A car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. One moment you’re going about your day, and the next you’re dealing with pain, medical appointments, insurance adjusters, and uncertainty about what comes next. Many people have the same immediate questions: Do I need a lawyer? How do I get my car repaired? What if I’m hurt but didn’t go to the hospital? Should I speak to the insurance company?
This comprehensive FAQ is designed to answer these questions and more. Whether you were involved in a minor fender-bender or a major collision, understanding your rights can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of your case. The information below applies generally to car accident victims in Pennsylvania and provides a clear roadmap to help you protect your health, your finances, and your legal claim.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?
The moments after a crash are chaotic, but taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal rights. Here is the recommended checklist:
1. Check for Injuries
Even if you feel “fine,” your body may be in shock. Soft tissue injuries, concussions, and internal injuries do not always show symptoms immediately.
2. Call 911
A police report is extremely valuable later. It documents:
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Date, time, and location of the crash
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Road conditions
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Parties involved
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Witness statements
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Whether any citations were issued
Never agree to “handle it privately.” That almost always hurts victims later.
3. Exchange Information
Collect:
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Driver’s license
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Contact information
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Insurance details
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License plate numbers
Also note vehicle makes, models, and any company names if a commercial vehicle is involved.
4. Take Photos and Videos
Capture:
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Damage to all vehicles
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Your injuries
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Skid marks
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Road conditions
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Traffic lights/signs
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Weather
Photos are evidence—and the more, the better.
5. Seek Medical Care
Even if you think you’re not injured, get checked by a doctor within 24–72 hours. Pennsylvania insurance rules require timely medical documentation if you plan to pursue a personal injury claim.
6. Call a Lawyer Before Speaking to Any Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters may act friendly, but their job is to minimize payouts. A lawyer can help you avoid mistakes, preserve your rights, and maximize compensation.
Do I Need to Call the Police After a Car Accident?
Yes. Pennsylvania law requires reporting an accident if:
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Someone is injured
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Someone is killed
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A vehicle must be towed
Even if the damage seems minor, calling the police is still in your best interest. A police report can help resolve disputes later and prevent an at-fault driver from changing their story.
Some people worry the other driver will get upset if the police are called. That doesn’t matter. You need objective documentation. Without it, your claim may be much harder to prove.
Should I Speak to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
No—at least not before talking to a lawyer.
The other driver’s insurer may call you within hours of the crash hoping to:
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Get a recorded statement
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Get you to admit fault
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Get you to downplay injuries
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Push a fast, low settlement
Anything you say can and will be used against you. You are not required to give a recorded statement. Simply tell the insurance adjuster:
“I am not comfortable discussing the accident. My attorney will contact you.”
What If I Didn’t Feel Hurt at First, but Now I Do?
This is extremely common.
Many car accident injuries take hours or days to show symptoms. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain. Delayed injuries often include:
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Soft tissue injuries
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Whiplash
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Back/neck pain
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Herniated discs
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Concussions
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Internal injuries
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Ligament damage
If symptoms appear later:
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Seek medical attention immediately.
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Tell the doctor this pain started after the accident.
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Notify your attorney.
A delayed medical visit does not destroy your case—but the sooner you document your injuries, the stronger your claim.
Who Pays My Medical Bills After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania uses a no-fault system, meaning your own insurance pays for your medical bills first, even if the other driver was at fault.
Your auto insurance policy includes PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage. Most people have $5,000 minimum, but many elect higher limits.
After your PIP benefits are exhausted, medical bills are paid by:
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Your health insurance, and
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Ultimately the at-fault driver’s insurance, if you file a personal injury claim.
Your medical bills are recoverable as part of your damages.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Car Accident Claim?
Depending on your injuries and the details of your crash, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages
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Medical bills
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Future medical expenses
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Lost wages
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Reduced earning capacity
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Property damage
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Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-Economic Damages
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Anxiety and PTSD
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Permanent disability or impairment
Punitive Damages (in rare cases)
If the at-fault driver acted recklessly—such as DUI, texting while driving, or excessive speeding—you may seek additional compensation to punish the wrongful conduct.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is:
2 years from the date of the accident.
However, some situations require faster action:
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Government vehicles (city, township, state)
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Commercial trucking companies
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Hit-and-run cases
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Uninsured motorist claims
Waiting too long can destroy your case. Even though you technically have two years, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible while evidence is still fresh.
What If the Other Driver Was Uninsured or Fled the Scene?
If the other driver has no insurance, or in hit-and-run scenarios, you may still be protected through:
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage
This covers:
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Injuries
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Lost wages
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Pain and suffering
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Vehicle damage (with some policies)
What many drivers don’t realize is that UM coverage can provide very significant compensation—and it often stacks with other policies.
If you’re not sure what coverage you have, an attorney can review your policy.
Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s First Settlement Offer?
Almost never.
Initial settlement offers are designed to:
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Close the claim quickly
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Prevent you from hiring a lawyer
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Save the insurance company money
These low offers rarely reflect:
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Your ongoing medical care
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Future treatment or surgeries
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Loss of income
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Pain and suffering
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Long-term disability
Once you accept a settlement, you cannot ask for more later—even if your condition worsens.
Always speak with an attorney before accepting any offer.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident Claim?
You’re not legally required to hire a lawyer—but having one can dramatically increase the value of your claim.
You should especially hire an attorney if:
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You were seriously injured
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You have pain lasting more than a few days
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You needed ongoing treatment
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You missed work
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The other driver denies fault
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The insurance company is pressuring you
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Your car was totaled
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A commercial vehicle was involved
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You have questions about your rights
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize payouts. You deserve someone protecting your interests too.
How Does a Lawyer Help After a Car Accident?
A personal injury attorney will:
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Deal directly with insurance companies
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Gather medical records and billing documentation
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Interview witnesses
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Obtain police reports
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Secure video footage (traffic cameras, businesses, etc.)
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Reconstruct the accident if needed
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Evaluate long-term medical needs
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Calculate damages
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Negotiate a fair settlement
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Take the case to court if necessary
Most accident victims who hire an attorney recover significantly more than those who go it alone.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
Most firms—including ours—work on a contingency fee basis. That means:
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No upfront fees
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No hourly billing
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You pay nothing unless we win your case
If we secure a settlement or verdict, the fee is a percentage of the recovery. This makes high-quality legal representation accessible to everyone.
What If I Was Partially at Fault?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule.
You can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault.
For example:
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If you are 20% at fault
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And your damages total $100,000
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You can still recover $80,000
Even if you think you may be partially responsible, speak with a lawyer before making assumptions. Many clients blame themselves incorrectly or more than the facts justify.
What If the Accident Aggravated an Old Injury?
This is known as an aggravation of a pre-existing condition, and you can absolutely recover damages for it.
Common examples:
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A herniated disc that worsens after the crash
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Prior knee injury that becomes more painful
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Old shoulder injury re-aggravated
The law allows compensation for the difference between your before and after condition.
How Long Does a Car Accident Claim Take?
The timeline varies depending on:
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Severity of injuries
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Length of medical treatment
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Whether fault is disputed
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Insurance company cooperation
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Whether litigation becomes necessary
Some cases settle in a few months, while others take longer—especially if a lawsuit or trial is involved.
That said, hiring an attorney early can help streamline the process and avoid delays.
A car accident can bring overwhelming physical, financial, and emotional challenges. Understanding your rights and the steps you should take can make a tremendous difference in the success of your claim. Whether you were seriously injured or are simply unsure of what to do next, the most important thing is not to navigate the process alone. An experienced attorney can protect your interests, handle the insurance companies, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you have additional questions or want personalized guidance based on your situation, our legal team is always here to help.
