Pennsylvania Car Accidents Need To Be Reported
After a car accident, many thoughts may be racing through your mind. Some may be questioning if they need to call the authorities or not. In the state of Pennsylvania, you need to report your car accident within five days of the incident. But, it is often in your best interest to have the police called right away, so they can come to the scene of the collision and include accident details in the police report.
There are many items law enforcement on the scene can notice and include in a report following an accident. They may document evidence or record statements from the drivers and witnesses, for example. If a violation has occurred, they could even write up traffic tickets. See a doctor to assess your health after a Pennsylvania accident, then connect with a Bucks County car accident lawyer to strategize your best path to compensation.
Long, Involved Conversations with Insurance Companies
You may have to let your insurance company know about your accident as soon as possible, it could be stated in your contract. And insurance company representatives of others involved in the event could reach out and want to speak with you. It is important you stick to the facts in all of these conversations. If you have connected with a personal injury attorney, have them handle these conversations on your behalf.
Too often, an insurance adjuster will have an accident victim involved in a long conversation in which they say they may have been at fault for a portion of the event, even if that is not a true statement. Do not give a representative an opportunity to downplay your injuries or shift the narrative about what happened. In fact, you do not have to speak with another’s insurance company. If you have an obligation under your policy, it is to speak to your own insurance company.
In order to avoid payout, an insurance claims adjuster could take information from a long conversation out of context. Information that may feel extraneous and casually mentioned to you, could be a tidbit used to reduce your settlement later.
Accidents are High Stress Situations
It can be difficult to know what to do in the aftermath of an accident. After all, they are high stress events. Challenges may arise that you are not sure how to navigate. When you work with a Bucks County car accident lawyer, they can investigate the details of the event for you and secure important pieces of evidence, from witness statements to surveillance video footage.
Do you need legal guidance to help you determine the best path forward after a car crash in Pennsylvania or New Jersey? You may have a right to financial compensation if the accident was caused by another’s negligence. Contact a member of the legal team at Kardos, Rickles & Hand. Our attorneys know how to secure the maximum settlement amount possible. Accidents happen every day. When they happen to you, it is essential you have a lawyer fighting for your rights. Reach out today, call 215-968-6602.
