After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania

An auto accident in Pennsylvania can be extremely traumatic not only physically, but also emotionally. Our immediate reaction when we become involved in an auto accident is fear or anger. A lot of times, we get upset. However, there are some important steps to take as soon as you get into an accident:

Stop immediately: Pennsylvania law says you must stop right way, whether the accident involves a pedestrian, a moving vehicle or a parked vehicle. You must stop whether or not the auto accident was your fault. If you drive away, you can be charged with a hit-and-run, for which the penalties can be rather severe.

Injuries: Make sure you and the other people involved in the accident are OK. If there are injuries and you are in a position to call 911, please do so immediately so help can arrive as soon as possible. Also move your vehicle away from passing traffic onto the side of the roadway, if you are able to do so safely.

Gathering information: The information you gather at the accident scene is vital. If you are not seriously injured and are in a position to gather this information, you should absolutely do that. You should write down:

• The other driver's name, address, date of birth, telephone number, driver's license number and expiry date and insurance company.
• The other car's make, year, model, license place number and expiration date and vehicle identification number (VIN)
• The names, addresses, telephone numbers and insurance companies of the other car's legal and registered owners - if the driver does not own the car.
• Similar information from any passengers in the other car.
• Numbers, addresses and phone numbers for any witnesses to the accident. If possible, ask them if they would stay to talk to police.
• The name and badge number of the responding law enforcement officer. Also, make sure and ask the officer when and where you can get the copy of the accident report.
• A sample diagram of the accident. Try and draw the positions of both vehicles before, during and after the accident.
• If you have a camera, you should definitely take pictures of the accident scene, other drivers and vehicle occupants.

Admitting fault: Do not do this. You may think initially that you are in the wrong and later learn that the accident was not your fault in the first place. Do not jump to conclusions. There could be hidden causes to any auto accident, including recalled defective auto parts or dangerous roads or hazardous intersections. Do not sign any papers without talking to your insurance agent, or lawyer or both. Remember that anything you say to the police or to the other driver can be used against you later.

Reporting the accident: You may need to call the local police agency to report the accident. You should also report it to your insurance company. You may also need to report the accident to the department of motor vehicles in your area depending on the extent of injuries and damages caused.

Compensation: If the other driver was at fault or negligent, you may be entitled to compensation for personal injury, vehicle damage and other expenses such as medical expenses or loss of wages. If you had your own insurance at the time of the accident, you may also be able to sue the other party for pain and suffering. You should make a claim with the other driver's insurance company. But if you are not satisfied with the compensation they offer, you may want to retain the services of an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney and file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and/or loss.

Need for a lawyer: Auto accident cases are extremely complex. In many cases, it is not easy to determine fault or negligence. If you have been seriously injured in a Pennsylvania auto accident, you need a skilled Philadelphia auto accident attorney who will fight for your rights and make sure that you get the compensation you rightfully deserve. A resourceful personal injury law firm will also be able to work with accident reconstruction experts to determine the facts of the case and identify the negligent parties.

If you have been seriously injured in an auto accident, please call Anapol Schwartz for a free and comprehensive consultation. For more than three decades, the Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at Anapol Schwartz have advocated zealously to ensure that those who are negligent are held accountable. Call us today to discuss your case.

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