Car accidents are messy and no one wants to admit fault, even if it seems clear. In the blink of an eye, your whole life can turn upside down and the last thing you want to do is risk losing out on the money you deserve for damages, pain and suffering. Don’t accidentally say the wrong thing! If you’ve been in an accident, contact a Philadelphia car accident lawyer right away.

Have a Plan

It’s hard to think straight after a car accident which is why having a plan for what to do is essential. While the accident itself may be something you’ll never forget, the physical event can be so traumatic that it’s easy for the details to get jumbled or lost.

Get the Details

Documenting the details of the accident is key. After you’ve moved to safety and addressed any immediate health concerns or injuries, begin writing down everything you remember leading up to the accident including the location and local laws and signage. Take pictures of anything regarding the conditions of the accident that may be relevant including street signs, construction zones, etc.

Then survey your vehicle for damage and take photos of your car and any other vehicles involved. Next you’ll want to exchange information with the other drivers. Get names, copies/photos of insurance cards and drivers licenses, and details about all the vehicles involved. Be sure to avoid talking about fault to the other drivers or their insurance companies. Last, get statements and contact information from any witnesses present.

Keep Receipts

If you’ve sustained serious injuries due to a car accident, get them documented by a doctor. Be sure to keep any receipts for injury related treatments or loss of wages for any work missed.

Work With a Lawyer

Even if you think your case is straight forward, working with other people and their insurance companies isn’t. It’s easy to say the wrong thing, or not be fully prepared to defend your case on your own. Furthermore, if you get into an accident with someone who isn’t fully covered (or has no car insurance) you’ll likely not get properly compensated and worse–have to file an underinsured claim against your own insurance policy.

All these scenarios can easily be avoided by hiring a professional Philadelphia car accident lawyer to protect your case. Lawyers have the time, experience and team to help you win and get the compensation you deserve.