What to Do After a Car Accident

    PHILADELPHIA, PA, December 02, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Car accidents can happen in a matter of a few seconds. Some people never see them coming, while others can only react and panic as they watch event unfold in what seems like slow motion around them. Fortunately, most people involved in a car accident will walk away from it, exchange information with the other party, and then deal with their insurance agency virtually hassle free.

However, there are some people involved in what may seem like a minor accident who spend weeks dealing with law enforcement, haggling with insurance companies, and spending more time than they should on something that wasn't their fault.

Some things that can simplify, or speed up, the process later on after your car accident include:

- Seek medical attention immediately if you or another person has been injured in the car accident. Obviously, the health and welfare of all involved parties is the most important thing to take care of. However, do not speak to anyone about the accident, and do not admit fault - even if it was your fault. Admit nothing. Admission of any type may become admissible later on in court.

- It could be important to your insurance agency or your legal claim to have photographs of the car accident. You should take pictures of the damage to the vehicles, any skid marks, the location of the sun, weather, as well as the location of the accident (parking lot, intersection, highway, and so on).

- Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all witnesses. It is assumed the police will speak with them and file a report, but this information can, and does, get lost. If it does, you will have it for the record. This is also important because some witnesses may not wait around after the car accident for the police to show up.

- Insurance companies representing the other party may call you to discuss your claim. However, you should say absolutely nothing to them. If they wish to speak with you, inform them that all contact or interviews should be done with your attorney present.

- Remember that there is a statute of limitations that you must pay attention to. This must be taken into account when filing your claim. Act as soon as you can to avoid filing too late.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an automobile accident in the Philadelphia or Lancaster, Pennsylvania area, please visit the website of Atlee, Hall & Brookhart, LLP at www.atleehall.com

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