What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Philadelphia

A car accident in Philadelphia can turn your day upside down in seconds. Whether it happens in Center City during rush hour, on Roosevelt Boulevard in Northeast Philly, or along I-95, the aftermath often feels chaotic and confusing. Many drivers wonder: What steps should I take right now? How do I protect myself after a crash in Philly?

An experienced Philadelphia car accident attorney from Edelstein Martin & Nelson can walk you through the process, but here’s a clear breakdown of the essential post-accident steps to keep you safe and preserve your rights.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Care

The first step is always checking for injuries—both your own and those of your passengers. Call 911 immediately if anyone appears hurt. Even if you think you’re fine, adrenaline can mask injuries like whiplash or concussions.

Philadelphia has excellent trauma centers, including Jefferson Hospital in Center City and Temple University Hospital in North Philly. Getting evaluated quickly ensures you receive proper care and creates a medical record that links your injuries to the crash.

Step 2: Move to a Safe Location

If your vehicle is drivable, move it out of traffic. On crowded city streets like Broad Street or Market Street, leaving your car in the middle of the road increases the risk of secondary collisions. Turn on your hazard lights and, if possible, pull over to a safe spot.

Step 3: Call the Police

In Philadelphia, you should always notify the police after a crash. Officers from the Philadelphia Police Department will prepare a report, which becomes critical evidence for insurance claims or potential legal cases.

If your accident involves a SEPTA bus, trolley, or train, contacting SEPTA Police is also an important step. Transit-related accidents often have special reporting requirements and deadlines.

Step 4: Exchange Information

Collect the following from all involved drivers:

• Names and phone numbers
• Driver’s license numbers
• Insurance details
• Vehicle license plate numbers

If the other driver refuses to cooperate or leaves the scene, do your best to record their plate number and vehicle description. Share this with the police as soon as possible.

Step 5: Gather Evidence

Your phone is your best tool at the scene. Take photos of:

• Vehicle damage
• Skid marks or debris on the road
• Traffic lights, signs, or construction zones nearby
• Your injuries
• The overall accident scene

In neighborhoods like South Philly or Old City, nearby businesses may also have surveillance cameras. Ask politely if footage is available—it can provide powerful evidence later.

Step 6: Talk to Witnesses

If anyone saw the crash, ask for their contact information. Independent witnesses often provide key details that help clarify what really happened. Their statements may become especially important if there’s a dispute about fault.

Step 7: Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company promptly. Stick to the facts, but avoid making assumptions about fault until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.

Preserving Evidence in Philadelphia

Following a post-accident checklist, Philadelphia drivers can rely on means more than just exchanging information. Keep copies of everything:

• Police reports
• Medical bills
• Tow receipts
• Repair estimates

Maintain a journal of your pain, treatments, and how the crash impacts your daily life. If you were involved in a SEPTA accident, file an incident report immediately—public transit cases have shorter filing deadlines.

Local Insight: Why Location Matters

Philadelphia’s layout adds unique challenges after an accident. Narrow Center City streets often block traffic for first responders, while Roosevelt Boulevard remains one of the city’s most dangerous roadways. On highways like I-76 and I-95, even small crashes cause long backups.

Knowing where the closest hospitals are—such as Jefferson Torresdale in Northeast Philly or Penn Presbyterian in West Philly—can save valuable time if you or a loved one needs emergency care.

Why Quick Action Protects You

Acting quickly after a car accident in Philadelphia safeguards both your health and your legal rights. Evidence disappears, witnesses move on, and Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations sets firm deadlines for filing claims. Prompt action ensures you don’t lose important opportunities.

 Hurt in a Car Crash in Philadelphia? Call Edelstein Martin & Nelson

If you’ve been in a crash in Center City, Northeast Philly, or anywhere in the city, you don’t have to handle everything on your own. Our knowledgeable Philadelphia car accident attorney at Edelstein, Martin, and Nelson can guide you through the steps toward recovery, deal with insurance companies, and make sure deadlines are met.

Call (215) 731-9900 today for a free consultation and protect both your compensation and your benefits.