What To Do After a Car Accident in Philadelphia
Car accidents are scary events. Tires screeching; metal slamming into metal; and the potential for serious injuries. Everyone hopes they will never be in a car accident. However, the unexpected can happen. If you are involved in a car accident here are some vital tips to help that might help you through the tramtic event:
1) Emergency Personnel: Call emergency personnel as soon as possible. Do not think the other driver will call or assume an onlooker will dial 911. You should take the initiative. If you or the other driver are injured, obviously, dialing 911 will alert authorities to bring an ambulance. However, even if you are not injured call 911 to alert the police. You want a police report for potential liability disputes down the road. Even if it is a minor collision you should insist on calling the police and waiting for the police to arrive.
2) Documentation: Take pictures; take a video; talk to the other driver; look if there are cameras in the stores/street around you; get witnesses names and phone numbers. It is very important to document the accident with as many details as possible. Documentation is important because the facts surrounding the accident can become in dispute down the road. You want to do everything you can to create a record of the accident.
3) Get a Lawyer: If you are injured in an accident you should get a lawyer. After a car accident it is very common to have lingering pain that does not seem severe – at first – but just does not go away. While this could just be symptoms of mild sprain and strain this can also be signs of a more severe/permanent condition. Medical attention is your first priority but afterwards you should seek legal representation. Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company. Do not wait and hope the pain will disappear. Contact an experience accident lawyer who will help you take the appropriate steps.
4)Go to Therapy: If you have been injured in a car accident and a medical professional has advised you to treat at a physical therapy facility – it is very important that you do not miss appointment. Your physical therapy regiment is designed to help ease the pain and missing appointment may prolong your injuries and prevent you from full recovery. It is vital you make your appointments to help you recover from your car accident injuries.
5)Social Media: Do not post about your car accident on social media. In litigation it is routine for attorneys to search social media for information about the litigants. I always tell my clients to make sure they’re Facebook is private; their Instagram is private; their Twitter is private. You should review any and all social media account settings and make sure only your friends/followers can view your account.
This list represents some of the most important steps you should take after a car accident. I hope you never have to go through the dramatic event of a car collision; however, if you do follow these steps to ensure you make the best of the situation.
