What to do - and NOT do - after an auto accident.
Follow this advice to relieve your worries and strengthen your claim. Or, call 610-892-7744 (or use the contact form) to speak with me, experienced personal injury lawyer Andrew Goldberg. I'll get back to you as quickly as possible to help you de-stress and understand your case. I'll also present a winning game plan for recovering your maximum financial award – all without charge or obligation.
Do first:
Get medical attention. That’s your first priority.
If anyone is badly injured, call 911, then the police. The police report collects vital accident data including witness names and telephone numbers, and the other driver’s name, insurance and contact info. It initiates and validates your claim.See your family doctor.
Ask the doctor to document your injuries, carefully detailing what hurts, how much it hurts, and what you can't do that you normally do.
Attend all follow-up appointments.
These medical records are the critical evidence that build your case.Document all damages and injuries with photos or video of...
all damages to both vehicles, including details like a cracked windshield or deployed airbag
your cuts, bruises or burns
damaged or destroyed property such as your eyeglasses, clothes or laptop
relevant road conditions or signage
Draw a diagram of how it happened.
Write down or record key details:
time and date
the street or streets where it occurred
how it happened
what the driver said to you or the police at the scene
Get the driver’s name, address and insurance info, as well as witnesses' names and phone numbers.
Keep the following accident-related documents:
hospital discharge instructions
all medical bills related to your accident and care
vehicle repair estimates
ASAP, put their insurance on notice that you intend to file a claim.
But… do not begin settlement negotiations until you fully understand the extent of your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, lost abilities, and pain and suffering,
Bring to your initial consult:
information about your insurance company
any other documents, bills, receipts, photos, reports, or other evidence that might prove the nature of your injury and support your case.
Do not:
Do not speak with the other driver’s insurance company or attorney.
Only say where your car is located or being repaired. If you intend to hire an attorney, tell them to contact him.Do not confront the other driver or discuss details of the accident with him or her.
Do not admit that you were in the wrong.
Do not call your witnesses.
At trial, it may be argued that you tried to influence them. To ensure that you get the information you need, let your lawyer hire an investigator to interview witnesses.Do not sign any form from an Insurer.
You could be signing away your rights.Do not accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer.
Typically, it’s far less than what you deserve.
What to do - and NOT do - after a motorcycle accident.
The hours immediately following a motorcycle accident can be stressful and disorienting. But if you're able to follow these steps, it will help strengthen the validity of your claim and calm your mind. You can also call 610-892-7744 (or use the contact form) to speak with me, experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Andrew Goldberg. I'll get back to you as quickly as possible to help you de-stress and clearly understand your case. I'll also present a winning game plan for recovering your maximum financial award – all without charge or obligation.
Do first:
Get medical attention. That’s your first priority.
If you are badly injured, call 911, then the police. The police report collects vital accident data including witness names and telephone numbers, and the other driver’s name, insurance and contact info. It initiates and validates your claim.See your family doctor.
Your doctor will record your injuries. Be sure to tell your doctor not only what hurts, but how your injuries are limiting you at work and restricting your recreational activities.Attend all follow-up appointments
These medical records are the critical evidence that build your case.Document all damages and injuries with photos or video of...
both vehicles and all damages, including details like a cracked helmet or bent frame
cuts, bruises or roadway burns
damaged or destroyed property such as your phone, laptop or clothes
relevant road conditions or signage
Draw a diagram of how it happened.
Write down or record key details:
time and date
the street or streets where it occurred
how it happened
what the driver said to you, or to police at the scene
Get the driver’s name, address and insurance info.
Get the names and phone number of witnesses.
Keep accident-related documents
hospital discharge instructions
all medical bills related to your accident and care
vehicle repair estimates
ASAP, put their insurance on notice that you intend to file a claim.
But… do not begin settlement negotiations until you fully understand the extent of your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, lost abilities, pain and suffering.
Bring to your initial consult:
information about your insurance company
any other documents, bills, receipts, photos, reports, or other evidence that might prove the nature of your injury and support your case.
Do not:
Do not speak with the other driver’s insurance company or attorney.
Only say where your motorcycle is located or being repaired. If you intend to hire an attorney, tell them to contact him.Do not confront the other driver or discuss details of the accident.
Do not admit that you were in the wrong.
Do not call your witnesses.
At trial, it may be argued that you tried to influence them. To ensure that you get the information you need, let your lawyer hire an investigator to interview witnesses.Do not sign any form from an Insurer.
You could be signing away your rights.Do not accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer.
Typically, it’s far less than what you deserve.
For a pedestrian, a car accident can result in crippling injuries, which makes the medical bills a pressing issue.
Under Pennsylvania law, injured pedestrians can seek coverage for medical bills and lost wages by making a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim under their auto insurance policy. If you don’t have your own policy or aren't covered under someone else’s, then the policy of the driver who struck you covers the claim. When PIP benefits run out, which can happen quickly, your own health insurance will kick in and pay your medical bills.
Because Pennsylvania’s limited tort law does not apply to pedestrians, you can also file a lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident. A driver who hits you in a crosswalk has almost no chance of avoiding liability for your losses, damages and medical bills. You may also be entitled to compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and present and future lost income.
Do you have a claim? Call me, experienced accident Attorney Andrew Goldberg at 610-892-7744 or via our contact form, to get the expert answers you need. I protect the rights of pedestrians and bicyclists, and work hard to secure full financial compensation for their injuries. I’ll get back to you as quickly as I can to evaluate your case and offer you a game plan for recovering your maximum financial award – free of charge or obligation..
