these arise, it is important that you have someone on your side who knows how to handle the legal system as it affects you. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.