Every year, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation tallies the number of car accidents across the state. Between 2010 and 2015, Allegheny County has had more car accidents than any other county. The majority of those crashes occurring in Pittsburgh and its adjacent suburbs. The experienced Pittsburgh car accident lawyers at Pribanic & Pribanic have represented clients in Allegheny County for over 20 years. When someone is involved in a car crash that results in serious personal injury or fatality, it is critical that they have an experienced attorney handle their case. But before you decide on whether you need an attorney – what should you do in the moments just after an accident? In Pennsylvania, drivers are responsible for the following:
- Never leave the scene of an accident. Leaving an accident scene can be considered a “hit-and-run” or lead to the suspension of your driving license.
- Provide any necessary help immediately following an accident to parties involved. Use caution when deciding whether to help injured persons from a vehicle.
- Call for emergency care if there have been serious injuries.
- Exchange information. Drivers should share name, address and contact information, driver license number, license plate number, and auto insurance information with each other.
- If you hit an unattended vehicle, such as a parked car, you must make every reasonable effort to contact the owner, including leaving your information with the vehicle if the owner can’t be found.
- If you can, photograph the scene of the accident and any damages to vehicles involved.