Know Your Rights When Involved in a Motor Vehicle Accident 

Automobile accidents commonly occur because a driver does not follow traffic laws. According to Pennsylvania Courts, the most common traffic violations are:

• Speeding
• Failure to stop at a stop sign
• Overtaking a vehicle
• Illegal turn
• Following too closely
• Move over law

Historical data shows that the majority of violations in Pennsylvania happen during the summer months, and mostly occur during daylight hours. Unfortunately, traffic violations generally correspond with a higher incidence of accidents. When an accident occurs and injuries result, it is imperative that you take certain steps to protect your rights. 

Reportable Collisions and Police Reports

The first thing to remember if you are in an automobile accident is to move your vehicle out of traffic, if possible. In minor car collisions where there is little damage to the vehicles and no injuries occur, Pennsylvania law does not require the police to be called. However, it is always best to report any accident to the police by calling 911.  You will also want to make sure you exchange information with the other driver and take photos of any damage to either vehicle as well as the area of the accident if you are capable of doing so. If there are witnesses who stopped to help, ask for their names, and phone numbers. An accident must always be reported to the police when anyone involved in the accident is injured and requires medical attention, or if any of the vehicles are undrivable.  

A police report will be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim for car repairs or medical care. In most cases, the drivers involved in the accident call the police, and the responding officers submit a report while everyone is still at the scene of the accident.

If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver or another vehicle that flees the scene, you will need a police report to make a claim for any uninsured motorist benefits you may be entitled to. 

Occasionally, though, motorists do not believe they suffered injuries or property damage in an accident, but it later becomes apparent they did. If that happened to you, you have five days from the date of the accident to file a driver’s accident report with the police.  

Medical Examination

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed after you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident. Between dealing with getting your car repaired, figuring out alternative transportation, and other accident-related issues, you may feel that you don’t have time to seek medical treatment. However, soft tissue injuries and concussions occasionally start to cause issues later in time. Due to this risk, the best course of action is to undergo a thorough medical evaluation as soon as you can after an accident. Even if you do not go to the emergency room on the day of the accident, you should seek medical treatment as early as possible.  This will ensure you receive the necessary treatment to help you recover. It also ensures you will have the necessary medical documentation of your injuries.  When someone takes months to seek treatment, insurance companies will be more skeptical of your injuries and may question if they are related to the accident.  Not only is it important to seek medical treatment after an accident, but it is also important to follow all your doctor’s recommendations regarding your treatment plan. 

The attorneys at Caroselli Beachler & Coleman have many years of experience representing those injured in automobile, truck and motorcycle accidents.  We are available to discuss with you, your family member, or friend the issues involved in any crash.  We will devote our time and energy to helping the injured person obtain the compensation they deserve.  We can be reached toll-free at 1-800-222-8816 and would be happy to sit down with you, your family member or friend to discuss any potential case.  

 

CAROSELLI BEACHLER & COLEMAN, LLC

REPRESENTING INJURED PERSON AND THEIR FAMILIES THROUGHOUT WESTERN PA SINCE 1972.

NO FEES UNLESS DAMAGES ARE RECOVERED.

LOCAL APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE.

412-391-9860

1-800-222-8816

www.cbmclaw.com