Taking decisive emergency steps after a Scranton car accident can protect your health, your rights, and your financial future in the moments that matter most. Munley Law understands how overwhelming a crash can be, especially when you are injured or unsure of what to do next. Acting quickly and carefully can make a critical difference in your recovery and your claim.
Almost 40,000 people were killed in U.S. traffic crashes in 2024, according to preliminary data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In Pennsylvania alone, PennDOT reported over 110,00 reportable crashes in 2024, resulting in almost 67,000 injuries and over 1,100 fatalities. Car accidents remain a serious public safety issue across Lackawanna County and throughout the Commonwealth.
Immediate action after a crash includes calling 911, documenting the scene, seeking medical care, and reaching out to a Scranton car accident lawyer. The right steps help to safeguard your well-being and strengthen any future insurance or legal claims. Here’s what to do, and what to avoid doing, after a car accident in Scranton.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer at Munley Law
Call Us At 844-686-5397 What Should I Do – and Avoid – at the Scene of a Pennsylvania Car Accident?
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. Leaving prematurely could result in criminal charges under Pennsylvania’s hit-and-run statutes.
If someone asks you to explain what happened, avoid saying anything that might sound like an admission of 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 accident lawyer can help you handle communication after the crash and make sure your best interests are protected.
“At Munley Law, our mission is simple: to provide all injury victims equal access to justice, even against the most powerful entities. For more than 65 years, we have been the voice for the injured, the forgotten, and those who need someone to stand beside them in their darkest hour.”
Marion Munley
What Information are You Legally Required to Exchange After a Crash in Pennsylvania?
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 Should You Seek Medical Attention After a Car Accident?
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 Do Scranton Police and EMS Do at the Scene of an Accident?
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, such as 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.
When Should I Contact a Scranton Car Accident Lawyer?
If you were injured in a car crash in Scranton, it’s advisable to contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Early involvement helps preserve evidence, prevent costly mistakes, and manage insurer communications.
At Munley Law, our attorneys have represented injured Pennsylvanians for almost 70 years. We have secured numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements, including record-setting recoveries in vehicle accident cases.
Munley Law is recognized by organizations such as Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers, and we are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Several of our attorneys are board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy – a distinction earned by less than 5% of lawyers nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Steps After a Scranton Car Accident
Is Pennsylvania a No-Fault Car Insurance State?
Yes. Your own auto insurance typically pays initial medical expenses through Personal Injury Protection (PIP), regardless of fault. However, serious injury cases may allow you to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver.
Should I Report a Minor Accident to the Police?
Yes, especially if you intend on pursuing a claim. If there is injury or significant vehicle damage, reporting is mandatory. In minor crashes, a police report provides valuable documentation for pursuing damages.
What if I Start Feeling Pain Days After the Crash?
If you start feeling pain days after a crash, seek medical attention immediately. Delayed symptoms are common and should be documented properly (i.e., by a medical professional) to protect your health and your legal rights.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an Insurance Claim?
Insurance companies prioritize their bottom line, which means they often try to minimize payouts. Legal representation helps level the playing field and ensures your claim reflects the true value of your losses.
Contact a Scranton Car Accident Lawyer at Munley Law
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. You pay nothing unless we win.
Marion Munley
Marion Munley has been practicing personal injury law for nearly 40 years. She is triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy for Truck Accident Law, Civil Trial Law, and Civil Practice Advocacy. She currently serves as Vice President of the American Association for Justice, an organization dedicated to safeguarding victims’ rights. Marion has won many multimillion-dollar recoveries for her clients, including one of the largest trucking accident settlements in history. She has been named a Top 10 Super Lawyer in Pennsylvania since 2023, a Best Lawyer in America, and was recently inducted to the Lawdragon Hall of Fame.
