What to do Immediately After a Car Accident in Pittsburgh

Nobody ever expects to get into a car accident, but when it happens, it can leave you shaken and unsure of what to do next. The good news is that if you’re ever in this stressful situation, there are clear steps you can take immediately after the crash to protect yourself and make things easier later on. Taking these actions can make all the difference if you need to file an insurance claim or take legal action.

What to Do After a Car Accident

The minutes right after a crash can be a whirlwind. Here’s a simple checklist to help you stay focused and protect yourself.

• Make sure everyone is safe. If you can, move your vehicle out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights. Check yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away and wait for emergency responders.

• Call the police. A police report creates an official record of the crash. This report can be a critical piece of evidence for an insurance or legal claim down the road.

• Exchange information. Get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, insurance details, and license plate number. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information as well. This information is essential if there’s a dispute over who was at fault.

• Document everything. Use your phone to take photos of the vehicles, the damage, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. It’s also a good idea to write down what happened while it’s still fresh in your mind.

• Get medical attention. Even if you feel fine, some injuries like concussions or whiplash don’t show up right away. Seeing a doctor protects your health and creates a record of your injuries, which is important for your case.

• Notify your insurance company. Report the accident to your provider as soon as you can. When you talk to them, stick to the facts and avoid speculating about who was at fault.

• Be careful what you say. What you say at the scene, even something as simple as an apology, can be used against you. It’s good practice to avoid posting about the accident on social media, as insurers might use it to challenge your claim.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Pittsburgh for Help

In Pennsylvania, you only have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. The sooner you get an attorney involved, the stronger your case can be. An experienced lawyer can handle communications with the insurance company, gather evidence, and fight to get you the money you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident in Pittsburgh, you don’t have to face it alone. At Bordas & Bordas, our team has decades of experience fighting for accident victims and their families. We’ll guide you every step of the way, protect your rights, and work to get you the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.