A crash on the Schuylkill or a fender-bender on Broad Street leaves most people shaken and unsure what to do next. The steps you take in the first few hours and days protect both your health and your claim.
At the scene
1. Check for injuries and call 911
Safety comes first. Move out of traffic if you can, check on everyone involved and call 911. A police report creates an official record of the crash.
2. Collect information from everyone involved
Get the driver's license, insurance and contact information for every driver, plus license plate numbers. If anyone saw the crash, ask for a name and phone number.
3. Photograph the scene
Take pictures of the vehicles, the damage, the road, traffic signals, skid marks and any visible injuries. Photos taken in the first few minutes often become the most useful evidence in the case.
In the hours and days after
4. Get medical attention right away
See a doctor even if you feel fine. Concussions, whiplash and other injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days, and a prompt medical record connects your injuries to the crash.
5. Be careful with insurance companies
Report the crash to your own insurer. If the other driver's insurance company calls, you are generally not required to give a recorded statement, and it is usually better not to before you get legal advice.
6. Find your insurance paperwork
Pennsylvania drivers choose between limited tort and full tort coverage, and that choice can affect what you may recover. Our Philadelphia car accident page explains the difference in plain English.
Mistakes to avoid
- Apologizing or admitting fault at the scene
- Skipping medical care or missing follow-up appointments
- Posting about the crash on social media
- Accepting a quick settlement before you know the extent of your injuries
- Waiting too long. Deadlines apply to injury claims in Pennsylvania.
Call Patterson Injury Lawyers
Once you are safe and have seen a doctor, call us. We are available 24/7, the consultation is free and there are no upfront fees. If a commercial vehicle was involved, read our page on truck accidents, because the evidence in those cases needs to be preserved quickly. You can also find quick answers on our FAQ page.
Every case is different. This page is general information, not legal advice.