5 Things You Should Do After A Car Accident

Number One: Seek Medical Attention If You Are Injured

Above all, your well being is the most important thing here. If you are injured, insist that an ambulance is called immediately. If you cannot dial 911, have someone else at the scene do it for you. Often, people will not feel the affects of an injury until hours or even days after an accident. This is not uncommon, as our body uses this defense mechanism to cope with traumatic events. You should seek medical attention as soon as you notice any injuries.

Number Two: Exchange Information

Be sure to get the other driver's name, phone number, license number, license plate, and insurance company from them. If possible, get their insurance policy number, email address, and street address.

Number Three: Get the Facts, Gather Witnesses

Write down the date, time, location, & situation surrounding the accident scene. Take photos of both vehicles, the other driver's license plate, and the rest of the area. Describe the scene, including weather conditions, road hazards, or any other items of interest that are pertinent to the accident.

Hopefully, there will be someone else around who saw the car accident. Obtain the names, addresses and telephone numbers of any potential witnesses. The only way to ensure you are compensated for your injuries is to prove that you were not at fault, witnesses will greatly improve the chances of proving your case.

Number Four: File a Police Report & Insurance Claim

Get the responding officer's name and badge number. Get the case number from him/her. Call your insurance company immediately and get a claim number from your agent or representative.

Number Five: Contact a Proven Car Accident Attorney

When you're in a car accident, it’s you against the insurance company. Without professional representation how are you going to get what you deserve? Do not accept any settlement offers from any insurance company (yours or the other driver's) before talking to an experienced car accident attorney. Insurance companies will present an offer that is in their best interests, not yours.

If you cannot come to our offices, we will come to you. We will visit your home, hospital room, or any other place that you prefer to meet. We are dedicated to providing you with the personal attention you deserve because you are entitled to the justice you deserve.

The Top 5 Questions After A Car Accident

Who Pays For The Damage To My Car?

If the car accident was caused by the fault of the other driver, generally, the other driver's insurance company will be responsible for paying for the damage to your car.

Who Pays For My Medical Bills?

Pennsylvania and most states have no-fault insurance. This means that it does not matter who is at fault for the payment of medical bills. Your own insurance company pays for the medical bills up to your policy limits. When you go beyond your limit, your own health care provider is responsible for payment. If you do not have health insurance, there are different rules that apply depending on various factors. The negligent party does not pay your bills. This is a common misconception.This is why you need to report the crash to your insurance carrier and also to discuss the case with an experienced car accident attorney.

What if I Am Hurt As A Result Of A Car Accident?

If you were hurt as a result of the car accident, it is very important for you to go to the emergency room or your family doctor immediately. This provides documentation of your injuries and it prevents the insurance company from saying that you were not hurt.

What If The Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance? Will Uninsured Motorist Coverage Cover It?

We can proceed with your claim against your insurance company using uninsured motorist coverage ONLY if you have purchased that coverage. This is optional coverage and while everyone should purchase it, not everyone does. There are also other factors involved depending on whose car you occupy. Again, this is why one needs to contact an experienced car accident attorney. Remember, even if you have uninsured motorist coverage, all insurance companies will want to pay you as little as possible.

If there is no uninsured motorist coverage and the negligent party has no insurance then there will be no recovery. Similarly, if the negligent party has minimum coverage (Pennsylvania only requires $15,000 in coverage to be legal), then it is important to have underinsurance coverage on your policy. Finally, if you have more than one motor vehicle, including motorcycles, then you should also choose to “stack” your uninsured and underinsurance coverages on all of your vehicles.

What If I Can't Afford To Pay For Attorney Fees?

Don't worry. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement that you eventually receive. There will be NO money taken out of your pocket an no retainer fees. We get paid only if you get paid.

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