What to Do After a Rear-End Car Accident in Pennsylvania

A rear-end car accident can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. In Pennsylvania, it’s essential to know the proper steps to take after such an incident to protect yourself legally and ensure your physical and mental well-being.

Wondering if you’re entitled to compensation after a rear-end collision? The team at Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman is here for you. Call us at 866-565-4949 to set up a consultation with our team of Pittsburgh attorneys.

Immediate Actions to Take Following a Rear-End Accident

In the moments following a rear-end accident, your first step should always be to ensure everyone’s safety. Immediately check on all parties involved for any injuries, and don’t hesitate to call for emergency services if there are any concerns. It’s critical to dial 911 and report the accident, as having a police report can be invaluable later on, whether for insurance claims or legal needs. 

While you wait for the police to arrive, take this opportunity to exchange vital information with the other driver, including names, contact details, and insurance information.

Gathering Essential Information at the Scene

At the scene of a rear-end accident, collecting the right details is crucial. In addition to talking to the other driver, make sure to note their license plate number, the make and model of their car, and the car’s color.

Next, use your phone camera to document the accident. Snap pictures of the vehicles, focusing on where the damage is. You should also take wide shots to capture the accident’s overall context, including traffic signs and the road’s condition. These photos can speak volumes later on, helping to piece together what happened. 

If there are people around who saw the accident, ask for their names and contact details too. Witnesses can offer an objective view of the incident, which might be useful if there’s any dispute about what occurred. Collecting this information is about being prepared and protecting yourself. It lays a foundation for any necessary insurance claims or legal steps, without making assumptions or accusations at the scene.

Reporting the Accident to the Authorities and Your Insurance

After a car accident in Pennsylvania, it’s vital to inform both the police and your insurance company about the incident. If the accident resulted in any injuries, fatalities, or substantial damage to property, you’re legally required to report it to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation within a five-day window. When reaching out to your insurance provider, make sure to share every piece of information you’ve gathered at the scene. This includes photos of the damage, the other driver’s contact and insurance details, and any witness statements you collected. Promptly notifying your insurance helps start the claims process, ensuring you’re one step closer to receiving support for damages or injuries.

Seeking Medical Attention, Even If You Feel Fine

Even if you walk away from a rear-end accident feeling okay, it’s essential to get checked out by a doctor promptly. In some cases, injuries from car accidents don’t show up right away—and this includes serious injuries that can cause permanent damage. You might feel fine now, but issues could pop up days or even weeks later. Seeing a doctor promptly means they can catch any hidden injuries early on. This isn’t just about making sure you’re okay in terms of your physical health. It’s also a critical step if you need to take any legal action. When a doctor checks you out, they create a record of your visit and any findings, which can be important evidence if you need to prove your injuries were caused by the accident. 

Contacting a Lawyer

Your next call should be to a Pittsburgh car accident attorney. You may be entitled to compensation, but you can’t expect the other party’s insurance company to make you aware of this fact. By discussing your case with a lawyer, you can get an overview of your next steps and an estimate of how much your accident is worth.

Reach Out to Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman Today

The earlier you contact Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, the sooner we can start piecing together your case and advocating for you. To claim your free consultation, send us a quick message online or call us at 866-565-4949. You do not have to go through this alone.