Stay Calm After An Accident

At Phillips, Phillips & Smith-Delach, P.C., we understand that a car, truck or motorcycle accident can be a frightening experience. A collision is typically followed by monetary concerns — lost wages, getting your car fixed, paying your medical bills. If the accident was caused by the negligence of another driver, you might be entitled to recover monetary compensation.

What Should I Do If I’m In An Accident?

Here are a few things that our Pennsylvania clients should remember after an accident:

  • Documentation: Even though it might not be the first thing on your mind, it is crucial that you document as much as possible while it’s fresh in your memory. Make notes about the time of day, weather conditions, road conditions and the vehicles involved. It will be easier to explain what happened to the police or your insurance company if you can consult your notes rather than rely on your memory hours, days or even weeks later. Additionally, take as many photos as possible. Whether you use your phone, a digital camera or a disposable camera you kept in your glove box, document everything. Take pictures of the damage to all vehicles, the other driver’s license plate and insurance card, the road conditions and everything you can.
  • Call the police: No matter the scope of your accident, it is wise to alert law enforcement. They will put together a police report using info that you’ve already collected.
  • Call your insurance company: With as much information as you can collect, call your insurance company to alert them that you were in an accident. Whether you were in a single vehicle accident or you were hit by another driver, you need to put your insurance company in the loop.
  • Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t feel that you’ve sustained any serious injuries, visiting a doctor or a hospital right away is a wise choice. The doctor can administer multiple tests to ensure that you are not suffering from head trauma or another condition that might not be readily apparent. In addition, you will now have medical records for your lawyer to reference should the need arise.
  • Don’t talk to the other driver’s insurance company: Often, the insurance company who represents the other driver will contact you in the days or even hours after an accident, asking you to give a recorded statement about how the accident happened. They will often claim that you are required to give them a recorded statement. You have no obligation to talk to them, and it can be harmful to your claim to do so.
  • Act quickly: In the days and weeks after a car accident, things happen quickly. Medical bills pile up quickly, time is missed from work, and insurance companies are contacting you constantly. Our attorneys have handled thousands of car accident cases and can help you wade through all of the questions and information. Call us as soon as you’re able after you’ve been injured in a car accident.

If you feel that the insurance company is undervaluing your claim or they have denied your claim altogether, it is crucial that you discuss your case with an attorney. Our lawyers are experienced at working with insurance carriers to negotiate a proper settlement. Call or email our Washington or Pittsburgh office to schedule a free consultation. Whether at your home, hospital room or a rehabilitation facility, we can come to you for a meeting. In Washington, Allegheny, Greene, Fayette and Westmoreland counties, contact us today.