After a Car Accident in Scranton
After a car accident in Scranton, first check whether anyone is injured and call 911 when emergency assistance is needed. Move to a safe location if you can do so without creating another hazard. Cooperate with police and give an accurate account of what happened, but avoid guessing about facts you do not know.
Exchange contact, licence and insurance information with the other driver. If it is safe, take photographs or video of the vehicles, damage, road layout, traffic signals, skid marks, weather conditions and any visible injuries. Get names and contact details for witnesses. These details can become important if the drivers or insurers later disagree about how the crash happened.
Reporting a Scranton Car Accident
Seek appropriate medical attention. Some injuries are immediately obvious, while others become more noticeable after the initial shock of a collision. Keep copies of medical records, bills, prescriptions, repair estimates, towing charges and evidence of time missed from work.
Notify your own insurer promptly and follow the reporting requirements in your policy. Be cautious about giving detailed recorded statements to another driver’s insurer or accepting an early settlement before you understand the extent of your injuries and losses.
Protecting a Car Accident Claim
Pennsylvania has specific motor vehicle insurance rules and a two-year limitation generally applies to negligence actions for personal injury. Exceptions can affect deadlines, so do not assume you have plenty of time. If the accident caused significant injury, disputed liability or insurance problems, a Scranton car accident lawyer can review the circumstances and explain your options.