A serious car accident in Scranton can leave you feeling shaken, disoriented, and unsure of what to do next. Your Scranton car accident lawyer with Munley Law is available 24/7 when you need us most to help protect your rights and begin building your case from the start. Whether you need help recognizing what to do at the scene of a car accident or want to speak with your Scranton personal injury lawyer, we are here to support you every step of the way.
How to Protect Your Rights After a Crash in Scranton
After a crash in Scranton, you may feel disoriented and unsure of what to do next. Taking a few key steps at the accident scene can protect your physical safety and strengthen your legal position. With guidance from your Scranton personal injury lawyer, you can make smart decisions at the car crash scene that support your recovery and your claim.
Immediate Dos and Don’ts
Your first priority after any accident is safety, but it is just as important to protect your legal rights. Pennsylvania law under 75 Pa. C.S. § 3746 makes it mandatory to report the crash to police when there are injuries or significant vehicle damage. Never leave the scene until law enforcement arrives and tells you that it is okay to go.
If someone asks you to explain what happened, avoid saying anything that might sound like admitting fault. What seems like a simple apology can later be used to dispute your case. You are also not required to sign any documents presented by other drivers or their insurance companies.
Quick settlement offers at the scene may seem convenient, but they often undervalue your losses. Your Scranton truck accident lawyer can help you handle communication after the crash and make sure your best interests are protected.
What Information to Document
Under 75 Pa. C.S. § 3744, you must exchange specific information with the other driver, including full names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, phone numbers, and insurance details. Make sure to take photos of every vehicle involved, paying close attention to license plates, damage, and any visible road hazards.
If there are witnesses nearby, ask for their names and phone numbers in case their testimony becomes important. When officers arrive, note their names, badge numbers, and the report number. This information will help your lawyer access the official accident report later.
Write down what happened while it is still fresh in your mind, including time of day, weather conditions, and traffic flow. These details may seem small, but they can make a big difference when it is time to build your case.
When to Get Medical Help After a Crash
After any car accident in Scranton, your safety should always come first. Even if you don’t feel hurt right away, symptoms can appear hours or even days later once adrenaline wanes. Seeking medical treatment is not only important for your health, but it also creates the documentation your personal injury claim will rely on under Pennsylvania’s no-fault insurance laws.
Why You Should Always Get Checked
It is common for accident survivors to feel fine in the first hour or two after a crash. This is often due to the body’s natural stress response, which can mask pain and injury. Internal bleeding, whiplash, and traumatic brain injury symptoms may not emerge until later. That is why you should always get a medical evaluation, even for what seems like a minor accident on I-81 or in downtown Scranton.
Under Pennsylvania’s first-party benefits law, 75 Pa. C.S. § 1711, drivers are entitled to medical coverage through their own insurance policy. This means you can receive care without waiting to prove fault. By getting checked right away, you protect your health and preserve the record needed to support your legal case if injuries appear or worsen in the days to come.
Where to Go After an Accident in Scranton
If you are unsure where to seek care after a crash, there are several reliable facilities close by. Geisinger Community Medical Center on Mulberry Street offers 24-hour emergency services and is well-equipped for auto accident injuries. Commonwealth Health Regional Hospital of Scranton, located on Jefferson Avenue, is another top choice for emergency care. Urgent care centers can also be helpful for minor injuries when emergency services are not needed, but it is still important to document your visit for insurance and legal purposes.
What Happens When You Call Emergency Services in Scranton
When you are shaken up after a crash, knowing what to expect from emergency services can help you stay calm and take the right next steps. In Scranton, police and EMS work together to secure the scene, document what happened, and assist anyone who may be injured. Responding quickly and clearly in those first few minutes can make a big difference in both your health and your case.
What to Tell the 911 Operator
After an accident in Scranton, your first call should be to 911, especially if anyone appears injured, the cars are blocking traffic, or there is visible damage. The operator will ask for your exact location. Be as specific as possible. Use cross streets, local landmarks, or nearby I-81 exit numbers to help first responders find you quickly. If you are near the Davis Street exit, for example, mention it directly.
You should also let the dispatcher know if there are visible injuries, trapped passengers, or hazards like leaking fuel or broken glass. Stay calm and speak slowly so nothing gets missed. The more clearly you describe the situation, the faster and more effectively police and EMS can respond.
What Police and EMS Will Do
Once Scranton police arrive at the crash scene, they will secure the area and begin their investigation. They will talk to drivers, passengers, and any witnesses to piece together what happened. Their findings go into the official police report, which becomes a critical piece of evidence for your insurance claim or any legal case.
This report is required if anyone was injured or if the crash caused significant damage. If emergency medical services are dispatched, they will check everyone involved, even if the injuries seem minor. Headaches, dizziness, and neck pain can appear later, so it is important to let them evaluate you on the scene. If needed, they will transport you to a hospital like Geisinger or Commonwealth Health. Remember, police reports and medical records created at the scene often play a key role in supporting your case later on.
What to Do If Emergency Services Do Not Arrive Right Away
Sometimes, after a Scranton car accident, emergency services may be delayed, especially during rush hour or in severe weather. If you are waiting for help and the situation feels safe, stay at the scene, keep your hazard lights on, and avoid moving any vehicles unless they are creating a hazard. Try to remain calm and continue monitoring yourself and your passengers for any signs of injury while you wait.
If you are able, begin gathering details that will be useful later. Write down the names and phone numbers of any witnesses, and take pictures of the damage, road conditions, and vehicle placement. If you start to feel dizzy, lightheaded, or in pain while waiting, make note of those symptoms. Once emergency responders arrive, share everything you have observed. This helps them assess the situation quickly and accurately.
Your Car Accident Attorney in Scranton is Here to Help
If you were injured in a crash, we are ready to help you take the next step. You can rely on your car accident lawyer in Scranton from Munley Law to explain your rights and fight for the full compensation you deserve. For answers and a free consultation, contact us anytime.
