Being involved in a car accident in Scranton can be disorienting and stressful, especially on busy roads like I-81, I-380, or downtown traffic. Knowing exactly what to do in those critical first minutes can protect your safety, preserve necessary evidence, and safeguard your legal rights under Pennsylvania law.
Whether your accident occurs during Scranton’s rush hour traffic, in challenging weather conditions, or late at night, following these steps can significantly improve your immediate safety and any future legal proceedings.
The experienced Scranton car accident attorneys at Munley Law have helped thousands of Scranton accident victims, and we’ve seen how taking the right immediate actions can strengthen your case and protect your interests.
Immediate Safety Actions at the Scranton Accident Scene
After any accident in Scranton, your priority is ensuring everyone’s safety, particularly in high-traffic areas like the Biden Expressway or busy downtown intersections.
Carefully move to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot if your vehicle is drivable. Staying in traffic lanes creates danger from approaching vehicles, especially on I-81 or 380.
Activate your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers. Scranton’s hilly landscapes and heavy traffic make visibility vital for preventing secondary accidents.
Assess yourself and your passengers for injuries. Even if you feel fine initially, adrenaline can mask pain and injury symptoms that may appear later.
Contacting Emergency Services in Scranton
Understanding how emergency services work in Scranton can help you get the assistance you need quickly and efficiently.
Always call 911 for accidents involving injuries, suspected impaired drivers, significant vehicle damage, or when you feel unsafe. Scranton police will respond and create an official accident report.
Tell the 911 operator your location (street names, mile markers on highways, or nearby Scranton landmarks), describe the accident briefly, and report any injuries or hazards like leaking fluids or blocked traffic.
Scranton police will investigate the accident, interview the involved parties and witnesses, and create an official police report. This report becomes evidence for insurance claims and potential legal action.
If anyone reports pain or potential injuries, Scranton EMS will respond to evaluate conditions and provide transportation to local hospitals if needed.
Scranton-Area Medical Facilities
Knowing where to get medical attention after a Scranton accident can be important, especially for injuries that may not seem serious initially.
- Geisinger Community Medical Center – Located on Mulberry Street, this is one of Scranton’s primary hospitals for emergency care after serious accidents.
- Commonwealth Health Regional Hospital of Scranton – On Jefferson Avenue, another major facility for emergency treatment of accident injuries.
- Lehigh Valley Hospital – Though the hospital is located in neighboring Dickson City, it does have an emergency room for those who have suffered traumatic injuries.
- Urgent Care Centers – Several urgent care facilities throughout Scranton can handle minor injuries when emergency rooms aren’t necessary but you need prompt medical evaluation.
Under Pennsylvania insurance law, seeking prompt medical care strengthens your injury claim and ensures proper documentation of accident-related injuries.
Documenting Your Scranton Accident Scene
Proper documentation at the accident scene can significantly strengthen any future insurance claim or legal case.
Take pictures of all vehicles involved, showing damage from multiple angles. Include photos of the accident location, traffic signs, road conditions, and any relevant Scranton landmarks that help establish the location.
Pennsylvania’s weather can contribute to accidents, so photograph snow, ice, rain, or other conditions that may have played a role in your crash.
Before vehicles are moved, photograph how they came to rest after the accident. This helps accident reconstruction experts understand what happened.
If you or your passengers have visible injuries, photograph them at the scene. Some injuries may appear minor initially but develop into serious conditions requiring extensive treatment.
Information to Collect After a Car Crash in Scranton
Pennsylvania law requires drivers to exchange certain information after accidents, and collecting additional details can protect your interests.
- Required Information Exchange – Pennsylvania law mandates exchanging names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, insurance company names, and policy numbers with other drivers involved.
- Vehicle Information – Record the make, model, year, color, and license plate numbers for all vehicles involved in your Scranton accident.
- Witness Information – Get names and contact information for witnesses who saw your accident. Independent witnesses can provide crucial testimony if fault becomes disputed.
- Police Officer Details – Record the responding officer’s name, badge number, and the police report number. You’ll need this information to obtain a copy of the official accident report.
Pennsylvania-Specific Legal Requirements
Understanding Pennsylvania’s specific accident reporting laws helps ensure you comply with all legal requirements.
Pennsylvania requires reporting accidents involving injuries, deaths, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Given vehicle repair costs, most Scranton accidents meet this threshold.
You must report qualifying accidents to police immediately, not later. Failure to report can result in legal penalties and complicate insurance claims.
Pennsylvania requires all drivers to carry insurance and present proof when requested. Verify that other drivers have valid licenses and insurance coverage.
When emergency vehicles respond to your accident scene, approaching traffic must move over or slow down significantly. This protects you and emergency responders.
What NOT to Do at Scranton Accident Scenes
Avoiding certain actions at accident scenes protects both your safety and legal interests.
- Don’t Leave the Scene – Pennsylvania law prohibits leaving accident scenes, even minor ones, before fulfilling legal requirements. Hit-and-run charges carry serious penalties.
- Don’t Admit Fault – Avoid saying “I’m sorry” or accepting blame, even if you think you caused the accident. Fault determination involves complex factors that may not be apparent immediately.
- Don’t Discuss Details with Other Drivers – Limit conversation with other drivers to exchanging required information. Detailed discussions about what happened can be misinterpreted later.
- Don’t Sign Documents – Other than providing required information to police, don’t sign anything at the accident scene, especially documents presented by other drivers or their representatives.
- Don’t Accept Quick Settlement Offers – Sometimes, other drivers offer to pay cash to avoid involving insurance. This creates risks and complications that aren’t worth the perceived convenience.
Insurance Notification Requirements
Pennsylvania insurance law has specific requirements for notifying insurance companies after accidents.
Contact your insurance company as soon as safely possible after your Scranton accident, ideally from the scene if you’re uninjured. Give your insurance company the police report number, other driver’s insurance information, and basic facts about the accident location and time.
Provide only basic factual information to insurance companies initially. Detailed statements should be given only after consulting with legal counsel.
Keep records of when you reported the accident and to whom you spoke at your insurance company.
When to Contact a Scranton Car Accident Attorney
While handling immediate accident scene responsibilities is important, knowing when to involve legal counsel protects your long-term interests.
- Serious Injury Accidents – If anyone sustained significant injuries in your Scranton accident, contact an attorney promptly to ensure proper documentation and protection of your rights.
- Disputed Fault Situations – When other drivers or insurance companies dispute who caused the accident, early legal intervention can preserve evidence and witness testimony.
- Complex Accident Scenarios – Multi-vehicle accidents, commercial vehicle involvement, or accidents with unclear causation benefit from immediate legal analysis.
- Insurance Company Delays – If insurance companies delay processing your claim or dispute coverage, legal counsel can expedite resolution and protect your interests.
Taking the right steps immediately after your Scranton car accident can make a significant difference in protecting your safety, preserving evidence, and safeguarding your legal rights. While dealing with an accident is stressful, following these guidelines helps ensure the best possible outcome for your situation. If you were involved in a car accident and need legal advice, contact our Scranton car accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
