What to Do After a Car Accident in Pittsburgh, PA?

Pittsburgh is one of the busiest areas of Pennsylvania. The high volume of traffic and activity here can lead to serious accidents. Whether a crash happens on I-376 or PA 576, knowing what to do after a serious injury is important. If you’re involved in such an incident, even the most experienced driver may wonder what to do after a car accident in Pittsburgh, PA. Consult a personal injury lawyer from Ainsman Levine, LLC, early on. They can build a strong legal case.

Understanding Pennsylvania’s Injury Laws

The Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety report that, on average, 6,500 people are injured in motor vehicle accidents each day. In Pennsylvania, specifically, 2023 saw 1,229 fatalities, and a ten-year period claimed the lives of 11,736 residents. This information highlights that many individuals in our state experience serious and sometimes even deadly crashes. It’s important to know what to do if you’re involved in a crash.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Pittsburgh, PA?

If you are involved in an accident, the following steps are recommended:

• Document the accident scene. Take photos and videos of the accident location, the damage to all vehicles, and your physical injuries. Avoid speaking with the people at the scene of the incident, as anything you say can later be used against you, especially if you say anything that can be interpreted as admitting fault. Even an “I’m sorry” can be evidence of admitting that you caused the accident.
• Collect compelling information. Exchange contact information with all drivers involved in the accident, and collect the same information from any eyewitnesses. Check if any nearby businesses have surveillance videos that may have captured the incident. This can provide important evidence about the cause of your accident.
• Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you think you feel fine, go see a doctor right away. Medical evaluations can evaluate internal injuries that might not be apparent at first. A doctor who routinely evaluates patients suffering from crash-related injuries can link your injuries to your accident, which can help later in an accident claim.
• Keep detailed records. While your memory is fresh, it’s important to write down everything you can remember about the events that led up to and followed the accident. Keep a journal about your medical care, symptoms, and all related expenses. Keep a copy of all your bills and prescriptions.
• Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters. Report your accident to your insurance company, but do not give a recorded statement without first speaking to an attorney. If asked about your car accident injuries, say that your treatment is ongoing. Often, your attorney can handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf.
• Avoid posting on social media. Do not post about your accident online, and avoid posting any pictures relating to the incident. Photos can be used by the opposing parties to undermine your claim. Insurance companies regularly comb social media accounts, looking for posts from claimants about accidents, and they will use the information they find against you. Avoid posting anything about your accident online, even if you think your account is private.
• Consult a lawyer. Reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer right away. The state’s car accident laws set deadlines to file a personal injury claim, and speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible can protect your rights.

Follow these recommendations after a car accident in Pittsburgh. For those seeking help with a car accident case, consult an experienced lawyer, such as the team at Ainsman Levine, LLC.

Immediate Actions to Take After a Car Accident in Pittsburg

Here are the immediate actions you can take post-accident to protect yourself:

1. Move to Safety First: If you’re involved in a minor accident, and there are no serious injuries, move vehicles to a safe area, away from traffic. However, if there are injuries or significant vehicle damage, it’s best to leave everything as it is until help arrives.
2. Call for Help: Dial 911. It’s best to report the accident to the police, as a police report can be useful in your claim process. Reporting also ensures that everyone receives the necessary medical attention.
3. Exchange Information: Get the names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle details of all parties involved. Be polite, but avoid discussing liability or details of the accident, as these conversations could be used in any legal proceedings.
4. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible damage, and road conditions. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well.
5. Seek Medical Attention: Sometimes, injuries caused by car accidents aren’t immediately apparent. You should see a doctor as soon as possible for a thorough check-up.

The Next Steps: Legal and Insurance Processes

Next, take these steps to protect your potential legal claim:

1. Notify Your Insurance: Inform your insurance company about the accident. Provide them with basic information, but avoid making any definitive statements about fault or injuries until you have legal representation.
2. Avoid Quick Settlements: Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement, but you need to make sure it covers all your needs. Accepting an early offer can prevent you from claiming additional compensation later.
3. Keep Records: Document everything related to the accident – medical bills, repair costs, any lost wages due to time off work, and any other related expenses.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer: Choose Ainsman Levine, LLC

Whether your crash happened on I-79 or in Mt. Lebanon, a car collision can change your life. Ainsman Levine, LLC, has protected victims hurt by reckless drivers across Pennsylvania since 1995. Our Pittsburgh attorneys provide the aggressive advocacy you need to hold drivers accountable. We know that a serious wreck can leave you with mounting bills, but you shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistake. Contact us to discuss the compensation you deserve. 

How Ainsman Levine, LLC Can Help You

After a car accident, dealing with legal and insurance processes can be a nightmare. That’s where we step in. Our team at Ainsman Levine, LLC excels at handling car accident cases in Pittsburgh, and we can help you in several ways:

• Assessing Your Case: We’ll review your case details and help you understand your legal options.
• Handling Insurance Companies: Our lawyers will manage all communications with insurance companies, ensuring your rights are protected.
• Seeking Fair Compensation: We’ll work to make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, vehicle damage, and any other losses.
• Legal Representation: If your case goes to court, we’ll provide skilled legal representation, drawing on our years of experience in Pennsylvania’s legal system.

FAQs

How Does an Attorney Prove Liability for a Car Accident in Pittsburgh?

An attorney proves liability for a car accident in Pittsburgh by demonstrating that the at-fault driver’s carelessness directly caused the resulting injuries. Proving liability is a foundational step for any successful legal claim. A Pittsburgh car accident attorney can gather evidence to show how the at-fault driver is responsible for your injuries. They can also work to prove that your injuries were caused only by the driver.

What Is a Car Accident Case Worth in Pittsburgh?

How much a successful car accident case could be worth in Pittsburgh varies. The potential value of your case depends on many case-specific factors, like your medical bills, wage loss, pain and suffering, and lost future earning capacity. Depending on your specific car accident, the at-fault driver may also have to pay you punitive damages in rare circumstances. Contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case’s potential value.

Is Pennsylvania a Comparative Negligence State for Personal Injury Cases?

Yes, Pennsylvania is considered a modified comparative negligence state for personal injury cases. This means that, if you were 50% or more at fault, you can’t recover any compensation. If you’re found partially responsible for your accident, your award is reduced by the percentage of fault. For example, if you obtain $100,000 and you’re found 30% at fault, you’ll still get $70,000. Contact an attorney for more information about how modified comparative negligence may affect your case.

Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

You should hire a car accident lawyer after a car crash because they can provide comprehensive help during your case. Most car accident cases seem simple at first, but your case is likely to be far more challenging to handle than it seems. Your attorney can handle the procedural aspects of your car crash while you focus on getting better. You’re more likely to end up with more money in your pocket when you hire a personal injury lawyer.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Pittsburgh: Contact Ainsman Levine, LLC

Ainsman Levine, LLC, has years of experience in representing injured car crash victims across Pennsylvania. Contacting a Pittsburgh injury lawyer with a proven record is one of the most important steps you can take following a serious car accident.

Contact us today for your initial consultation.