Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Philadelphia

A car accident can leave you overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. The immediate aftermath of a collision is critical for your safety and health and for protecting your legal rights.

Knowing the steps to take after a car accident can make all the difference in how your physical and financial recovery unfolds.

At Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers, we understand the challenges’ accident victims face. Our experienced Philadelphia auto accident lawyers have advocated for clients in Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas for decades, offering honest advice and relentless representation.

If you are ready to speak to a personal injury lawyer about your accident, please contact us today.

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What Are the Steps After a Car Accident You Need to Take?

Accidents can be chaotic and disorienting, but following these steps to take after a car accident will help protect your health, rights, and ability to recover compensation.

Call 911

The first and most crucial step after an accident is to call 911, regardless of the collision’s severity. Emergency responders will assess injuries at the scene and provide immediate care.

Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to get checked out, as some injuries—like concussions or internal bleeding—may not present symptoms right away.

Police officers will arrive to control the scene, document the accident, and create an official police report. This report includes details about the collision, involved parties, and any potential citations issued, serving as a critical piece of evidence in both insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Gather Evidence

Evidence is the cornerstone of any successful accident claim. At the scene, if you are able, collect the following evidence to document the incident:

Photographs—use your phone to take pictures of the vehicles involved, license plates, damage to property, injuries, traffic signs, and any skid marks or debris;
Road conditions—document weather, lighting, and road conditions at the time of the accident; and
Location details—note the exact location of the accident, including street names and nearby landmarks.

This evidence is critical for proving what happened and countering any attempts by the other party or their insurance company to dispute your claim.

Get Contact Information of Other Parties Involved

After ensuring your safety, exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident, including their name, contact information, insurance information, and the vehicle’s make, model, and license plate number.

Witness Information

Eyewitness testimony can significantly corroborate your version of events. If there are bystanders who witnessed the accident, politely ask for their contact information, including their name, phone number, and email address.

Witnesses can provide an unbiased account of the collision, especially if the other party disputes your claim.

Don’t Admit Fault

It’s natural to want to apologize after an accident, but even saying “I’m sorry” could be interpreted as an admission of fault. Stick to the basic facts when speaking to other involved parties, and let your attorney handle discussions about liability.

Hire a Car Accident Attorney

Car accidents can quickly become complicated, especially when dealing with injuries, insurance claims, and potential legal disputes.

Hiring a skilled car accident attorney is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights and interests.

Philadelphia car accident attorneys will guide you through the legal process, handle communication with insurance companies, and work to ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.

Why Do I Need a Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney?

Even seemingly straightforward car accident cases can present legal challenges. Here’s why hiring a lawyer is essential.

Understanding Pennsylvania Personal Injury Laws

Pennsylvania’s personal injury laws are complex and challenging to interpret without a legal background.

An experienced Philadelphia car accident attorney knows these laws, how the courts operate, what evidence is required to prove your claim, and how to build a case that stands up to scrutiny. While you focus on recovering from your injuries, your lawyer will handle every aspect of the legal process.

Proving Liability in Pennsylvania

Proving liability is one of the most challenging aspects of a car accident claim. Pennsylvania operates under a modified comparative negligence system, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you are found partially at fault.

And if you are deemed 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any damages.

Insurance companies often exploit this rule, working hard to shift as much blame onto victims as possible to minimize or eliminate their financial liability.

Without a personal injury attorney, you risk being unfairly assigned a larger share of fault or denied any recovery. A seasoned lawyer knows these tactics and will fight to ensure you’re treated fairly.

Negotiations with Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident can be one of the process’s most frustrating and challenging parts. Insurance companies prioritize their financial bottom line over fairly compensating victims. Their primary goal is to minimize payouts.

One common strategy is offering a quick payout for less than you might deserve. Alternatively, insurance companies may deliberately drag out negotiations, creating delays that pressure you to settle or give up.

A seasoned Philadelphia car accident attorney is your advocate in this battle. Your attorney will negotiate aggressively on your behalf, ensuring the insurance company does not pressure you into accepting a lowball offer and that your rights are fully protected.

Meeting Deadlines

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident involves more than just medical recovery—it also requires meeting critical legal deadlines.

These deadlines can be complex, and missing them may jeopardize your ability to secure compensation, no matter how clear the evidence of fault might be.

For instance, Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could cost you your chance to recover compensation.

An experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer will adhere to these critical deadlines and others. Don’t let the legal clock run out—seek professional legal help to safeguard your future.

Contact Our Philadelphia Car Accident Attorneys Now

Taking the proper steps after an accident is essential for your recovery and protecting your legal rights. At Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers, we understand the challenges you’re dealing with and are here to provide the guidance and support you need.

With over 75 years of combined experience, our team has a proven track record of fighting for victims and their families, ensuring they receive the justice they deserve.