Philadelphia Car Accident Attorneys

A car accident is one of the most traumatic experiences you’re likely to face in everyday life. According to the National Safety Council, an estimated 10 million accidents occur each year in the United States, and insurance industry leaders report that most Americans will file a car accident claim, on average, about every 18 years. Since it's not so much a question as if but when, it pays to know what to do if you've been involved in a crash.

The best way to learn about your rights and options if you've been injured in a car accident is to speak with the lawyers at Golomb • Spirt, P.C. in person. We can guide you through this complex process.

Steps to Take Immediately Following the Accident

In the seconds immediately following a car accident, you may be disoriented or in shock. So it's worth spending some time to review the procedures you should follow in the wake of the accident, both to ensure the safety of you and your passengers, and also to ensure that evidence is preserved for your auto accident claim:

• Check yourself and your passengers for injuries, and call 911 if you need emergency services. Don't attempt to move someone who is unconscious or has neck pain. Leave that to the medical professionals.
• Turn on your vehicle's hazard lights and get out of traffic. If you're involved in a minor accident, move your car off the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic to avoid further accidents. Before moving the cars, take a photo of the accident if you can. Photographic evidence may be useful in building your case later.
• Call the police. If there is noticeable property damage or if anyone has sustained a serious injury, then call the police as soon as you can do so safely. You'll want to file a police report, and be sure to request the officers' names and badge numbers.
• DO NOT admit fault, apologize, or otherwise imply in any way that you are responsible for the accident. But DO exchange information with the other driver or drivers. At a minimum, request and provide the following: name, phone number, address, license plate number, driver's license number, and insurance information
• Gather details. If you're safe and able to, gather as much evidence as you can. Smart phones offer convenient options for recording witness statements, photographing the scene, and noting important names and addresses.

Steps to Take After Leaving the Accident Scene

There are still several important things to take care of once you leave the accident scene:

• Seek medical treatment as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Sometimes it can take days or even weeks for injury symptoms to arise, especially if you suffer a brain injury. You want to make sure you get prompt treatment and document that your injuries were caused by the car accident.
• Call your insurance company and report the accident. This is required by law. Don’t admit fault and don’t sign any waivers or releases without consulting an experienced car accident lawyer first.
• If you’ve suffered an injury, call our experienced car accident attorneys at Golomb • Spirt P.C.at once. The sooner we can start gathering evidence and building your case, the better the chances of a successful outcome.

Consider keeping a checklist in your car's glove box: When you've just been hit, it might be hard to remember everything you need to do. But if you remember nothing else, remember that priority number one is your safety and that of your passengers.

Philadelphia Car Accidents FAQ

• Are delayed injuries common after a car accident?
  Some people will feel delayed injuries after being in a car accident. The adrenaline rush can delay the feeling of pain for several hours. Certain soft tissue injuries or minor fractures also might not start hurting for hours or days. It is important to see a medical provider shortly after a crash, so you can get the full extent of your injuries evaluated by a professional.
• Can fault for an accident be determined by vehicle damage?
  Insurance adjusters and crash investigators can use vehicle damage to determine how a crash happened, which might reveal fault. It is not an exact science, but it can still be incredibly useful when handled by experts.
• Can I file a claim if the other driver left the scene?
  If the other driver left the scene before you could identify them, then you have two options. The first is to call the police and see if they can be caught based on your description. A dashcam can be crucial to capture their license plate information. If the driver is identified later, then you can file against their auto insurance and start an injury claim if needed. The second option is to file a first-party insurance claim against your auto insurance provider by using your uninsured motorist (UM) insurance policy.
• Can I sue if I was a passenger in an accident?
  Passengers injured in auto accidents have the right to seek compensation just like injured drivers. Although, complications can arise if you were a passenger and the person driving the car you were in is the same person who caused the crash.
• Do I have to call the police after a minor accident?
  Pennsylvania law only requires you to notify the police if someone was seriously injured in the accident or if there was vehicle damage. However, you can still call non-emergency highway patrol services to come to the scene of the crash if you want. The responding officer could create a crash report that benefits your claim later.
• Do I still have a case if I was partially responsible for my car accident?
  You may still have a case even if you were partially responsible for the car accident in Pennsylvania. The state follows the modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can seek compensation as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. Our attorneys can evaluate the circumstances of your case, gather evidence, and advocate on your behalf to minimize your liability and pursue fair compensation from other responsible parties.
• How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
  In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, certain factors could alter this timeframe. It is crucial to act promptly and consult with a car accident lawyer from our firm as soon as possible after the accident. Failing to file within the statute of limitations could result in losing your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
• How much is my car accident case worth?
  The value of a car accident case depends on various factors, such as the severity of injuries, property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys will carefully assess all aspects of your case to determine its worth. Our team will meticulously gather evidence, consult with experts if necessary, and fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve for your losses.
• How long will my car accident case take to resolve?
  The timeline for resolving a car accident case in Philadelphia can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the extent of injuries, and the cooperation of the involved parties. While some cases can be settled through negotiations quickly, others may require going to trial, which can extend the process. At Golomb • Spirt, P.C., we strive to expedite the legal process while ensuring your best interests are protected. Our goal is to achieve a favorable resolution efficiently, allowing you to move forward with your life.
• How much does it cost to hire a Philadelphia car accident lawyer?
  We understand the financial concerns our clients may have after a car accident. At Golomb • Spirt, P.C., we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't have to worry about upfront legal fees. You will only pay us if we successfully recover compensation for your case. This fee arrangement allows you to access experienced legal representation without any financial burden during the course of your car accident claim. Our dedicated team is committed to fighting for your rights and obtaining the best possible outcome for your case.