Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Montgomery County, PA

Going through a car accident can be scary and dangerous. Even at low speeds, car crashes are capable of inflicting severe injuries. However, during such a traumatic experience, drivers need to keep in mind there are steps they need to take after being involved in a crash. For instance, car accident victims need to gather information from all parties involved to file a claim against the at-fault party and insurance company. Our Conshohocken car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Fishman, P.C. invite you to keep reading as we explain more about common causes of car accidents and what to do after a crash in Montgomery County or other parts of Pennsylvania.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania

After being involved in a car crash, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, there are several things you need to do correctly after a car accident. Taking the right steps can help you minimize further risk while allowing you to get the best out of a difficult situation.

The first thing you need to do after an accident is put yourself out of harm’s way. This means going to a safe spot away from any oncoming traffic, or, if you are able to do so safely, moving your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent additional accidents. Try to take as many photographs of the wreckage and vehicle damage as possible, but do not jeopardize your safety to do so.

Once you are safe from immediate danger, you should seek medical assistance promptly. Some injuries might be invisible, or take time to show up, but a doctor can help determine whether you were hurt and what you should do for treatment. Your physician will diagnose your injuries and recommend a plan of care.

Once you are medically cleared, make sure to report the accident to the police. A police officer should arrive at the crash scene and make a report about it. During this time make sure you give a detailed statement related to the accident. The report prepared by the police can be of great help in your insurance claim. Additionally, make sure to gather all essential information from the other driver, such as name, address, and insurance information.

Make sure you contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you during this process. After a car crash, the at-fault party or their insurance company may offer you some compensation for your losses. However, this “compensation” will almost never cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. Do not accept any offer from the at-fault party before talking to an attorney first.

Common Causes of Car Crashes in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has released their latest crash report. PennDOT’s 2017 report contains all the statistical information related to the state’s vehicle accidents, from truck accidents to bus accidents. According to the 2017 report, leading causes of car accidents in Pennsylvania include speeding, driving under the influence, and distracted driving.

Speeding

Speeding is a significant factor in most car accidents. According to PennDOT, there were more than 30,000 speed-related crashes. Of the thousands of speeding accidents, more than 400 were fatal. These numbers illustrate just how dangerous and life-threatening speeding is. While most people follow the rules of the road, others carelessly disregard the law, increasing the chances of causing a car crash.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence or “DUI” refers to operating a vehicle while under the effects of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Pennsylvania law strictly prohibits individuals from operating a vehicle while drunk or drugged. A conviction of DUI can lead to jail time, fines depending and the suspension of the driver’s license.

Distracted Driving

Technology has become a huge part of daily society. The introduction of smartphones and tablets into the mainstream market changed the way people consume and share information. Unfortunately, it has also changed most drivers’ behavior while behind the steering wheel. Texting, playing games, making phone calls, or checking social media can lead to devastating car crashes. In its most recent report, PennDOT reported more than 15,000 distracted driving accidents.

Montgomery County Car Accident Lawyers Offering Free Consultations

Drivers owe a duty of care to other motorists while behind the steering wheel. If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident due to another person’s negligence or driving errors, you could receive compensation for your medical bills, earnings you have lost, anticipated treatment costs, and other expenses. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys can help you fight aggressively to obtain the compensation you deserve.

We will fight hard to hold the negligent party accountable for any injuries you have suffered. To schedule a free, confidential consultation about a car accident injury in Montgomery County or other areas of Pennsylvania, contact Jacobs & Fishman online, or call our law offices at (610) 941-4250.