Filing a Legal Claim in the Aftermath of a Devastating Car Accident

Driving a car on the busy roads of Philadelphia can unexpectedly turn into a tragedy. Accidents can happen at any time, and often due to no fault of your own. Every year, there are thousands of motor vehicle-related wrongful death and hit-and-run cases in Philadelphia. In these situations, innocent people end up losing their lives as a result of someone else’s negligence.

If you own a car and drive in Philadelphia, knowing the relevant rules and regulations is essential. But if you are injured in a car accident, you may be mentally unable to concentrate on your legal rights. As a responsible citizen, it is important to know what you must do following a car accident in Philadelphia, even if you do not need the information today.

When does a car accident give rise to a legal claim?

Not every car accident gives rise to a legal claim. A car accident only leads to a lawsuit when one of the parties involved in the accident is at fault and the accident causes an injury. Someone else’s negligence or intension to harm you can create a viable legal claim.

There are many reasons why another party may be considered to be at fault. If another party is found to be responsible for any of the following, they will likely be considered liable for the accident and resulting injuries:

• Drinking and driving, or otherwise driving while impaired

• Aggressive driving

• Distracted driving

• Hitting a fixed object

• Driving without a license

Knowing the factors that may contribute to liability for a motor vehicle accident will help you understand whether your unique accident would give rise to a potential lawsuit. You can talk to a personal injury lawyer for more insight. 

What should you do immediately after a car accident?

If you are the victim of a car accident, your physical status and potential injuries will determine your next step. We will consider two situations to explore your best course of action for what you should do next.

1. If your physical condition allows you to collect evidence at the scene, it can be valuable to take photographs of the scene, which should include:

• The road’s condition

• The license plate numbers of the vehicles involved in the accident

• Weather

• Damage to your vehicle

• Personal property damage

• Accident scene

• Injuries

• Traffic signs

Next, collect the insurance paperwork and driver’s license information from the other drivers involved in the accident. If you can, try to acquire their contact information, as well. If there were eyewitnesses to the accident, record their contact details so you can reach them later for more evidence. The next step is to contact law enforcement and file an official police report. 

1. If you are badly injured or believe you may have injuries that are not immediately apparent, seek medical help right away. Call 911 and request that an ambulance comes to the scene as soon as possible. In this case, you likely will not be able to collect any evidence, but the police will investigate the accident. The most important thing for you to do in this situation is seek medical attention.

Am I required to seek medical attention even if I am not severely injured?

Many car accident victims make the mistake of turning down medical assistance because they do not believe that they have been injured. They delay medical attention if there is no severe injury. After getting involved in a car accident, it is important to seek immediate medical help, even if you are not seriously injured Delays in seeking medical attention can weaken your personal injury case.

Car accidents can leave severe internal injuries that may arise days, weeks, or months after the initial motor vehicle accident. If you were not thoroughly examined by medical professionals after the accident, your lawyer may find it difficult to prove that the car accident caused your medical condition or injuries.

Work with an experienced personal injury lawyer to improve your chances of winning compensation.

Seeking legal assistance from a reputable Philadelphia car accident lawyer at a respected law firm can be beneficial for a personal injury claimant.

At the Law Offices of Samuel Fishman, our personal injury lawyers have deep knowledge and rich experience. They can guide you through the personal injury claims process to seek your desired compensation. There are so many moving parts involved in preparing and filing a personal injury case. An experienced car accident lawyer can serve as an important resource as you navigate the complex process to file a claim.