Everyone should know that following a car accident, you should always exchange information with any other drivers involved and if there are any serious injuries or totaled cars, you should call 911 for emergency assistance. However, if an accident is seemingly minor and you are able to move your cars off the road, it can be difficult to know whether to call the authorities. In this situation, it may seem like you can handle the aftermath of an accident on your own without waiting for the police to arrive. So the question arises: should you call the police after a minor crash?
Pennsylvania Accident Laws
Pennsylvania has specific laws regarding how you should act following an accident. Most importantly, you are always required to stop and offer you contact information. Leaving the scene of an accident can result in criminal allegations and suspension of your driver’s license. In addition, the law requires you to either notify law enforcement or the Department of Transportation (DOT) if the accident involved any of the following:
- Injuries
- Property damage
- Death
Even if an accident is minor, it is common for some property damage to occur. Therefore, it is always wise to call the police so they can come to the scene and make an accident report. If for some reason you do not call the police, you should always file an accident report with the DOT within five days of the accident.
Were You Injured?
If you were injured at all in a crash, you will likely want to pursue compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. Having an accident report can help in a claim, so if you believe there is any chance you have been injured, you should call the police.
In many cases, injuries may not be immediately obvious after an accident. For instance, signs of a concussion may be mistaken for general disorientation after an accident when in reality, you may have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even a mild TBI requires medical treatment and rest and can result in medical expenses and lost wages if you need to stay home from work. Additionally, whiplash and other soft tissue injuries may not be apparent for even a few days following an accident though will require medical treatment once they appear. Even if you feel the slightest bit of soreness or if you have hit your head, you should contact the police after a minor car accident just in case you have injuries that require treatment.
Discuss Your Crash With a Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney Today
At The Levin Firm Personal Injury Lawyers in Philadelphia, we have represented the rights of injured victims who involved in many different kinds of accidents. We know that even seemingly minor accidents can result in injuries and losses and we are here to protect your rights to compensation through the insurance process or a personal injury lawsuit. If you have been in a crash, please do not hesitate to call (215) 825-5183 for a free consultation with an auto accident lawyer today.