What to Do After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Pennsylvania motor-vehicle accident, the steps taken during the first days and weeks can affect both medical recovery and any resulting insurance or personal-injury claim. The following checklist provides general guidance for protecting your health, preserving evidence, and avoiding preventable claim problems.

Seek Medical Attention Promptly

Your health is the priority. Even if an injury initially seems minor, obtain appropriate medical care and accurately report all symptoms. Medical records can document the connection between the collision and your injuries. Follow reasonable treatment recommendations and keep appointments so that your recovery—and the medical history supporting the claim—are not interrupted.

Report the Accident

Pennsylvania law requires immediate notice to the nearest authorized police department when a crash causes injury or death, or when vehicle damage prevents the vehicle from being driven safely and requires towing. See 75 Pa.C.S. § 3746. A police investigation also creates an official record of the collision and may identify drivers, witnesses, insurance information, roadway conditions, and contributing circumstances.

Preserve Evidence

When it is safe to do so, preserve photographs or video of the vehicles, roadway, traffic controls, visible injuries, and surrounding conditions. Obtain witness contact information and retain medical bills, wage-loss documentation, repair estimates, towing records, correspondence, and insurance documents. Avoid discarding damaged property or repairing potentially important evidence before it has been documented.

Use Care When Communicating with Insurance Companies

Promptly notify the appropriate insurer, but understand which company is requesting information and why. Your own policy may require reasonable cooperation. A liability insurer for another driver, however, may seek a recorded statement, broad medical authorization, or early release before the full nature of the injuries and losses is known. Obtain legal advice before signing releases or providing information that extends beyond what is reasonably necessary.

Understand Pennsylvania Automobile Insurance Coverage

Pennsylvania claims may involve first-party medical benefits, liability coverage, uninsured or underinsured motorist benefits, and the insured’s tort selection. The difference between full tort and limited tort coverage can substantially affect the ability to recover noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering. Coverage, fault, household policies, and the facts of the collision must be evaluated together.

Do Not Miss the Filing Deadline

Pennsylvania generally imposes a two-year limitations period for an action seeking damages for personal injuries caused by another person’s negligence. See 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524(2). Other notice requirements or shorter deadlines may apply in particular cases, including claims involving governmental entities. Do not wait until the deadline approaches to obtain advice.

Evaluate the Claim Before Accepting a Settlement

An early offer may arrive before the extent of the injuries, future medical needs, wage loss, liens, or available insurance coverage is fully understood. Signing a release ordinarily ends the claim against the released parties. A fair evaluation should account for recoverable economic and noneconomic losses, applicable coverage, liability issues, and the medical prognosis.

Consult Zwick Law Regarding Your Rights

An attorney can investigate liability, identify available insurance, preserve evidence, communicate with insurers, document damages, and evaluate whether settlement or litigation is appropriate. Learn more about our Pennsylvania personal-injury representation and Matthew R. Zwick.

Contact Zwick Law at (814) 371-6400 to schedule a consultation.

This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Reading this article or communicating through this website does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Time-sensitive information should be directed immediately to Zwick Law at (814) 371-6400.