What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania

A car accident can be one of the most jarring and stressful experiences of your life. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a major collision, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Emotions run high, injuries may not be immediately apparent, and legal issues can surface quickly. That’s why knowing what to do in those critical first minutes and hours is so important. 

If you’ve been involved in a crash in Pennsylvania, taking the right steps early on can protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps after a car accident in Pennsylvania and explain how a knowledgeable Pennsylvania car accident lawyer can assist you during this challenging time.

Step 1: Ensure Safety First

Immediately after a crash, your first priority should be safety. If you’re able, move your vehicle to a safe location out of traffic to prevent further accidents or injuries. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

If it’s not safe to move your car or if anyone is seriously injured, stay where you are and wait for emergency responders. Never leave the scene of an accident, especially one involving injury or significant property damage, as this could result in criminal penalties.

Step 2: Call 911

No matter how minor the accident may seem, always call 911 to report the crash. Pennsylvania law requires you to report any accident that results in injury, death, or serious vehicle damage. A police officer will arrive at the scene to document what happened and file an official accident report.

This report can serve as a critical piece of evidence if you file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit later on. Be honest and cooperative with the officer, but avoid speculating about fault or minimizing your injuries.

Step 3: Check for Injuries and Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t think you’re hurt, it’s still a good idea to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries, like concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. Waiting too long to seek care can make these injuries worse and may also hurt your legal case.

If paramedics are on the scene, let them evaluate you. If you’re not taken to the hospital immediately, schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible afterward. Keep all medical records and receipts, as they’ll help document your damages.

Step 4: Exchange Information

You’ll need to collect the other driver’s:

• Full name and contact information
• Driver’s license number
• License plate number
• Insurance company and policy number

If there are any witnesses nearby, try to get their contact information as well. Their statements may be useful if the other party disputes what happened.

Avoid discussing fault with the other driver. Even saying something as simple as “I’m sorry” can be interpreted as an admission of liability and used against you later.

Step 5: Document the Scene

If you’re physically able, take time to document the accident scene. Use your smartphone to take photos and videos of:

• Vehicle damage
• Skid marks or debris on the road
• Weather and road conditions
• Traffic signs or signals
• Injuries you’ve sustained

This evidence can help support your version of events and strengthen your claim. Be as thorough as possible, as details may be cleaned up or forgotten in the days that follow.

Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company

You should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the accident. Provide them with basic facts about what happened, but avoid giving recorded statements or admitting fault. If the other party’s insurer contacts you, it’s wise to speak with a Pennsylvania car accident lawyer before responding.

Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, which means your own insurance will typically cover your medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. However, if your injuries are serious, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver.

Step 7: Understand Pennsylvania’s No-Fault Insurance System

In Pennsylvania, drivers must choose between limited tort and full tort coverage when purchasing auto insurance. This choice can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation for pain and suffering:

• Limited tort: You may only sue for pain and suffering if your injuries are considered "serious" under state law.
• Full tort: You retain the unrestricted right to sue for all damages, including pain and suffering, regardless of the injury severity.

Many drivers don’t fully understand how these options affect their rights until it’s too late. A skilled lawyer can review your policy and help you determine whether you’re eligible to pursue a personal injury claim outside the no-fault framework.

Step 8: Watch What You Say (Especially on Social Media)

After an accident, it’s natural to want to talk about your experience, especially on social media. But be cautious. Anything you post can potentially be used by insurance companies or opposing attorneys to challenge your claim.

Avoid sharing photos of the crash, your injuries, or any comments that could suggest you were at fault or not seriously hurt. It’s best to stay off social media until your case is resolved.

Step 9: Keep Records of Everything

Keeping detailed records can help you build a stronger case. Save copies of:

• Medical bills and prescriptions
• Doctor’s notes and treatment plans
• Repair estimates and vehicle appraisals
• Rental car receipts
• Lost wage documentation
• Correspondence with insurance companies

Also, consider starting a journal to record your pain levels, emotional distress, and how the injury affects your daily life. These notes can be powerful evidence if you pursue compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Step 10: Contact a Pennsylvania Car Accident Lawyer

Perhaps the most important step you can take after a crash is speaking with an experienced Pennsylvania car accident lawyer. While you’re focused on healing, your attorney can handle communications with insurers, gather evidence, and advocate on your behalf.

Having legal representation early on increases your chances of recovering full and fair compensation. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to protect their interests—you deserve someone protecting yours, too.

How an Attorney Can Help After a Car Accident

A lawyer can guide you through every phase of the process, including:

• Investigating the cause of the accident
• Determining liability and identifying all at-fault parties
• Reviewing your insurance policy and legal options
• Handling claim paperwork and negotiations
• Filing a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to settle

Whether your case ends in a settlement or goes to trial, having an experienced legal advocate can make a significant difference in the outcome.

You Have a Limited Time to File a Claim

Pennsylvania has a two-year statute of limitations for most car accident injury claims. This means you must file a lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident, or you may lose your right to seek compensation. The clock starts ticking the day the crash happens, so it’s critical to act quickly.

Some exceptions apply, especially if a government vehicle is involved or if the injured party is a minor. A lawyer can help ensure that your case is filed on time and in compliance with all applicable legal rules.

Talk to a Pennsylvania Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you don’t have to handle the aftermath alone. The dedicated team at Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP is here to guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (888) 630-4409 to schedule a free consultation with a trusted Pennsylvania car accident lawyer who’s ready to help.