What Should I Prioritize After a Car Accident?
January 13, 2021
A car accident can be a traumatic event, and many people feel shaken afterwards, even if the damage was minimal and no one was seriously injured. With adrenaline pumping through the body, it may be hard to stay collected and remember what to do after an accident. Reading up on what to do in the aftermath of an accident helps one be prepared.
Should I Call the Police?
The first step to do after a car accident is to assess damages and injuries. Check on the other driver and any passengers. Check oneself too as many people go into shock after a collision. If there are any serious injuries, call for help immediately. Calling 9-1-1 will summon both the police and ambulance. If there is a smell of smoke or gasoline, move away from the vehicle as quickly as possible and get to a safe place.
What Information Should I Collect After a Collision?
Always get the name, address, and driver’s license information from the other motorist involved in the accident. Their insurance information is also important if they are insured. If there are witnesses, such as passengers, get their contact information and write down their account.
Take photographs of any damage done to the vehicles and property and of the accident scene itself. Document the circumstances as much as possible, including any injuries sustained in the accident. Important elements to note include time of the day, location, weather conditions, road conditions, and traffic conditions.
Can I Move My Car from the Accident Scene?
It is okay to move cars from the accident scene to a safer place, like the shoulder of the road. Turn the hazard lights on, and use flares to make other drivers aware of the stopped vehicles. If this is not possible, stay inside the vehicle until emergency services arrive. It is highly dangerous to move about an accident scene in the midst of traffic, and numerous fatalities have occurred when people exit their vehicles.
What Should I Avoid Doing After an Accident?
Being involved in an accident can be highly unsettling, but it is important to remain as calm as possible. Try to put emotions aside in any exchanges with the other driver. Get all the pertinent information and then leave the rest to the insurance companies to work out. While one should contact their insurance company as soon as possible to notify them about the accident, they should never make a statement of fault to any insurance agent. Instead, one should consult with an experienced lawyer about their legal options for compensation. 
Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. Advocate for Victims After Serious Collisions
Our experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. have handled numerous personal injury claims, and we can help you too. We will fight to hold the responsible party accountable and get you the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries. Call us at 215-569-9100 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.