Being involved in a vehicle collision can be a jarring and disorienting experience. In the immediate aftermath, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety and well-being. However, the steps you take following the incident can significantly impact your ability to pursue a potential injury claim and protect your rights.

 At Kisailus Law Firm in Wilkes-Barre, we understand the stress and uncertainty that follow such events. This guide outlines the essential actions you should take if you’ve been harmed in a vehicle collision.

1. Ensure Your Safety and Check for Injuries:

Your immediate priority is your safety and the safety of others involved. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic. Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance and law enforcement. Do not attempt to move seriously injured individuals unless they are in immediate danger.

2. Call the Police:

Even if the damage appears minor, it’s crucial to have a police report. Law enforcement will document the scene, gather preliminary information, and create an official record of the event. This report can be invaluable when dealing with insurance companies and pursuing a potential claim. Obtain the responding officer’s name and badge number, as well as the police report number. It is absolutely crucial to make a police report in a hit-and-run type of event because failure to do this could completely bar your injury claim.

3. Exchange Information:

If it’s safe to do so, exchange information with the other driver(s) involved. This includes:

• Full name and contact information (phone number, address, email)
• Driver’s license number and issuing state
• Vehicle registration information (license plate number, state, vehicle identification number – VIN)
• Insurance company name and policy number

Avoid discussing fault for the collision with the other driver. Stick to providing factual information.

4. Document the Scene:

If you are physically able, gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. This can include:

• Photos: Take clear and detailed pictures of all vehicles involved, the damage to each vehicle, the surrounding area (including traffic signals, road conditions, and any visible hazards), and any visible injuries.
• Witness Information: If there were any witnesses to the collision, get their full names, contact information, and, if possible, a brief statement of what they saw.

5. Seek Medical Attention Promptly:

At the scene, never tell first responders that you are not injured. Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not manifest symptoms for hours or even days. It’s essential to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. This not only ensures your well-being but also creates a crucial record of your injuries and their potential link to the collision. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment and keep thorough records of all medical appointments, bills, and related expenses.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company:

Promptly report the vehicle collision to your own insurance company, regardless of who you believe was at fault. Cooperate fully with their investigation, but be cautious about providing recorded statements without first consulting with an attorney. In fact, we recommend not giving any recorded statements without an attorney present. If you speak to any insurance company, stick to the facts and avoid speculating or admitting fault.

7. Protect Your Rights and Consult an Attorney:

Dealing with insurance companies can be complex, and their interests may not always align with yours. Plus, there are so many nuances that are specific to Pennsylvania and the type of case that you may not know.  Before accepting any settlement offers or providing detailed statements, it’s wise to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.

At Kisailus Law Firm, we can:

• Evaluate the details of your collision and advise you on your legal rights and options.
• Investigate the circumstances of the collision thoroughly.
• Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, protecting you from potentially harmful tactics.
• Help you gather and organize crucial evidence to support your claim.
• Negotiate for a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your injuries, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
• If necessary, represent you in court to pursue the justice you deserve.

Following a vehicle collision, taking these steps can safeguard your health, protect your legal rights, and lay the groundwork for a potential injury claim. The sooner we get involved, the sooner we can make a positive impact on your claim.  Don’t navigate this challenging process alone. Contact Kisailus Law Firm in Wilkes-Barre today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you through it.