Legal Question in Personal Injury in Pennsylvania

Re: car accident

this might be a good opportunity to repost an FAQ I put together quite a few years back, but it probably won't all fit:

So take a look at http://www.lawguru.com/faq/1.html

as well:

Frequently Asked Questions about Personal Injury Law

WHAT SHOULD I DO FIRST?

First, get medical treatment. If you were seriously hurt,

you may have been admitted to a hospital. Once your condition

has stabilized, there will be plenty of time to deal with lawyers

and insurance. You should call your regular family doctor, so he

can help coordinate any followup treatment, and so his records

will reflect your injury.

If you have any pre-existing injuries or ailments, you

should give any doctors, as well as your lawyer, the full

history. The insurance companies participate in an "Index

Bureau" which tabulates the names of everyone who reports or

claims injuries, no matter how minor, so it's much better for the

people on your side to know about these things from you, up

front.

Second, if you were in an auto accident, call your insurance

company to report the accident. But DO NOT AGREE TO GIVE A

RECORDED STATEMENT TO ANYONE! You can and should politely

decline to have any discussions with the other driver or any

insurance companies. If anyone tries to contact you, just tell

them to contact your lawyer. This is vitally important. If you

talk to the other side, they may twist your words around. Even

such innocent conversation as "How are you?" "Not too bad" could

be used against you.

Finally, keep copies of every piece of paper you get that

has anything at all to do with the accident. It's also very helpful

to get photos of the damage, both as to the car or any physical

evidence of the accident, and of any bruises, stiches, casts, etc.

HOW DO I FIND A LAWYER?

As soon as possible after an accident, you should see a

lawyer, even if you don't think you have a claim. Lawyers who

specialize in accident cases will be happy to meet with you, with

no charge or obligation. Frankly, nothing will get a plaintiffs'

lawyer to return a phone call more quickly than the phrase, "new

case."

Feel free to talk with several attorneys until you find one

you are comfortable with. Of course, many lawyers advertise on

TV or in the Yellow Pages, and many of them are good lawyers.

But TV stations and phone company will accept advertising from

anyone who will pay. Some of the best injury attorneys do not

advertise at all, because their practice has been built on

referrals from previous clients and other lawyers.

For that reason, you should ask friends and family for

recommendations.

Re: car accident

Your medical bills will be initially covered by your insurance carrier. The damage to your vehicle will be covered by the other person's insurance carrier, assuming the other party was at fault. To sue for pain and suffering you must have elected full tort on your insurance. Follow the Doctor's treatment, submit a claim to your insurance carrier and either make arrangements to get estimates for the damage to your vehicle.