Things You Need To Do If You've Been In A Crash

Essential Steps After a Car Crash: Comprehensive Guidance from a Pennsylvania Personal Injury Attorney

Experiencing a car crash can be a traumatic event, but knowing which immediate steps you should take can have a big impact on both your safety and on your ability to seek compensation for your injuries. This guide provides advice on what to do following a car crash in Pennsylvania.

Immediate Actions After a Car Crash

1. Safety First: The safety of everyone involved in the crash should be your utmost priority. Immediately following the crash:

   • Call Emergency Services: Dial 911 to report the crash and request medical assistance if anyone is injured. Pennsylvania law requires drivers to report crashes to law enforcement if they involve injury, death, or damage to any vehicle involved to the extent that it cannot be driven under its own power in its customary manner without further damage or hazard to the vehicle, other traffic elements, or the roadway, and therefore requires towing.

   • Assess Your Condition: Check yourself and others for injuries. If you are injured and unable to move safely, wait for emergency responders to arrive. Moving unnecessarily can worsen injuries, especially spinal injuries.

   • Secure the Scene: If possible and safe to do so, move vehicles out of traffic to prevent further crashes. Set up warning signals such as hazard lights or cones to alert other drivers of the crash scene.

   
   

2. Document the Crash: Gathering information and documenting the crash scene is crucial for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings:

   • Take Photographs: Use your smartphone or camera to capture images of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. These photographs serve as valuable evidence to support your version of events.

   • Exchange Information: Get contact details, driver's license numbers, insurance information, and vehicle registration numbers from all parties involved in the crash. Also, get the contact information of any witnesses who can provide statements about what they saw.

     
     

3. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel uninjured immediately after the crash, it's still advisable to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not manifest symptoms until hours or days later.

Legal Considerations and Assistance

Understanding your legal rights and options following a car crash is essential to protect your interests and to pursue compensation for damages:

• Pennsylvania's Comparative Negligence Rule: Pennsylvania follows what’s called a “comparative negligence rule.” That means any compensation you receive may be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the crash. Seeking legal counsel can help reduce liability issues and maximize your compensation.

• Statute of Limitations: In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to meet this deadline, it means you might lose your right to seek just compensation.

How Hourigan, Kluger and Quinn Can Help

At Hourigan, Kluger and Quinn, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is dedicated to advocating for individuals injured in car crashes. We offer comprehensive legal services tailored to your specific needs, including:

• Case Evaluation: Thorough review of crash reports, medical records, and insurance policies to assess liability and potential damages.

• Negotiation and Litigation: Skilled negotiation with insurance companies to secure fair settlements covering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We are prepared to take your case to court if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached.

Contact Our Legal Team Today

If you have been injured in a car crash and need legal help, don't hesitate to contact us for a consultation. Our attorneys at Hourigan, Kluger and Quinn provide compassionate support and personalized representation to make sure your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

For more information on our legal services or to schedule a consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys, please call us at 570-287-3000 or visit us online at HKQLaw.com.

Conclusion

Navigating the aftermath of a car crash can be overwhelming, but taking prompt and informed actions can make a big difference in any compensation you receive. By following the steps outlined in this guide and seeking help from the knowledgeable team at Hourigan, Kluger and Quinn, you can confidently pursue the compensation you deserve and focus on your path to recovery.