According to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2009, there were approximately 10.8 million car crashes nationwide in the U.S. Each year, approximately 40,000 Americans are killed in car accidents. Thousands upon thousands more suffer serious injury. When an accident was the fault of another driver, we help get you in contact with the most experienced and reputable attorneys in Philadelphia, or the location of your crash. Centrally located in Philadelphia, PA, we listen to your needs and use our growing network to pair you with a respected attorney in your area.
Although we commonly refer to auto crashes as car accidents this is far from the truth. Car crashes result when drivers on the road consciously choose to violate the safety rules needlessly endangering and harming pedestrians and others on the road. Serious injury or death may result from a driver who is operating while impaired, driving distracted, or simply aggressive driving behavior such as excessive speeding or running lights.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a NJ auto crash call or email us immediately so that we can assist you. It is important that you protect your rights as early as possible so that important pieces of evidence are gathered. Contact us now at 1-866-GOJUSTICE or email us at our PA and NJ offices so that we can start working to locate the right attorney for your case. With our network we know the best car accident lawyers to best represent your situation.
Car Accident Lawyers in Philadelphia
Getting into a car accident can be a traumatic experience that will take even the most experienced driver out of their comfort zone. However, it’s important to remain as calm as possible after a car accident in order to take the necessary steps to ensure your safety, the safety of others, and to make sure any damages are taken care of effectively and efficiently. Follow these steps after an accident to ensure the best representation from your lawyers in PA, NJ, and the rest of the nation:
1. Maintain safety.
The first step is to stay calm and maintain the safety of those involved in the accident and other motorists on the road. If the cards involved in the accident can be moved to the side of the road to prevent additional accidents from oncoming traffic. If the cars can’t be moved, turn on hazard lights, set up warning cones or flares if able until a tow truck arrives.
2. Check for injuries.
If you or any others have sustained injuries from the accident, call 911 for an ambulance. Medical records will be used by your lawyers in Philadelphia to determine the extent of damages.
3. Call the police.
Police officers are often not dispatched to a car accident scene unless there are injuries, the car accident has blocked traffic or there is significant damage to the cars involved. However, it’s best practice to call the police regardless if you think these conditions have been met. Describe the accident to the police dispatcher and follow his or her instructions. A police officer may be sent to the scene, or you may be instructed to file an accident report.
4. Exchange Information.
After an accident in Philadelphia, exchange the following information with the other driver or drivers involved in the accident: name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver license number and license plate number. Jot down a written description of each car involved in the accident, including year, make, model and color and use a camera, if able, to take photos of the cars and the accident. Be as thorough as possible.
5. Inform Police or File Accident Report.
If a police officer was dispatched to the scene, he or she will interview each party and prepare an official police report. If a police officer was not dispatched to the scene, you will need to file an accident report either online or at a police station. Accident reports help establish liability and are a major part of filing an insurance claim. Be sure not to admit fault or assign blame, as liability is determined by the police and insurance companies. Don’t say anything that could be used against you later on.
6. Call your insurance company.
Call your insurance company and ask them to explain the details of your coverage. Do not give a recorded statement without your attorney .
7. Take Pictures
It is important to document the location of the impacts and damage on your vehicle and the other vehicle involved in the crash. Many times the insurance company for the driver at fault will look to dispute the nature of the impact or their driver’s fault. Photographs especially in more severe impacts and disputed liability cases are crucial. Your car accident lawyers in PA , NJ, or your home state will use the photographs to determine severity of the accident.
8. Cooperate with insurance company.
Do not give statements — After a crash you may receive phone calls from various insurance companies. Other than reporting your claim or any injuries to your insurance carrier, you SHOULD NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company until you have a consulted with an experienced auto crash attorney who can provided you with more guidance. Call us now so we can pair you up with the right car accident lawyers from our NJ office.
At this point, the insurance company will take over and tell you the next steps. An insurance adjuster will look at the car to give an estimate on damage and tell you how much of the damage is covered. The repairs will be done at a shop that is approved by the insurance company, and you may be eligible for a rental car while the repairs are being completed depending on your insurance coverage.
If you were involved in a car accident and need a personal injury lawyer in PA, NJ, or anywhere nationwide, let GO Justice Network connect you with top-rated attorney to handle your case.