Philadelphia Auto Accident Attorney

What Should I Do If I’m Involved in an Auto Accident?

While some causes of auto accidents make it easy to assign blame – for example, cases where a driver was rear-ended after stopping at a red traffic light -that is not always the case. An auto accident claim can quickly become complex, meaning it is strongly recommended that you instruct an experienced Philadelphia attorney to act on your behalf.

In the meantime, whatever the circumstances of your auto accident, this is what you should do in the immediate aftermath (providing, of course, that you are fit and able to do so):

• Car crash- Take photos of your vehicle, paying careful attention to any areas which have been damaged. This can work in your favor should the insurance companies involved try to claim that the damage existed before the auto accident
• Motorcycle crash- Think about your physical state, and take note of any injuries you notice. Bear in mind that the shock may mean you are not immediately aware of being injured. Regardless of how minor you think your injuries may be, ensure that they are all noted by the police. Again, this may help to prevent your case from being rejected by the insurance company
• Truck accident- Seek medical attention. As mentioned, the shock of the auto accident may mean you do not fully feel the pain of your injuries, but it is always wise to be examined by your doctor as soon as possible
• Bicycle accident- Take notes about the accident, writing down every little detail you can think of. While you may feel like you will never forget what just happened, you may be surprised by how much slips your mind even after a short period of time. By keeping a diary, you can rest assured that you are providing a clear and accurate account of the auto accident when speaking to your insurer, police, or your Philadelphia attorney
• Accidents involving pedestrians- Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries for the person struck, and the number one priority must be to seek medical care. If possible, a pedestrian accident victim can gather information and evidence at the scene of the crash, but that may not be feasible due to the injuries. Make sure that you know how to get a copy of the police report so that you can give this to your attorney and the insurance carriers.
• Multi-vehicle crashes- Accidents involving multiple vehicles can create problems when it comes to determining liability. That is why it is so crucial for those involved to gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. It is also crucial that victims in multi-vehicle accidents say nothing to any person that could come across as accepting blame for the incident. Gather evidence and eyewitness statements, and find out how to get a copy of the police report.
• Recreational vehicle and mass transit accidents- Accidents involving recreational or mass transit vehicles often result in severe injuries and extensive property damage. Because these incidents often involve companies or even government entities, it is essential for any injury victim to work with an attorney as soon as possible. These cases become immensely complex very quickly, and victims need somebody on their side with extensive resources.
• Hit-and-run accidents- Never try to chase down the driver who flees the scene of an accident. That is the job of the police. If you are injured in a hit-and-run accident, you need to follow the same steps as if this were any other type of accident. Seek medical care, gather evidence if you can, and report the incident to your insurance carrier. You will also want to check your insurance policy to see what type of insurance you carry (full-tort or limited tort), as this could affect how you receive compensation in these cases.