Car accidents are no joke. Any damages can be difficult to receive compensation for if you don’t know what to do and take action fast. If you urgently need information or want to prepare for the future, here’s what to do if you’re in a car accident in Pennsylvania and suffer an injury.
Stop Your Car and Return to the Scene
The first thing you should do after a car accident in Pennsylvania is to stay at the location where the collision occurred. Keep in mind that there are other cars on the road, so if you are able, move the vehicle to a safe area out of the way of passing vehicles. If your car is inoperable, make sure to exit the vehicle, move to a safe location, and wait until further help arrives.
Call for Help
Next, it’s important to call 911 so that you or anyone else injured during the crash can receive medical treatment. Even if you don’t want to call the police, you’ll still have to contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and report the accident within five days if there are any severe injuries.
Police reports can play a pivotal role in helping file a claim, so contacting the local authorities is the best course of action. Additionally, the police will be able to secure the accident scene and make the area safer for everyone.
Gather Evidence
Ask the other drivers and passengers involved in the accident or who witnessed it for their phone numbers and license plates. A witness statement can be a game-changer in court that can turn the tides in favor of your claim.
Also, take out your cell phone and start taking pictures of the scene of the accident. By capturing multiple angles of where the crash took place, you can paint a much clearer picture of the incident. Make sure to include details like how the cars were damaged, signs that indicate where the accident occurred, and the current weather conditions.
Get Medical Treatment
After a car accident in Pennsylvania or any location for that matter, you should always seek medical treatment from a professional. Even if you don’t feel in serious pain after the crash, there’s a possibility you have internal damage. Some injuries may not show symptoms until several days after the accident. By visiting a medical center for care, you can ensure that no health problems have been left unchecked.
Obtain Records of Damage and Losses
Going to the doctor after a car crash will benefit more than just your personal health. Receiving medical records of your various injuries will help provide proof of how the accident harmed you, and it makes the claim more legitimate as well.
That’s not all the evidence you should collect. Gather proof of any expenses caused by accident, such as medical bills or lost wages from work. It’s a good idea to take your car to a local auto expert after the crash so you can compile a complete and detailed list of what damages occurred to the vehicle.
Talk to an Experienced Attorney
Lastly, it’s in your best interest to find a capable lawyer to help with the claim. They’ll know what to do if you’re in a car accident in Pennsylvania so that you don’t make any statements or agreements with insurance agents or the police that can lower your chances of getting compensation.
If you were in a car accident in Pennsylvania and need legal assistance, reach out to Kozloff Stoudt Attorneys. Our car accident attorneys in Pennsylvania will fight for your right to compensation. Additionally, you can contact our firm if you need a lawyer for a motorcycle accident and other kinds of personal injury claims. Call Kozloff Stoudt today and tell us your story.