What to do After a Car Accident

Philadelphia, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Car accidents happen in a jarring flash that can leave you hurt, frightened and confused about what to do next. Following some simple steps in the aftermath of a car accident can help ensure you and any injured passengers have the foundation for a lawsuit should the accident be due to the negligence of another driver.

If you’ve been injured in a collision that was caused by another driver, one of the most important things you can do is contact the experienced car accident attorneys at Atlee Hall. We have decades of experience helping Pennsylvania car accident victims recover the financial compensation they need and deserve.

Assess Injuries and Contact Authorities

The health of you and your passengers should be of primary concern after a car accident. Immediately following a collision:

• Assess yourself and other vehicle occupants for injuries
• Contact police and let them know if emergency medical responders are necessary
• Allow medical personnel to evaluate your condition

Because the symptoms of many injuries do not manifest themselves instantly, it’s best to request medical attention following a car accident to check for potentially severe conditions such as traumatic brain injury.

Answering Police and Insurance Company Questions

Police are tasked with documenting the circumstances surrounding your car accident as accurately and objectively as possible. You should cooperate with police, answering their questions honestly and thoroughly. If you need to file a personal injury lawsuit related to your car accident, the police accident report can play a vital role in your claim.

Likewise, you should provide factual information to your insurance company. However, you should not admit fault to police, your insurance provider or the insurance companies representing other drivers involved in the accident.

Collect Car Accident Information

Record as much information as you can about the car accident and its circumstances, including:

• Names, contact details and insurance information for other drivers involved
• Names and contact information for any witnesses
• Vehicle make, model, license plate numbers and VIN numbers of cars involved
• General information about the conditions in which the information occurred

If possible, take photos or video of the resulting injuries and car damage. The more details you’re able to gather immediately following a car accident, the stronger your claim will likely be.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney

Do not make statements to insurance agents for other involved drivers or sign any insurance company documentation without first consulting a knowledgeable car accident attorney.

Insurance companies will attempt to minimize any payouts, and in car accident cases involving personal injury or wrongful death, it’s especially wise to have a qualified car accident lawyer on your side. The Pennsylvania accident lawyers at Atlee Hall understand insurance company procedures and have the resources to build a thorough case in an effort to maximize your compensation.

For more information about how a Pennsylvania car accident attorney may be able to help you, please see our Do I Need an Auto Accident Attorney? page.

If you were injured or a family member suffered wrongful death in a car accident, please contact the car accident attorneys at Atlee Hall for your free case consultation. We proudly serve clients in Lancaster, Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania.