Though most of us don’t want to think about the possibility of being involved in a car accident, the reality is, it happens more than most of us think. There are several key things to remember if you, or someone you care about, is ever involved in a car accident.
The first, and most important, thing to do is to seek medical attention. Although there will be a lot going on around you, your health comes first. Be sure to go to the emergency room or visit your family doctor if you experience any injuries as a result of the accident.
Second, you should find an attorney that handles automobile accident cases. Representatives from the insurance companies will be calling you to see how you are doing and will want to have you give a statement. Before speaking to the insurance companies, you should consult with an attorney in order to protect your rights. Here at Stark & Stark, we assist clients with understanding the police report and work with you to review your auto insurance policies. We can help you determine what type of coverage you have and what benefits you are entitled to.
Lastly, it is important to understand the different kinds of coverage available to you. In Pennsylvania, when you signed up for auto insurance, you had to decide between full tort vs. limited tort. Hopefully you selected full tort. This will allow you to be compensated for all of your damages. Most people select limited tort because it is less expensive. However, if you have limited tort it will most likely limit the compensation you will receive. If you have limited tort insurance coverage you are not entitled to damages for pain and suffering, unless you fall into one of the exceptions. Some of these exceptions include: suffering a serious and permanent injury; the person that hit you is from another state; or the other party was intoxicated at the time of the accident.
Remember, it is important to stay calm at the scene of an accident. If you, or someone you know, has recently been hurt in an auto accident, or if you would simply like more information on what to do if you are ever in an accident, please feel free to contact Stark & Stark with any questions.