What to Do After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania

Being in a car accident is overwhelming — even a minor collision can leave you shaken, unsure of what to do next, and worried about medical bills, repairs, and insurance issues. At Drake, Hileman & Davis, we’ve helped injured Pennsylvanians through every type of accident claim, and we know that what you do in the moments and days after a crash can make a major difference in your recovery and your legal rights.

Whether you were injured on I-95, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the Northeast Extension, Route 611, Route 22 or Route 33, our office can help. You should call us right away. In the meantime, here’s what you should do after a car accident in Pennsylvania to protect yourself and your claim.

1. Make sure everyone is safe and call 911

Your first priority is safety. Move your vehicle to a safe spot if possible and check for injuries. Even if the crash seems minor, it’s important to call 911 to report the accident and get medical and police assistance. Pull over as far off the shoulder as possible. Many accidents are followed up by subsequent accidents when vehicles are not removed far enough off the roadway.

The police report can later serve as crucial evidence when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing an injury claim.

2. Get medical attention right away

Even if you think you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries — like concussions, whiplash, or internal damage — may not appear immediately but can worsen over time. This is because our adrenaline after an accident causes us to not feel pain right away.

Prompt medical care not only protects your health but also creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the crash, which is key evidence in a personal injury claim. You don’t want the insurance company claiming that you were not injured because you did not seek treatment right away. Get yourself to Lehigh Valley Hospital, St. Luke’s, Penn Medicine, or Geisinger Emergency Department to get checked out.

3. Gather as much information as you can

If you’re able, collect details at the scene:

Names, contact information, and insurance details for all drivers
License plate numbers and vehicle descriptions
Photos of the vehicles, roadway, and any visible injuries
Contact information for any witnesses

If the police arrive, ask for the incident report number and the responding officer’s name. This helps you (and your attorney) obtain the official report later.

4. Notify your insurance company — carefully

Pennsylvania is a no-fault insurance state, meaning your own car insurance will be covering your medical bills, at least initially, regardless of fault. However, how you report the accident can matter.

When you notify your insurer, stick to the facts — don’t speculate about fault or injuries before you know the full extent. Insurance companies often record statements and may use your words to limit coverage later. The number one rule here is to tell the truth.

5. Don’t accept a settlement without speaking to an attorney

After a crash, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may contact you with a quick settlement offer. These offers often come before you know the full scope of your injuries or the long-term costs of treatment. They may offer $1,000 or $2,000, which might seem like a good idea, but you will be releasing your full claim for that amount. You don’t want to do this.

Once you accept a settlement, you usually cannot reopen your claim. That’s why it’s important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer first — someone who understands Pennsylvania law and knows what your case is truly worth. Call us and let’s talk about it.

6. Talk with a Pennsylvania car accident attorney

At Drake, Hileman & Davis, our attorneys represent people — not insurance companies. We’ve been serving clients across Bucks County, in Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Lehigh County, Northampton County and Monroe County, and the surrounding region for decades, helping injured Pennsylvanians recover the compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Whether you are in Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley or the Poconos, our office can help.

When you contact our firm, we’ll:

Review your accident details and insurance coverage
Explain your rights under Pennsylvania law
Handle communications with insurance adjusters
Investigate the crash and gather evidence
Pursue full and fair compensation for your injuries

You don’t pay us unless we recover money for you — it’s that simple.

7. Keep records and follow through with treatment

Document everything — medical visits, prescriptions, time missed from work, and any communication with insurers. Following your doctor’s treatment plan shows that you’re taking your recovery seriously and strengthens your case. If you become our client, we will do all this for you. When Drake, Hileman & Davis is on your side, all you need to do is see doctors and get better. We will do the rest.

If you’ve been injured, we’re here to help

A car accident can change your life in seconds. You don’t have to handle the aftermath alone. The attorneys at Drake, Hileman & Davis are here to guide you every step of the way — from the first call to final resolution.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania