What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania

A car accident can be disorienting. The steps you take in the minutes and days that follow can directly affect your health, your insurance claim, and any potential legal recovery.

First, ensure safety and seek medical attention. Even if injuries feel minor, some conditions — including concussions and soft tissue injuries — may not be immediately apparent. Medical documentation created early is often critical to a later claim.

Second, report the accident. Contact law enforcement and obtain an accident report. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver, but avoid discussing fault at the scene.

Third, document everything. Take photographs of the vehicles, the roadway, traffic signals, and visible injuries. Keep records of medical treatment, out-of-pocket expenses, and any time missed from work.

Finally, speak with an attorney before giving a recorded statement to an insurance company. Early evaluation can help determine liability, available insurance coverage, and whether your injuries justify pursuing a claim.

There is no obligation to move forward — but informed decisions are always better than reactive ones.