Being the victim of a car accident can be a traumatic experience that may have many different impacts on your life. The injuries you may sustain could keep you from enjoying activities or could mean an unmanageable amount of medical bills. One of the worst scenarios is the possibility of not being able to work and provide for yourself and your family. If someone else caused your pain and suffering, you may have legal opportunities to seek compensation for the harms you face.
If you or a loved was injured in a car accident and suffered serious injuries, you should speak with an experienced Hershey car accident lawyer. The law practice of The Reiff Law Firm has decades of experience in dealing with car accident cases. Our firm understands the hardships associated with being the victim of a car accident and will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact our firm today at (215) 709-6940.
What Do I Do After Being in a Car Accident?
Whether they are commuting to work or simply traveling through, Pennsylvania has an immense number of motorists on the roadways. Due to so many people traveling in vehicles, a car accident could occur at any moment for a variety of reasons. If you were injured in a car accident and you want to file a car accident claim, there are some steps that you should complete prior to filing your lawsuit.
If you are the victim of a car accident, the first thing you should do is call the police to report the crash and request an ambulance for your injuries and the injuries of any passengers or other motorists. If you can, you should also collect the following information:
- The names and contact information of all parties involved in the accident;
- The insurance information of the driver who struck you;
- The license plate number, make, and model of each car involved;
- The exact location where the car accident occurred;
- The time and date of the accident;
- Photographs of the damage to all vehicles;
- Statements from any available witnesses and their contact information;
- The weather and lighting conditions at the time of the accident; and
- Photographs or documentation of any injuries.
You should also contact the police to process the scene, even if you are unsure about who is liable for the accident. Once the police arrive, you should get the badge number of the officers and a copy of the police report.
Under Pennsylvania law, if a person is injured or killed in a car accident you must supply the following information to everyone involved:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your driver’s license number
- The registration for your vehicle, and
- The information from your insurance policy.
Once you are finished at the scene of the accident, you should seek medical attention for any injuries you suffered. You should then contact your insurance carrier to inform them of the accident. Finally, if you wish to file a car accident lawsuit you should speak with an attorney.
Causes of Serious Car Accidents
There are all kinds of factors that cause a car accident. For example, as technology steadily progresses, many of these new forms of technology end up being placed in our cars and contributing to distracted driving. A driver can be easily distracted by so many things inside a car, like a notification of an incoming call or message, a malfunctioning navigation system, or even watching an in-vehicle entertainment system.
There are also other common reasons for serious car accidents, like:
- Drunk/Drugged Driving – Driving a car while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be the cause of catastrophic accidents, because they have a negative impact on a driver’s reaction time.
- Fatigued Driving – Driving without sufficient sleep can also slow your reaction time and increase your risk of an accident on the road.
- Speeding – Failure to reasonably remain within the posted speed limits is the cause of many accidents. Accidents that occur at a high rate of speed are frequently fatal.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Several different types of injuries occur when vehicles collide. Depending on the circumstances of the collision, the injuries can be serious or minor. Injuries that can commonly occur in a car crash include:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Broken/Fractured Bones
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Bruises and Contusions
- Back Injuries
- Internal Organ Damage
If you have suffered one of the injuries above or another type of injury, you should consider filing a car accident lawsuit.
Hershey, PA Car Accident Attorneys Here to Help You File Your Car Accident Case
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a car accident and sustained serious injuries, you should contact an experienced Hershey car accident attorney to discuss your case. At The Reiff Law Firm, our dedicated lawyers will do what is necessary to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (215) 709-6940.
