If you or your loved ones suffer injuries in a car accident, the steps you take at the scene can play a crucial role in your ability to collect an accident settlement. Preparing with your family for a potential accident is the best way to ensure the ideal result from your case.
This car accident scene checklist is your go-to resource after a car crash.
Remove Yourself and Your Vehicle from Danger
The first step in your car accident scene checklist is to prevent further damage. If you can, remove your vehicle from the road and park safely away from traffic.
Once parked, Exit the Vehicle and Check for Injuries
When it’s safe to do so and if you feel able, exit the vehicle and check yourself and your passengers for pain and potential injuries. Once you’ve confirmed an injury, call 911 if the police are not on the scene. Give the 911 operator a description of your location. the accident scene, and a basic overview of the injuries.
Begin Collecting Evidence
The evidence you collect at the accident scene will be invaluable in proving your case for an injury settlement. Try to collect the following evidence:
- Photos of road conditions
- Photos of the damage to all vehicles involved
- Photos of the license plates of the cars involved
- Photos of your injuries and passenger injuries
- Written or video statements from witnesses
- Photos of the other driver’s insurance details
Confirm the Next Step with the Police
Your statement to the police and the police report will form crucial elements as part of your potential car accident settlement. Provide factual information with details about the accident and your role in it. Confirm with the police before leaving the scene of the accident.
Visit the Emergency Room or an Urgent Care Clinic
Even if you or your fellow passengers are not experiencing pain or discomfort after your car accident, visit a local medical clinic or emergency room as soon as possible. Once your adrenaline levels drop and your nervous system recalibrates, you may experience aches and pains that confirm an injury. Proactive analysis from a doctor can help you treat injuries before they become worse.
Your doctor will take x-rays and complete a physical exam, providing you with further documentation for your car accident case file. Our recent post on pains after a car accident explains the damaging impact of treatment delays.
Confirm the Accident with Your Insurance Company
Your insurance company cannot help pay for your accident injury care or vehicle damages until they have a report and investigate the collision. Start by reporting the accident to the insurance company.
Limited Tort Versus Full Tort Policies
As a no-fault insurance state, Pennsylvania offers two different policy styles from which drivers may select. The choice of limited or full tort insurance can impact the damages you can recover with your car accident claim.
Full tort insurance policies:
- Provide unlimited coverage for medical care compensation when another driver causes an accident
- Allow you to seek compensation for pain and suffering, as well as monetary damages
- Have a higher premium cost than limited tort
Limited tort insurance policies:
- Don’t cover pain and suffering damages
- May limit your medical coverage options to a specific amount under the policy
- Have a lower monthly cost than full tort
Call a Local Car Accident Lawyer
Once you have spoken with your insurance company and completed an accident report, take the time to analyze your legal options with a car accident lawyer. The lawyer can help you decide, for example, how to communicate with your employer about your injuries and how to navigate follow-up steps with your insurance company or the other party’s insurance providers.
This free consultation with a car accident lawyer is often vital in helping accident victims prevent mistakes that might otherwise cost them tens of thousands of dollars in settlement value.
Explore Your Next Step After an Accident with Philadelphia Auto Accident Lawyer Jeffrey Penneys
Jeffrey Penneys has won millions of dollars in car accident settlements for Pennsylvania accident victims over his 25+ years within the legal industry. His knowledge of tort insurance and auto accident law and his sensitive, calm communication style have helped him achieve a 5-star rating from clients state-wide.
Don’t delay your call to a legal professional after an auto accident. Book your free, no-obligation car accident case review with Jeffrey Penneys!