What to do if you’re in a car accident in Norristown

If you’re in a car accident in Norristown, follow these steps:

• Pull over to the side of the road and make sure everyone in your car is okay.
• Call 9-1-1 and law enforcement, especially if someone is injured or your car has sustained substantial damage.
• Exchange contact information with the other driver and witnesses.
• Take photographs or videos of the scene.
• Consider hiring an auto accident lawyer.

Each of these steps will help ensure your health and safety. They will also serve as a solid foundation for when you file your personal injury case against the other party.

A closer look into what to do following a car crash in Norristown

The immediate aftermath of a car accident can be shocking and confusing. However, you can do things to make it less stressful in the long run. Within moments or days after the car accident, we recommend you:

• Secure the car accident scene and ensure everyone’s safety

If you can, pull over to the side of the road. If you’re stopped in the middle of the street, you may block traffic and risk getting hit again. Also, make sure everyone in your car is okay. If someone is injured, render first aid until the authorities arrive.

• Call 9-1-1 and law enforcement

If anyone is hurt or there is substantial property damage, call an ambulance. They will treat your and your passengers’ injuries and take you to the hospital for further care. 

Also, contact law enforcement. Once the police officer arrives, they will write up a report that dictates their understanding of the accident. You can pick up the report at Norristown Town Hall and pay $15 for a copy.

• Get the other driver’s and witnesses’ contact information

Write their names and numbers down if witnesses stuck around after the crash. Their testimony can be a great asset to your case.

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, too. Don’t apologize or try making conversation. The insurer could interpret any statements you make as admitting fault, which could hurt when you’re negotiating a settlement.

It’s also easy to feel emotional after a car accident and start pointing fingers or assign blame. Please refrain from making assumptions and try to keep as calm as possible.

• Document the car accident scene

If you can do so, take pictures or record a video of:

• Your vehicle
• Your visible injuries
• The road conditions
• The car accident scene

We also urge you to write down as many details as you can remember about the car accident. Consider answering questions like:

• What were you doing leading up to the crash?
• Where did you feel the most impact?
• How did everyone in your vehicle react?
• What did the other driver do?

Your personal account of the crash will work as the foundation of your case.

• Consider getting an auto accident lawyer in Norristown to represent you

When you’re trying to heal from your injuries, the last thing you want to think about is working out a car accident case. So, consider enlisting the services of a personal injury lawyer. They will:

• Gather and assess evidence
• Talk to witnesses to get their account of the car accident
• Interview your medical team to better understand your injuries and prognosis
• Order the car accident report
• Evaluate your economic and non-economic damages
• Determine who is liable for the car accident
• Handle all communication with the other parties and their representation
• Review settlement offers and negotiate a figure with the other party’s insurer
• Take your case before a jury if they cannot reach a settlement

Personal injury lawyers typically offer their help on a contingency-fee basis. That means they will take your case at no upfront or out-of-pocket cost. Instead, they will take a percentage of your total settlements or winnings at the end of your case. 

You would not owe your contingency-based lawyer until they win your case. This payment structure would help ease the financial strain you and your family endure after a car accident.

• You should get started on building your car accident case sooner rather than later

If you want to take legal action after a car accident, get started now. Pennsylvania enforces strict time limits to those bringing a personal injury lawsuit against another party. According to P.a. C.S.A. § 5524, the state usually places a two-year time limit on personal injury lawsuits.

Don’t wait to get started, as you may risk missing the deadline. In that case, you would forfeit your eligibility for damages. If you hire a car accident lawyer in Norristown soon enough, they could help you get all your paperwork in for a lawsuit before the deadline expires.

• Connect with Cordisco & Saile LLC today after a car accident in Norristown

If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident in Norristown, our team could give you more information about what to do. When you choose to partner with one of our lawyers, you can rely on us to take on every aspect of your case while you focus on getting better.

Reach out to Cordisco & Saile LLC for a free consultation today. Our number is (215) 642-2335.