What To Do When You Are In An Accident

Pennsylvania State Law | Personal Injury

Recovering compensation for injuries you suffer in a vehicle accident begins immediately, at the scene of the accident. Of course, your first priority should be your safety and well-being, that of the passengers in your car as well as the well-being of anyone else injured in the accident. Once you have determined that everyone injured has received attention, you should begin gathering information that may help you and your passengers receive compensation for your injuries.

1. Unless your vehicle must be moved by law, is creating a dangerous condition for others or for some other reason must be moved, do not move your vehicle. The location of the vehicles after an accident can be very important to determining who is at fault for the accident. Even in situations that seem clear, such as, where you collide with someone who ran a stop sign, you could be blamed for causing the accident. The location and position of the vehicles can help prove the accident was not your fault.

2. When in doubt, call the police. Just like the location and position of the vehicles, calling the police to the scene of the accident can help prove who was at fault. There may be no better independent witness than a police officer. Called to the scene of the accident, a police officer will usually take statements from the drivers involved, interview witnesses, and diagram or record the location and position of the vehicles. The officer's report, or if no official report is made, his log, usually will record the date, time, weather and road conditions at the time of accident. Typically, an officer will also take down information that will be needed to make a claim to recover your damages, information such as the other driver's correct name, address, insurance company and insurance policy number.

3. Whether or not police were called, you should obtain the other driver's information. Ask the driver for his license and insurance information. Insist that you see the actual license and insurance card. If he refuses or is unable to produce this information and you have not already called the police, you should do so. If any witnesses identify themselves to you, you should also ask each person if you can see his license or at least ask for his name, address, and home, work and mobile telephone numbers.

Click here for a form which you can carry in your car to remind you of the information you should try to obtain if you are ever involved in a motor vehicle accident.