What you need to do - and NOT do - after an accident:
If you’ve been struck by a car, getting medical attention is your first priority.
If anyone is badly injured, call 911, then the police. The police report collects vital accident data including witness names and telephone numbers, and the other driver’s name, insurance and contact info.See your family doctor.
Your doctor will record your injuries. Be sure to point out any bruises or roadway burns, tell the doctor what hurts, and explain how your injuries are limiting you at work and restricting your recreational activities.Attend all follow-up appointments.
These medical records are the critical evidence that build your case.Document all damages and injuries with photos and/or video of :
damages to the car that hit you, including details like an inflated airbag or missing side-mirror.
cuts, bruises or roadway burns
damaged or destroyed property such as your phone, laptop or clothes
relevant road conditions or signage
Draw a diagram of how it happened.
Write down or record key details:
time and date
the street or streets where it occurred
how it happened
what the driver said to you, or to police at the scene
Get the driver’s name, address and insurance info.
Get the names and phone number of witnesses.
Keep accident-related documents including:
hospital discharge instructions
all medical bills related to your accident and care
vehicle repair estimates
ASAP, put the driver's insurance company on notice that you intend to file a claim.
But… do not begin settlement negotiations until you fully understand the extent of your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, lost abilities, pain and suffering.
Bring to your initial consult:
information about your insurance company
any other documents, bills, receipts, photos, reports, or other evidence that might prove the nature of your injury and support your case.
Do not:
Do not speak with the other driver’s insurance company or attorney.
If you intend to hire an attorney, tell them to contact him.Do not confront the driver, discuss details of the accident, or admit that you were wrong.
Do not call your witnesses.
At trial, it may be argued that you tried to influence them. To ensure that you get the information you need, let your lawyer hire an investigator to interview witnesses.Do not sign any form from an Insurer.
You could be signing away your rights.Do not accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer.
Typically, it’s far less than what you deserve.
Although most falls are preventable, many people who slip or trip never talk with an attorney or recover the settlement they are entitled to.
As a Personal Injury Attorney, I know the potential hazards that can cause a fall. And if negligent property managers and owners are responsible, I know how to hold them accountable, so my clients can recover the compensation they need to get back on their feet.
Falling on someone’s property does not automatically make them responsible for your injuries. If you’ve slipped or tripped and were injured, you’ll need to prove that your accident was due to a defect and caused by a property owner’s carelessness. Documenting the evidence needed to prove responsibility and overcome insurance company objections requires meticulous attention to detail and years of experience.
Don't put your compensation at risk by going at it alone. Whether you've been injured in a fall involving a broken sidewalk, a poorly lit stairway or an icy parking lot, step one is to contact your doctor about your injury. Then call experienced accident Attorney Andrew Goldberg at 610-892-7744 or via our contact form to learn how to obtain all the compensation you deserve.
The critical steps described here will give you the best chance of recovering money for your injuries. It is imperative that you do these things as soon as possible after the accident. Without them, you may not be able to prove your case, regardless of the seriousness of your injuries.
What to do immediately after a Slip or Trip Accident:
Getting medical attention is your first priority. If badly injured, call 911, then the police. The police report initiates and validates your claim by collecting vital accident data, including witness names and phone numbers, and the name and phone number of the property owner or manager.
Take photos or video to document the problem that caused your fall. Whether it was uneven paving stones, a cracked or raised curb, or poor lighting, photograph the problem immediately. If the property owner has the problem repaired, Pennsylvania law prohibits using photos of repairs as evidence of the property owner’s negligence.
Before leaving, inform the property owner or occupant that you fell, and explain what caused you to fall. If your injury required the police or an ambulance to respond, you don’t have to report the fall.
If you’re injured, go to the Emergency Room or see your Family Doctor. The doctor will record your injuries. Be sure to point out what hurts. Describe how your injuries are limiting you at work and restricting your recreational activities.
Draw a diagram or describe what caused your fall. Detail exactly how you fell. Did you fall forward ? Did you hit your head? Did you fall on your palms as you extended your arms to protect your face? What time of day did you fall? What type of shoes were you wearing? What were you holding, and in which hand? Describe the lighting conditions. Small details like these are often crucial to winning your case.
Attend all follow-up doctor appointments. These medical records are the critical evidence that build your case.
Get the names and phone number of witnesses.
Keep accident-related documents including:
hospital discharge instructions
all medical bills related to your accident and care
vehicle repair estimates
ASAP, put their insurance on notice that you intend to file a claim. But do not begin settlement negotiations. Call Attorney Andrew Goldberg at 610-892-7744 for a free consult, and learn the most effective ways to protect your rights and win your claim.
Bring to your initial consult:
information about your insurance company
any other documents, bills, receipts, photos, reports, or other evidence that might prove the nature of your injury and support your case.
Do not:
Do not confront the property manager or owner, or discuss details of the accident.
If you intend to hire an attorney, tell the insurance adjuster to contact her or him.Do not admit that you were in the wrong.
Do not call your witnesses.
At trial, it may be argued that you tried to influence them. Let your lawyer hire an investigator to interview the witnesses. This will ensure that you get the information needed to win your case.Do not sign any form from an Insurer.
You could be signing away your rights.Do not accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer.
Typically, it’s far less than what you deserve.