What to Do If You Are Injured in a Car Accident
Motor vehicle accidents happen in the blink of an eye. No matter how careful you are, you cannot control the actions of other dangerous drivers on the road. If you have suffered injuries as a result of someone else's careless or reckless driving, or other type of negligence, it is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible after the
accident. These are tips about what to do if you are injured in a car accident.
Stop your car. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime.
Obtain and exchange information with the other driver(s), including driver's license number, name, address, email, and phone number; car insurance information, including policy number, insurance agent, and insurance company's phone number; get contact information of witnesses and other passengers in the car.
Call the police and report the accident. Make sure to get the telephone number of the police station and if possible, an accident report number. Your insurance company will need this information. Only report the bare essentials of what happened. You may not be thinking properly and may say something that can be used against you when it comes time to pay for medical bills and other damages.
Do not talk to anyone else about the accident, especially the other driver's insurance company until you are certain of your rights. If you believe that the accident was not your fault, speak with an attorney about your rights and how to proceed with a
personal injury claim to obtain compensation for damages and injuries.
Seek Medical Attention Even If You Think You're Okay
Even if you believe your injuries are minor, you need to document where you are hurt with a medical professional. Sometimes, after an accident, a person may be in shock and they can not even feel where they have been seriously injured. Instead of going to the hospital, they go home. Bruises that seem like nothing can turn out to be serious injuries.
If you were knocked unconscious but nothing hurts except the slight bump you have on your head, it may seem like everything is fine. However,
traumatic brain injury (TBI) is, essentially invisible. You may not see the signs of it for days or weeks after the initial injury. It is wiser to let doctors decide whether you need an MRI, catscan, or overnight stay in the hospital.
Protect Yourself and the Scene -- Take Photos of Injuries and Damage
In addition to seeing a medical professional and documenting all injuries, it is important to have someone take pictures of all of your injuries. In addition, take pictures of the accident site, all vehicles involved in the accident, and the damage to the car, including the car's interior damage. Later, if there is a legal basis for you to seek compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, damages, and pain and suffering, these photos will all be used in your behalf.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
If you have suffered serious injuries in a car crash caused by someone else and are uncertain how to protect your rights, we can help. At
Metzger & Kleiner, in the Philadelphia metro area and Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, we have been helping people obtain the compensation they need to recover from serious injuries caused by another since 1967.
To set up a free initial consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney, please call
215 622-2210 in Philadelphia, or
610 563-2186 in the Lehigh Valley, or try us toll-free at
800 228-1760. You may also contact us online and we will respond promptly.