Important Steps to Take After an Accident

Accidents can happen unexpectedly, and the aftermath can often be overwhelming. Whether it's a car crash, slip and fall, or workplace injury, knowing the right steps to take immediately after an accident is crucial to protecting your legal rights and setting the stage for a successful personal injury claim. 

At Rapa Law Office, P.C. in Allentown, Pennsylvania, we understand that each accident is unique, but there are general actions that anyone involved in an accident in Pennsylvania should take. These actions can have a profound impact on the outcome of your personal injury case.

Here, we’ll discuss the essential steps you should take following an accident. We’ll focus on the legal considerations under Pennsylvania law and how these steps can help confirm that your personal injury claim is as strong as possible.

Prioritize Your Health and Safety

The first and most important thing you need to do after an accident is to confirm your health and safety, and that of those around you. In the aftermath of an accident, people are often shaken and may not immediately realize the extent of their injuries. However, even if you feel fine, it's crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

In Pennsylvania, as with any state, personal injury claims often hinge on having medical records to document your injuries. This documentation provides a clear picture of the injuries sustained, their severity, and how they’re linked to the accident. 

Even if you feel minor discomfort, you should still visit a doctor, as some injuries, such as soft tissue damage or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent.

Furthermore, seeking medical attention immediately establishes a direct connection between the accident and your injuries, which can be vital in a personal injury claim.

Contact Law Enforcement

In Pennsylvania, reporting an accident to law enforcement isn’t just important—it’s required in certain situations. For instance, if the accident involves significant property damage, injuries, or fatalities, you’re legally obligated to report it to the police. 

Having a police report is a critical element of any personal injury case, as it provides an official record of the incident, including who was involved, the circumstances of the accident, and, in some cases, who was at fault.

If law enforcement doesn’t respond to the scene, you should still contact them, file a report, and obtain a copy of the incident report. This report can serve as an important piece of evidence in your personal injury claim. It can provide details that will be useful in establishing liability, determining fault, and supporting your case.

Collect Evidence at the Scene

The moments immediately following an accident can be chaotic. However, if you’re physically able to do so, collecting evidence at the scene of the accident can significantly strengthen your personal injury case. Documenting as much as possible will help substantiate your claims later on.

You should gather the following evidence, if applicable:

• Photographs or videos: Take pictures of the scene, your injuries, any damage to property, and anything else that might help illustrate what happened. Capture any visible signs of negligence, such as poor road conditions, broken signage, or other hazardous conditions that may have contributed to the accident.

• Witness statements: If there are any witnesses present, ask for their contact information and a brief statement of what they saw. Witness testimony can be incredibly powerful in helping establish fault and proving your case.

• Accident details: Write down everything you can remember about the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind. This includes the time, location, weather conditions, and how the accident occurred. The more details you have, the better your chances of having a strong personal injury case.

• Driver information: If the accident involves another party, gather their information as well. This includes their name, contact details, insurance information, and driver’s license number. If possible, also take note of the make, model, and license plate number of their vehicle.

In Pennsylvania, the more evidence you have, the better. This documentation can be used to support your claims and to counter any attempts by the other party or their insurance company to deny liability or minimize your injuries.

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Once you have taken care of your immediate needs, it’s important to report the accident to your insurance company. 

In Pennsylvania, which follows a "no-fault" system for car accidents, your own insurance may cover your medical expenses and other costs regardless of who was at fault. However, reporting the accident promptly is necessary to confirm that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to under your policy.

It's important to be cautious when speaking to your insurance company. They may try to downplay the severity of the accident or suggest that you accept a lower settlement offer than what you deserve. 

This is where having legal counsel can be crucial, as they can guide you in how to communicate with the insurance company to avoid unintentionally jeopardizing your case.

Don’t Admit Fault

After an accident, it can be easy to feel guilty or to apologize, especially if you believe that you may have caused the accident. 

However, it’s important to refrain from admitting fault or making any statements that could be used against you later. Even if you think you may have contributed to the incident, it’s better to leave the determination of fault to law enforcement and the legal system.

In personal injury cases, liability is often a key issue, and anything you say in the aftermath of the accident could be misinterpreted or used to challenge your claim. Stick to the facts and avoid making any statements that could be construed as an admission of guilt.

Keep Records of Your Medical Treatment and Expenses

In a personal injury case, medical records and expenses are vital to proving the extent of your injuries and the financial impact of the accident. As you receive medical treatment, keep detailed records of all appointments, prescriptions, treatments, and medical bills. 

Additionally, keep track of any other related expenses, such as transportation to medical appointments or modifications to your home due to injuries.

These records will help establish the financial damages you have incurred due to the accident and provide the necessary documentation to support your claim. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident.

Be Cautious of Early Settlement Offers

In some cases, insurance companies may approach you early in the process with a settlement offer. While it may seem tempting to accept a quick resolution to your case, it’s important to be cautious. 

Insurance companies often offer settlements that are far less than what you truly deserve. This is because they aim to minimize their own financial exposure.

Before accepting any settlement offer, consult with your attorney to fully understand the long-term implications. 

Sometimes, what seems like a fair offer may fall short of covering all your medical expenses, lost wages, and future costs. Having a lawyer on your side can help you determine whether a settlement offer is fair or whether you should pursue a larger amount through further negotiation or litigation.

Follow Your Doctor's Instructions

After the accident, it's critical that you follow all the instructions provided by your doctor or medical provider. 

This includes attending all medical appointments, undergoing necessary treatments, and adhering to prescribed medications. Not following through with your treatment can negatively impact both your health and your personal injury case.

Insurance companies often scrutinize medical records, and they may use any gaps in your treatment as an argument that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim. Additionally, your doctor’s testimony may play a key role in demonstrating the extent of your injuries and the ongoing impact they have on your life.

The Next Steps

At Rapa Law Office, P.C., we’re committed to helping individuals in Pennsylvania who have been injured due to accidents. We’re proud to serve Allentown, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding area including Lehighton, Palmerton, Jim Thorpe, Bethlehem, Walnutport, Northampton, and Slatington. Call today.