What must you do if you are involved in a car accident in Pennsylvania and someone is injured?

In Pennsylvania, if you are involved in a car accident where someone is injured, it is crucial to call 911 and provide assistance to the injured if it is safe to do so. This action not only ensures that medical help is on the way, which is vital for the injured parties, but it also fulfills legal obligations under state law. Pennsylvania law requires drivers to provide assistance to individuals who are injured as a result of an accident, which can include calling for medical help and offering any reasonable aid until emergency services arrive.

Promptly reporting the accident and helping the injured individuals fosters a responsible and compassionate response. It demonstrates an understanding of the serious nature of injuries that can occur during car accidents and the importance of timely intervention. This approach can also protect you legally, showing that you took the appropriate steps in a stressful situation.

Other options, such as leaving the scene or only reporting to your insurance company, do not comply with legal obligations and could lead to severe consequences, including potential charges of hit and run or failure to render assistance. Likewise, simply filing a police report within 24 hours does not address the immediate needs of the injured parties, nor does it satisfy the legal requirement to ensure they receive assistance at the moment of the accident.