A car accident can leave you shaken, injured, and overwhelmed. In the moments following a crash in Harrisburg, taking specific steps to protect your health, preserve evidence, and safeguard your legal rights is imperative. At Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, our experienced accident attorneys in Harrisburg, PA, are here to guide you through this difficult time and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Ensure Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Safety is the priority after any car accident. Move your vehicle out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights if possible. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately to request emergency medical assistance. Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, seeing a doctor is essential. Some injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding, may not be apparent right away. Prompt medical care creates a clear record of your injuries, which can be vital if you need to file a claim later.
Call the Police and File an Accident Report
In Harrisburg and throughout Pennsylvania, you are legally required to report a car accident to the police if it results in injury, death, or significant property damage. When the police arrive, provide accurate and concise information. Avoid speculating or admitting fault. Request a copy of the police report, which will contain critical details about the crash and serve as essential evidence for your case.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Gather the necessary information from the other driver(s), including:
- Name, address, and contact details.
- Driver’s license number.
- Vehicle make, model, and license plate number.
- Insurance company and policy number.
Also, contact information should be collected from any witnesses at the scene. Witness statements can strengthen your case by providing independent accounts of what happened.
Document the Scene
Use your smartphone to take clear photos and videos of the accident scene, including:
- Vehicle damage
- Skid marks and debris
- Traffic signs, signals, and road conditions
- Visible injuries
This visual evidence can help reconstruct the accident and counter any disputes about how the crash occurred.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Promptly report the accident to your insurance company, providing information about what happened. However, be cautious when discussing details, especially if the insurance adjuster from the other driver’s company contacts you. They may get you to admit fault or accept a low settlement offer.
Contact a Skilled Harrisburg Car Accident Attorney
One of the most critical steps after a car accident in Harrisburg is to contact a skilled car accident attorney. At Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, we have decades of combined experience helping accident victims in Harrisburg and across Pennsylvania. We will:
- Thoroughly investigate your accident and gather evidence
- Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Build a strong case to seek the full compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more
- Ensure all legal deadlines are met, including the statute of limitations
Pennsylvania’s Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is typically two years from the accident date. If you wait too long to take legal action, you could lose your right to pursue compensation. Acting quickly can help protect your case and maximize your recovery.
Don’t Wait – Contact Our Harrisburg Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Harrisburg, don’t face the legal challenges alone. Call (717) 229-6580 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Your future is too important to leave to chance.