A serious car accident can have extensive ramifications in your life for months, and even years after the incident. Property damage, lost time at work, mounting medical bills, rehabilitative costs, and damages caused by pain and suffering can quickly add up to astronomical bills, and endless phone calls to insurance companies in a fight to get the compensation you need.
We’ve compiled a list of things you need to know after being involved in a car accident in Chester County in the article below. Of course, this is only a jumping off point, and if you have any additional questions, our expert team of attorneys is standing by to take your call. We are always happy to address your specific concerns and questions about your Chester County auto accident with a free consultation.
First Steps After a Serious Car Accident in Chester County
There are a few crucial things that you need to do in the immediate aftermath of a serious car accident. Always remember to:
- Seek medical attention for you and your passengers
- Contact the police and obtain a police report
- Get contact information and statements from any eye witnesses
- Take pictures of the accident from every angle
Chester County Car Accident Statistics
Chester County has consistently ranked among the top ten counties in Pennsylvania for most reported traffic accidents for the past five years, and for the past four years has been in the top ten counties for most traffic related fatalities in the state. In total, there were nearly 3,500 accidents in Chester County PA in 2020, a number that has remained nearly identical for the past five years.
Alcohol related traffic fatalities in Chester County skyrocketed in 2020, jumping from 3 alcohol related fatalities in 2019 to 13 in 2020. The presence of alcohol in a traffic accident raises the chances of a fatality by nearly five times, compared to those crashes without alcohol involved.
What About Hit and Run Accidents in Chester County?
If the driver responsible for your accident flees the scene without exchanging information with you, you still have options available to you in Chester County. If you’ve purchased uninsured motorist coverage, you’ll be able to make a recovery against your own insurance for your injuries, after paying your deductible.
You can also make a recovery against your own insurance if the at-fault driver stays at the scene, but does not have their own insurance. Additionally, if the at-fault driver only has limited insurance, you can make a claim against your own auto insurance if you have added underinsured motorist coverage to your policy.
Recovering Lost Wages
In order to recover lost wages from an accident, you’ll need to gather your taxes from the last few years, alongside recent pay stubs. These documents will show proof of your income and make the case for what compensation you are rightfully owed. It may also be helpful to get statements from managers or fellow employees as to how the accident has affected your ability to properly do your job.
It’s important to remember that lost wages can also include claims for future wage loss if the accident has left you unable to work in your current position for a significant period of time. This is a more serious type of claim to file, known as Diminished Earning Capacity, and will require expert testimony and documentation. Your Chester County Car accident attorney can help you understand more about what this type of claim entails during your consultation.
Chester County Car Accident Lawyers Can Help With Your Claim
After a serious accident, the most important thing for you to do is to focus on your recovery. Taking time off of work for medical care and rehabilitation can be a costly and time consuming effort, as well as physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Our expert team of attorneys can help relieve some of your burdens by helping you file a successful case, and get you the compensation you deserve to get your life back.
Our first consultation is always free of charge. Call the lawyers at Thistle Law today by dialing 215-568-6824, or fill out our contact form here.