What to Do if You're Injured in a Car Accident in Philadelphia

Anyone can be in a car accident, but if you drive on a daily basis, your chances of experiencing some type of fender bender are high. Accidents can produce catastrophic results causing disabling and even fatal injuries. Accidents can also inflict tremendous destruction on one’s vehicle. Accidents happen every day, and they range in severity from minor to cataclysmic. If you have never been in a crash before, you may not know what to do first or where to start. There are certain things that should be done after any crash.

If you are wondering about your legal rights after a crash and if you can recover financial compensation for your damages, a Philadelphia car accident attorney at Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP, can help.

Steps to Take After a Philadelphia Car Accident

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 115,938 reportable crashes in 2022. This means that there were 318 reportable Pennsylvania car accidents that took place every day that year. After a car accident, taking these steps can help you if you decide to file a claim for compensation. 

1. Call the police. The police can assess the accident scene and write a report. In cases where it is not possible to call the police right away, still try to contact the police as soon as you can after your accident.
2. Most importantly, never leave an accident. Unless you are so badly injured that you must be taken away from the accident scene, you have to stay there and wait for law enforcement.
3. If you are able, check to see if anyone is injured. Check yourself too. If there are serious injuries, call emergency responders, who can immediately help.
4. Obtain the contact information of the other driver. This would include their name, address, and phone number, which are all critical to collect. 
5. Take a picture of the other car’s license plate or write their state and plate number down.
6. Take notes on all of the physical bodily harm you suffered. This includes the actual pain you feel and any physical injuries that you may have sustained. You can also take pictures of injuries where the damage is apparent.
7. While still at the accident scene, take your own pictures of your vehicle, the other vehicle, the conditions of the environment, the roadway if there are skid marks, and traffic signs and signals.
8. When the police arrive, do not speak too much. Provide your contact information, but you do not have to, nor should you, describe the accident and either accept or assign blame for it.
9. After the police and everyone involved leave the accident scene, call an attorney for guidance and support.

Speak to an Attorney at Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP Today

Motor vehicle accidents can be shocking, emotional, and traumatic. It may be hard to think about all the things that you should do. This list may be a useful resource for any driver involved in a crash.

Call Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP, today to speak with an experienced attorney at (215) 731-9900 after a crash.