Call a Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents can occur in a split second and have devastating consequences for the victims. Injuries range from mild scratches to life-changing, and sometimes fatal injuries.

A Philadelphia car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal and insurance complexities that can follow an accident. They can also help you recover damages for your medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.

1. Call 911

One of the first things you should do after any crash is call 911. This will ensure that everyone receives immediate medical attention and serves as an official record of the incident. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause of the accident at this point and wait until you have consulted with a Philadelphia car accident lawyer.

Take pictures of any injuries, vehicle damages and the surrounding area. This evidence can prove crucial in establishing fault for the accident and obtaining full compensation. An attorney can also help you negotiate with insurance companies who may try to settle your claim for less than what it is actually worth. This can leave you without the funds to cover future medical expenses, long-term treatment and other financial hardships.

2. Take Pictures

Car accidents are a common problem in Philadelphia and throughout the country. According to authorities, 11,197 reportable crashes happen in the City of Brotherly Love each year with 87 resulting in fatalities. Drunk driving and speeding are common causes of these accidents.

It is important to call 911 after an accident occurs and wait for first responders to arrive. When speaking to police officers, be honest and cooperate. However, avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause of the crash as this could damage your case.

It is also a good idea to take pictures of the accident scene, including all visible injuries and vehicle damage. These photographs can help strengthen your claim. There are several different types of damages a victim can recover following a car accident.

3. Seek Medical Attention

A car accident can leave you with painful injuries, expensive medical bills and financial pressures. However, it is important to remember that seeking medical attention immediately after a collision is vital for both your health and legal protection.

Identifying hidden or latent injuries: Some conditions such as internal bleeding, fractures and concussions may not appear immediately after an accident. These conditions can worsen over time and have serious long-term effects if they are left untreated.

Documentation of injuries: Seeing a doctor immediately after a crash creates an official medical record of the injuries you suffered. Insurance companies and opposing legal counsel will scrutinize the timeline of when you sought medical care, and any delay could be used against your case. Seeking medical treatment immediately also strengthens your case for compensation.

4. Gather Information

Car accidents can cause life-changing injuries, devastating financial losses and emotional trauma for victims. While a general claim may get you paid for medical bills and some of your lost wages, an attorney can help you ensure your settlement includes all of the damages you will need now and in the future.

Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing payouts, so a Philadelphia car accident lawyer will fight to protect your rights. He or she will thoroughly investigate the crash to identify all parties that should pay monetary compensation, including non-economic damages.

If you were injured while riding SEPTA, a Philadelphia personal injury attorney can explain the unique rules for filing an accident claim against the government-owned transportation system. This includes special limitations and deadlines that apply to this type of case.

5. Contact an Attorney

Obtain clear and convincing evidence that the at-fault driver breached their duty to others on the road. This could take the form of photographs, videos, witness statements, phone records, driving histories and opinions from experts. A Philadelphia car accident lawyer can help you collect the evidence you need to file a successful claim.

A local car accident attorney understands Philadelphia’s roadways, traffic patterns and accident hotspots. This can provide valuable insight into how the accident happened and strengthen your compensation claim.

A Philadelphia car accident injury attorney can make sure that your claim includes damages to cover the present and future costs of your injuries. This can include hospital bills, travel expenses to appointments, lost wages and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.