Being in a car accident in Abington, Pennsylvania, can be alarming. It is traumatic, and you can be injured or in shock. With emotions running high at the scene, you may struggle to think through all you need to do at the time of the accident.
Cordisco & Saile LLC understands that accidents can be traumatic. However, getting through the initial moments can sometimes be vital to getting the most out of your personal injury case if you have suffered injuries, damages, or significant losses.
You’ve Been in a Car Accident in Abington, PA: Here’s What to Do Next
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the U.S. averages about 6 million road accidents each year. With those numbers, you can expect that you might find yourself in a minor fender-bender or even a life-changing, serious accident at any time, even in Abington, Pennsylvania.
When you have initially been in an accident, it is hard to respond. Your adrenaline is pumping, and you may be unsure about what to do next. Being prepared and knowing how to deal with an accident is key to getting through the situation and making it manageable.
AARP (formerly called the American Association of Retired Persons) shares a helpful list of actions to follow if you are ever involved in an accident.
Check for Injuries and Any Dangers
Check to see if you or your passengers suffered physical injuries. Be alert to any dangers, such as flammable liquids like gasoline. Get everyone to safety as quickly as possible. Check on the safety of the other vehicle’s occupants and be sure they are safe, too.
Call Law Enforcement
Report the accident to your local law enforcement agency so that it can make a report. If you are not seriously injured, you should wait with your vehicle. If you have been badly hurt, you should accept any medical help offered.
Document the Accident Scene
You can use your cell phone to document the scene where the accident happened. Take photos. Concentrate on the points of impact. Take photos of the license plates of the other vehicles involved. Take as many photos as possible. This evidence will help when you must show evidence that supports your case for compensation.
Avoid Conversations
Exchange basic information with the other driver. Get the names of all passengers in the vehicles so that each driver is aware of who might have suffered injuries. Other than exchanging information, don’t have any conversation about the accident. You don’t want anything you said while emotional and in shock to be held against you later.
Call Your Insurance Company
Your insurance company will need to know that you have had a fender-bender in Abington. Call the insurer’s representative and report the accident as soon as you can. They can help you collect the information needed to process your insurance claim.
Get a Medical Assessment
See a doctor for a full medical assessment as soon as possible. You could feel OK after the accident but have major back and neck pain a week later. This is common among accident victims. Injuries from accidents can take time to show up.
Call a Personal Injury Attorney to Discuss the Accident
When you want to protect yourself and your family, consider calling a personal injury attorney. You don’t have time to delay. An attorney can map out your legal options and help you and your family pursue financial compensation for your injuries, losses, and more. It is time to get better.
Won’t My Auto Insurance Take Care of My Abington, PA, Accident?
Every motorist operating a vehicle on the road must have insurance. Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t make it easy to collect after having an accident. They also have lawyers on their side who understand that they will offer a settlement far less than what you deserve.
Insurance companies can use various tactics to avoid paying accident victims. It isn’t fair. You paid for coverage, you’ve been injured, and you have lost earnings and car repairs, and you expect to recover financial compensation. You don’t expect to have to bargain or wait.
Having an attorney on your team means you will have someone who understands the law and is in your corner. In addition, an attorney will negotiate and know about long-term losses you may not even be considering. For example, medical bills can go on for many years. Who will pay for the ongoing appointments?
What Information Should You Give Out at the Car Accident Scene in Abington, PA?
You need to exchange information with the drivers of the vehicles involved in the accident at the scene. You may be wondering, “What information should I share with them?”
You are right to be concerned. Here is a list of the appropriate information to exchange. In addition, the drivers should give other drivers and any person that has an injury or any property damage the following information.
It Would Help if You Gave Out:
- Your full name
- Identity of the car owner (if someone else owns the car you are driving)
- Your mailing address
- Your registration information
- Your license plate number
You Do Not Need to Share:
- Your date of birth
- Your driver’s license number
- Your Social Security number
- Your phone number
Things to Remember at the Abington, PA, Car Accident Scene
A lot can rush through your mind at the crash scene. Above all, stay calm. Don’t get pulled into any drama or altercation by the other driver. You should help anyone at the location that you can until paramedics arrive. Other than exchanging information, it would help if you did not have any further discussion about the accident at all. Do not answer any questions at the site.
Also, remember that some injuries take time to become apparent. The rush of adrenaline is common after crashes happen, but it can mask some injuries. If the paramedics offer to examine you, do not turn them down. Always accept medical help. Get a thorough medical assessment as soon as possible. Sometimes when you are in shock or are worried about a loved one, you don’t consider your injuries. It is not the time to put on a brave face.
Next Steps in Getting Through the Abington Car Accident
If you observe the steps above, you could have an easier time dealing with the insurance companies about the accident. You also may help your case as you seek compensation for any damages, injuries, or other losses from the liable party.
You can get a no-obligation review of your case with a car accident lawyer at Cordisco & Saile LLC. Call us today at (215) 642-2335. We take auto accident cases on a contingency basis, so the only thing you need to be concerned about is getting better. Working with our injury lawyers in Abington can take out the stress and help you get on your feet and back to your life.
