Car Accidents

1. Turn on your hazard lights and remain in the car.
2. Call the police.
3. If the police refuse to respond, take photos of the vehicles before they are moved. Then move your vehicle to a safe location.
4. Take photos of any damage sustained to the vehicles and any debris in the roadway.
5. Gather as much information as you can about the other vehicle (color, make, model, license plate number) as well as the name, address, telephone number and insurance information for the driver of the other vehicle(s) involved in the accident.
6. Obtain contact information for any witnesses.
7. Report to the hospital or urgent care for evaluation and treatment.
   NOTE: Do not refuse medical attention simply because you don’t have medical insurance. Pennsylvania is a “no-fault state.” This means the auto insurance company covering the vehicle you were in at the time of the accident will cover your medical bills and lost wages, up to the policy limits, regardless of who was at fault. PA Law prevents a car insurance company from increasing your rates after paying your medical bills.
8. Contact Keller, Lisgar & Williams, LLP.

A “tort” is a legal term that encompasses various intentional or accidental civil wrongs against a person or property for which the injured person may sue the wrongdoer for damages. For example, if someone carelessly strikes you with his/her car, the tort of “negligence” has been committed. Negligence is an unintentional tort.

There are also a variety of intentional torts (assault, battery, false imprisonment, invasion of privacy, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress) for which recovery may be sought.

In Pennsylvania, employers can be held vicariously liable (legally responsible) for the acts of their employees committed within the course of their employment.

The term “tort” is often heard by individuals involved in car accidents. The first question a lawyer may ask is, “Did you have elect full tort or limited tort under your automobile insurance policy?”