What to Do After a Minor Car Accident
If you are involved in a minor car accident and no one seems to be injured, you still need to take several steps to protect yourself.
- Call 911: You need the Lancaster Police Department to make an accident report to document what happened. Make sure the other driver gives the police officer their insurance information and contact numbers, or you should exchange that with them.
- Get Medical Treatment: Even if you don’t think you’re severely hurt, you need to see a doctor. Some injuries don’t show up for hours or days after a minor accident.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: You need to let your insurance company know what happened and see if your own policy will cover any of your losses.
- Call a Lancaster Car Accident Lawyer: Don’t make a statement to the insurance companies or accept any settlement offer for property damage or your injuries until you speak with a trusted attorney.
More serious car accidents require several other steps; however, these are the basic actions you can take after a crash.
Should I Call a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Lancaster?
In general, contacting a lawyer after a car accident is a good idea, especially in the following situations:
You Have Been Injured
If you’ve been injured, especially if they are serious or long-lasting, a lawyer can help ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The Fault Is Unclear
If determining who caused the accident is complex or disputed by the other driver’s insurance company, a lawyer can investigate the accident and fight for your rights.
Significant Property Damage
If the damage to your vehicle is extensive, a lawyer can ensure your insurance company reimburses you fairly for repairs or replacement.
You Need Help Dealing with the Insurance Company
If the insurance company is denying your claim, offering a low settlement, or pressuring you to settle quickly, a lawyer can represent you in negotiations.
What to Do After a Serious Car Accident
While the steps you take after a minor car accident are similar, there are some differences that are of the utmost importance.
Check for Injuries and Secure the Scene
Ensure everyone’s safety. If there are serious injuries, call 911 immediately. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location on the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic.
Call the Police
Pennsylvania law requires drivers involved in accidents with injuries or property damage to report the accident to the police. The police will file an accident report which will be helpful for insurance claims.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay, it’s important to see a doctor to get checked for potential injuries, especially those that might not be immediately apparent. This will create a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
Exchange Information with Other Parties
Exchange contact and insurance information with all other drivers involved in the accident. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance company details.
Document the Scene
If you’re able, take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, the other vehicles involved, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries.
Get Witness Contact Information
Obtain the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of anyone who witnessed the crash. They can help you determine liability at a later date.
Don’t Admit Fault
Avoid discussing fault or apologizing for the accident. This can be misconstrued later.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claims process.
Get Legal Advice from a Pennsylvania Car Accident Lawyer
If you have significant injuries or property damage, consult with an attorney who handles car accidents. They can advise you on your legal rights and options.
How to Deal with Insurance Companies After a Car Accident
When dealing with the insurance companies after an accident, you need to be prepared. Report the accident to them but be careful what you say. Consider asking a car accident lawyer from Atlee Hall to handle the stressful communication with the insurance companies instead.
Here are some key points to remember when dealing with insurance companies after a car accident:
- Gather Information: Collect details like names, contact information, and insurance details of everyone involved. Take pictures of the damage, scene, and any injuries (if possible).
- Review Your Policy: Understand your coverage and what steps your insurance company requires after an accident.
- Contact Your Insurance Company Promptly: Don’t delay in reporting the accident. They will guide you through the claims process.
- Stick to the Facts: Provide a clear and factual account of the accident but avoid admitting fault or offering unnecessary details.
- Beware Recorded Statements: Be aware that conversations with insurance adjusters might be recorded. Be truthful but limit what you say.
- Research Repair Costs: Get multiple repair estimates for your car to understand a fair compensation range.
- Review Settlement Offers Carefully: Don’t rush into accepting an initial offer. It might not cover all your damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering).
- Consider a Lawyer from Atlee Hall: For significant injuries, unclear fault, or difficulty with the insurance company, consulting a car accident lawyer is recommended.
Why Work with a Lancaster Car Accident Attorney?
An attorney can help you in many ways, especially by using their knowledge of Pennsylvania car accident laws to support your case. They can serve as a trusted person to guide you through the legal process.
- Understanding Your Legal Rights: Lawyers can explain the legal landscape surrounding car accidents in Pennsylvania and your options for pursuing compensation.
- Experienced Negotiation: Lawyers are skilled negotiators who can fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Handling Paperwork and Deadlines: Navigating insurance claims and legal procedures can be overwhelming. A lawyer can handle this for you.
Even if you aren’t sure if you need a lawyer, many personal injury attorneys like those at Atlee Hall offer free consultations. This allows you to discuss your case and get legal advice without any obligation.
Call Atlee Hall for Help After a Pennsylvania Car Accident
If you or a loved one was involved in a crash in or around Lancaster, PA, you need to reach out to a car accident lawyer at Atlee Hall right away. There are deadlines on when you must file a claim and requirements on how to file a lawsuit. Don’t let any delay stop you from getting the maximum compensation you deserve.
Call the car accident lawyers in Lancaster at Atlee Hall today. We will determine exactly what happened, help you develop a strong case, and negotiate with the insurance companies to get you full and fair compensation.
Call 717-393-9596 today or contact us for a free consultation.
Areas We Serve
Our car accident lawyers in Pennsylvania are based in Lancaster, but we take cases across the state as far west as Allegheny County.
Where Were You Injured?
- Lancaster County
- York County
- Dauphin County
- Adams County
- Columbia County
- Cumberland County
- Juniata County
- Lebanon County
- Luzerne County
- Lycoming County
- Mifflin County
- Montour County
- North Umberland County
- Perry County
- Schuylkill County
- Snyder County
- Union County
