Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident in Reading
Did you know your actions immediately after a car accident can impact your ability to recover compensation? Taking proper steps forms a strong basis for filing compensation claims or personal injury lawsuits. Conversely, failing to act appropriately may hinder your ability to prove your case. At HGSK Injury Lawyers, we are familiar with car accident claims and can advise you on the most appropriate actions to take following a car accident crash.
A car accident lawyer will manage your claim professionally so that you don’t take chances with your future.
Read on to learn the key steps to take immediately after a car accident in Reading.
What to Do Following a Car Accident in Reading
There are what most personal injury lawyers call post-accident procedures or accident protocols. These are the steps that you should take immediately after an accident to ensure that you are protected legally and medically after an accident. After getting into a car crash in Reading, ensure to do the following:
Check for Injuries
Your focus after a car accident is to ensure everyone’s safety. Be sure to assess yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance.
Seeking medical attention promptly ensures that your injuries are treated to prevent further complications. In addition to safeguarding your health, it also creates vital medical records that can support your claim. Remember, your insurance company will seek proof that your injuries were linked to the incident, and a doctor’s assessment is key in proving this. Therefore, even if your injuries seem minimal and you feel all fine, ensure you visit a hospital for a thorough examination and adhere to the prescribed treatment regimen.
Document the Scene
If you are physically able and it is safe to do so, gather evidence from the accident scene. Your attorney will use this documentation to support your claim and counter any denials.
Key details to capture include:
- Photos of all vehicles involved
- Pictures documenting skid marks and surrounding conditions
- License, registration and insurance information of all parties individuals involved
- Contact information for witnesses
- Photos or videos of injuries sustained by yourself or passengers
- Details about weather and traffic conditions at the time of the accident
The success of your claims largely depends on the available evidence. So, make sure to collect precise details at the accident scene since your lawyer would use such information to strengthen your claim and demonstrate the fault of the other party involved.
Report the Incident to Authorities
Has the crash resulted in injury, death, or severe damage to your vehicle so you cannot drive it from the scene? If so, the 75 Pa.C.S. § 3744 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes demands that such be reported to the police immediately.
An official crash report must be filed within 5 days, which serves as an authoritative account of what transpired. In Reading, this report can also be invaluable when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible. Prompt reporting ensures that the insurance company begins its investigation in a timely manner. However, it’s important to note that this is not the time to file a formal claim. Before submitting a claim, you must evaluate all damages thoroughly, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
Be cautious about the statements you make to insurance adjusters. Avoid providing speculative or definitive statements about fault or the extent of your injuries. For instance, saying something like, “I’m fine” or “I didn’t see the other car” could lead to the insurer denying your claim. Instead, direct the adjuster to your attorney, who can manage communications and protect your interests.
Consult a Lawyer
The sooner you contact a car accident attorney in Reading, the better your chances of building a strong claim. A lawyer can gather fresh evidence, navigate legal complexities, and ensure your rights are upheld.
Additionally, your lawyer will have ample time to seek experts’ opinions in building your case. Since the 2-year statute of limitations begins from the date of injury, it is highly recommended to engage them early to start building a strategy in the best interest of the limited timeframe.
Importantly, having an advocate at your corner helps you prevent exploitation. Insurers may offer early settlements that may not adequately address your losses. Therefore, your car accident attorney in Reading will evaluate any offers to ensure they can offer your financial restitution.
Call Your Reading Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident in Reading, PA, taking the above steps can greatly boost your claim. If you are not able to figure out what to do by yourself, let a Reading car accident attorney take up your case so that you preserve your right to compensation. At HGSK Injury Lawyers, we have over 40 decades of combined experience handling personal injury claims. Therefore, we believe we have the best skills and resources to manage your claim and win a fair and timely financial recovery. Contact us online today for a free consultation.