What Should You Do if You Are Involved in a Car Accident in Philadelphia? Step-By-Step Instructions for Victims

Experiencing a car accident can be quite upsetting and stressful, particularly in a busy city like Philadelphia. It’s important to understand your legal rights and the precautions you should take to protect your physical safety and legal rights. Knowing what to do immediately after an accident can have a significant impact on your speedy recovery, minimizing trauma after a car accident, and determining any necessary legal action. 

Below, we’ll walk you through the key steps to take in this article if you find yourself in a similar circumstance, making sure your rights are upheld, and you can make informed decisions.

1. Ensure Safety and Call for Help

The priority after any car accident is ensuring the safety of everyone involved. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location to avoid further accidents, but never flee the scene. Check for injuries among all parties then immediately call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. Even if injuries seem minor, getting a medical evaluation is imperative, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. 

2. File a Police Report

In Philadelphia, any accident resulting in injuries, death, or significant property damage must be reported. No matter how serious the accident was, calling the police is a necessary step. You should provide the responding officer with accurate and truthful details of the incident, however, never admit fault. 

A report from the police essentially gives an official record of the accident, including the essential 5Ws and 1H, which are important for insurance claims and possible legal action. You or your attorney can obtain a copy of the report.

3. Consult with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

After taking initial steps to ensure safety and your claim, it’s prudent to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer in Philadelphia. With their accident legal help, your rights can be evaluated, your claim’s worth can be determined, and you will be guided through the often complex legal process that follows a car accident. Your attorney will manage your claim, including documentation and correspondence with the insurance companies, in order to secure just compensation for your damages and injuries.

4. Notify Your Insurance Company

Should you sustain a personal injury in Philly, your lawyer will promptly notify your insurance company about the accident. They will provide full details of the incident and willingly cooperate during their investigation. While you can make an insurance claim on your own, missteps during these conversations can put your claim at risk, including accidental admissions of fault. Timely notice is crucial in order to not jeopardize your coverage.

5. Document and Preserve Evidence

For the sake of defending your legal rights, the accident should be thoroughly documented. Take photos of the collision to document the condition of the road, the vehicle’s damage, and any visible injuries. Make detailed notes of everything that happened before and after the accident along with the contact details of any witnesses. You will also want to provide your lawyer with all other relevant evidence, such as invoices for repairs, letters from insurance companies, and medical records. This proof will be crucial to supporting your claims and building your case if you ever need to file a lawsuit.

Being involved in a car accident takes a toll not only on someone’s physical state but also emotionally, psychologically, and financially. One of the best ways to reduce the stress and potential trauma following an accident is to have an experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Philadelphia by your side.