Critical steps to take after an auto accident in Pennsylvania
After an auto accident, Pennsylvania drivers should take various steps to properly report the situation, document it and mitigate safety risks.
In 2014, motorists in Pennsylvania reported 121,317 car accidents, which caused over 79,000 injuries and claimed 1,195 lives. Alarmingly, this number of accidents represents one of the lowest figures reported in the state in the previous 50 years. This underscores the high risk of accidents that people in New Castle face whenever they get behind the wheel.
After an accident, it’s not uncommon for drivers, passengers or other road users to be shaken, distressed or confused. Not surprisingly, many accident victims don’t know what to do immediately after a crash, and they may even make decisions with harmful long-term impacts. To avoid this outcome, Pennsylvania drivers should familiarize themselves with the basic steps that they should take after experiencing anything from minor to severe motor vehicle accidents.
Ensure personal safety
Immediately after an accident, drivers should focus on protecting their safety and that of other road users. According to The Huffington Post, when possible, drivers should move their vehicles out of traffic and to a safe spot. Many people believe they shouldn’t do this because it disturbs evidence of the accident. However, avoiding further accidents that involve other vehicles should always be a first priority.
Next, drivers should check their personal condition and that of any passengers. Drivers should call 911 to report any serious injuries and secure immediate medical assistance for themselves or others.
Report the accident
After seeking medical attention, drivers should report the accident to the police and to their insurance providers. In Pennsylvania, drivers must make official police reports if the accident caused injuries or severe property damage. Even if this isn’t the case, filing a report can still be an important part of documenting the accident. Prompt reporting to insurance companies, meanwhile, ensures that any future claims aren’t denied on the basis of delayed reporting.
The Huffington Post notes that many people may consider making direct deals with other drivers to avoid reporting accidents and potentially paying higher insurance rates. This can be risky, however, after serious car accidents that caused severe injuries. Failing to report an accident can also backfire if the accident causes injuries that aren’t immediately apparent. By failing to involve authorities, drivers increase the risk that they will not receive needed compensation later.
Document the scene
Finally, drivers should preserve as much information about the accident as possible. Some of this information may eventually serve as evidence to support an insurance claim. The Huffington Post recommends that drivers take the following steps:
- Use a cell phone or other device to take photographs of the scene.
- Write down recollections of the accident while the memory is still fresh.
- Speak to any witnesses and take down their contact information.
Drivers should also collect identifying information for any other drivers and vehicles involved in the accident. This information includes the vehicle make, model and license plate number; the name, address and phone number of the other parties; and the insurance information of the other involved drivers.
Seek professional advice
If an accident has caused physical injuries, especially serious ones, victims should also consider speaking to an attorney about their rights and legal options. An attorney may be able to provide needed advice during the claim process or assist an accident victim during any disputes that arise.