Should You Take The First Offer After A Car Accident?

It’s really tempting to just accept what’s given to you, especially when you’re dealing with potentially ruinous car accident bills. The demands are more than you can bear; any type of relief is more than you may think you can get otherwise. That’s what the insurance company counts on.

At Hadeed Law, attorney Samir Hadeed wants everyone to know that the first offer you get from an insurance company is the minimum amount they think will make the problem go away. Across Pittsburgh, people struggling from accidents are in a desperate place, and insurance companies use cold, pitiless algorithms to decide precisely how little to offer. By working with a skilled personal injury attorney, that’s not how your case has to go.

What Should You Do Immediately After A Car Accident In Pennsylvania?

The average driver in the United States can expect to be in a car accident three or four times in their lifetime. The steps you take after a wreck can deeply affect your health and your ability to make a successful claim against the at-fault party’s insurance.

With that in mind, take the following actions:

• Call 911 to report the accident to the police. You want to call the police and file a report even if you think the accident is minor. That way, the incident is on record if you later discover unexpected problems with your vehicle or hidden injuries.
• Ask for an ambulance. If you, your passengers or anyone at the scene of the wreck is injured, emergency medical care is a must. It is better to get checked out by a professional than take any chances with your health.
• Get the other driver’s information. You can wait until the police officer arrives to get the name and contact information of the other driver, but you should go ahead and take note (or take a picture) of their license plate number. If possible, obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses who are on the scene.
• Document all your injuries. Some injuries look serious immediately – while others only develop over time once swelling and bruising set in. Take photos of your injuries as soon as possible (and continue to document their progression over time).
• Get photographs of the scene. If at all possible, you want to use your camera to capture the scene of the accident. Take photos from multiple angles of the vehicles involved, any skid marks or debris in the road and the road itself.

Finally, if you are injured, speak to a car accident lawyer right away to protect your interests. Attorney Samir Hadeed can help you understand what steps to take to guard against the insurance company’s attempts to devalue or deny your claim and help you obtain fair compensation for your losses.

Fighting For Pennsylvanians Suffering From Car Accident Consequences

A car accident is often entirely out of your control, and so is what happens after it. You may face such problems as:

• Extensive injuries: From broken bones to burns to spinal cord injuries to amputations, car accident injuries are some of the most serious – and expensive – injuries to deal with.
• Lost time at work: A hidden expense of a car accident injury is the often lengthy time you will be out of work, even in a desk job. For a job where you must use your body, you may lose income for a much longer period of time.
• Transportation issues: Most people in Pennsylvania rely on their cars to get to and from work or the grocery store. Not having that primary mode of transportation will make things harder.
• Caring for family: If you were in an accident but were not alone in your car during it, someone will need to care for your family member who is also injured – if not you, then who?

These are all serious issues and serious expenses. You deserve to pursue compensation, and attorney Hadeed will help you.

What About Single Car Crashes?

Pennsylvania has a first-person injury law, and your insurance must provide you with some coverage in an accident when there are no other involved cars. This is a bit more of a complex issue, but you can still get help.

FAQs About Pittsburgh Car Accidents

The moments following a car accident can be full of confusion. Attorney Samir Hadeed wants every person to be aware of what to expect in the days to come. Here are the answers to some common concerns:

What should I do immediately after a car accident?

In Pennsylvania, you must report any accident that involves significant property damage, injuries or death to the police, so call 911. If possible, document the scene with your camera. Take photos of the damage to each vehicle, their positions relative to each other, debris in the road, the road conditions and any obvious injuries. It’s also important to get a doctor’s evaluation after the wreck, even if you feel fine. Some injuries can manifest slowly. You should also seek immediate legal assistance to protect your right to fair compensation.

How do I report a car accident in Pittsburgh?

Typically, you report the accident by calling 911 and asking for police assistance. If this is not done or the police do not respond, you have five days to submit the Driver’s Accident Report to your local police station.

What are the laws regarding car insurance claims in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is a “choice no-fault” state for auto insurance. All drivers select between limited and full-tort coverage. Limited coverage is cheaper, but offers fewer resources for financial damages, while full-tort coverage has higher premiums but offers broader rights in a claim. Attorney Samir Hadeed can help you navigate the intricacies of your policies and the policies of any other drivers involved to maximize your compensation.

What damages can I recover after a car accident?

Every claim is unique, but you can potentially recover damages for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and property damage. Typically, the more extensive your injuries, the higher the value of your claim.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car accident in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has a two-year statute of limitations on car accident claims, so you must take action within that time. It’s wisest to contact an attorney immediately so that valuable evidence doesn’t get lost.

Call For Your Free Consultation

Attorney Samir Hadeed wants to hear from you right away to assist you in getting the coverage and help you deserve. Call 412-643-0768 or send an email to schedule your consultation.