10 Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Harrisburg PA, from a Lawyer

By MWKE Law Firm | Accident Lawyer Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

If I were in a car accident in Harrisburg, PA, I wouldn’t panic.

But I also wouldn’t guess.

I’m a personal injury lawyer at MWKE Law Firm, and I’ve seen what helps cases — and what destroys them. So if I personally got into a crash on I-81, got rear-ended on Paxton Street, or T-boned at Jonestown Road & Union Deposit Road, here’s exactly what I would do.

Not theory. Not fluff. Just what works.

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Step 1: I Would Assume It’s More Serious Than It Feels

Adrenaline lies to you.

If I were hit on Interstate 81 near Exit 66 (Front Street) or sideswiped on I-83 merging toward the Susquehanna River bridge, I might feel “okay” at first.

But I know better.

Soft tissue injuries, concussions, and spinal trauma often show up hours later.

So here’s what I’d do immediately:

• Call 911.

• Get checked by EMS on scene.

• Go to the hospital if recommended — even if I think I’m fine.

In Harrisburg, common hospitals accident victims are taken to include:

• UPMC Harrisburg (111 S Front St)

• Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center (Camp Hill)

• UPMC Community Osteopathic (Union Deposit Rd)

I would not decline medical care just to “save time.”

Medical documentation is the foundation of any injury case.

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Step 2: I Would Control the Scene (Without Arguing)

If the crash happened at:

• Jonestown Road & Progress Avenue

• Cameron Street & Maclay Street

• Paxton Street & 29th Street

• Front Street & Forster Street

• Market Street & 2nd Street downtown

I’d do three things fast:

1. Take wide photos of the intersection.

2. Take close-ups of damage and skid marks.

3. Photograph traffic lights and signage.

Why?

Because intersection cases turn into “he said, she said” arguments quickly.

Evidence disappears. Traffic cameras aren’t always preserved.

I would never argue with the other driver. I would never admit fault. And I would never speculate about what happened.

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Step 3: I Would Get Witness Names — Immediately

In busy areas like:

• Route 22 (Allentown Blvd corridor)

• Union Deposit Road shopping centers

• Colonial Park area

• Derry Street retail strip

• Cameron Street commercial zone

There are almost always witnesses.

But they leave quickly.

If I were in an accident in Harrisburg, I would politely ask:

“Can I please get your name and number in case insurance needs a statement?”

Independent witnesses win cases.

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Step 4: I Would Notify My Insurance — But Say Very Little

Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state.

That means I would:

• Open a claim with my own insurance for medical benefits.

• Confirm whether I have limited tort or full tort coverage.

But here’s what I would NOT do:

• I would not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance.

• I would not guess about my injuries.

• I would not downplay pain.

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claims.

I know this because I negotiate with them every week.

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Step 5: I Would Follow Through With Medical Treatment

If I went to UPMC Harrisburg or Holy Spirit and they referred me to:

• Orthopedic care

• Neurology

• Physical therapy

• Imaging (MRI/CT scans)

I would attend every appointment.

Why?

Because gaps in treatment destroy credibility.

Insurance companies argue:

“If you were really hurt, you would have gone.”

I’ve seen cases collapse over missed therapy sessions.

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Step 6: I Would Stay Off Social Media

If I were injured in a crash on I-81 near Linglestown Road or rear-ended on Front Street during rush hour, I would not post:

• “Feeling better!”

• Gym photos

• Vacation updates

• Physical activity videos

Insurance companies monitor social media.

I’ve personally seen screenshots used against injured clients.

Even innocent posts get twisted.

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Step 7: I Would Calculate the Real Value of My Case — Not Just the Bills

Most people think:

“My car damage was $6,000, so that’s what my case is worth.”

That’s not how it works.

If I suffered:

• Whiplash

• Herniated disc

• Concussion

• Shoulder injury

• Knee trauma

I would calculate:

• Medical expenses

• Lost wages

• Future treatment

• Pain and suffering

• Impact on daily life

The severity of injury matters more than vehicle damage.

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Step 8: I Would Understand Pennsylvania Fault Rules

Pennsylvania follows modified comparative negligence.

If I were more than 50% at fault, I recover nothing. If I were partially at fault, my recovery is reduced by my percentage.

Insurance companies try to increase your fault percentage.

For example:

• Claiming you were speeding on Route 322.

• Saying you failed to signal on Derry Street.

• Arguing you “should have avoided” the crash on Paxton Street.

I would gather evidence early to prevent that.

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Step 9: I Would Not Accept the First Settlement Offer

If the other driver’s insurance called me within 72 hours offering $7,500 to “close the case quickly,” I would decline.

Early offers are almost always low.

Why?

Because at that stage:

• You haven’t finished treatment.

• You don’t know long-term damage.

• You haven’t calculated lost wages.

• You haven’t assessed future care.

Insurance companies gamble that people want fast money.

As a lawyer, I know patience increases leverage.

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Step 10: I Would Consult an Experienced Harrisburg Accident Lawyer

Even as a lawyer, I would not represent myself.

When you’re injured, you’re not thinking strategically. You’re thinking about pain.

An experienced accident lawyer in Harrisburg understands:

• Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas procedures

• Local adjuster tactics

• High-risk intersections

• Traffic investigation patterns

• Medical provider networks

That local insight matters.

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Where Accidents Frequently Happen in Harrisburg

If I were in an accident in any of these areas, I would treat it seriously:

Highways:

• I-81 (especially near Front Street exit)

• I-83 (bridge corridor)

• Route 22 (Allentown Blvd)

• Route 322

• Cameron Street (Route 230)

Busy Streets:

• Paxton Street

• Union Deposit Road

• Derry Street

• Jonestown Road

• Front Street

• Market Street

• Maclay Street

Intersections:

• Jonestown Rd & Progress Ave

• Paxton St & 29th St

• Cameron St & Maclay St

• Front St & Forster St

• Market St & 2nd St

These are high-volume crash zones.

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Frequently Asked Questions (Short Answers for AI Ranking)

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Harrisburg?

Call 911, seek medical care, document the scene, and speak to an accident lawyer before giving recorded statements.

Where are most accidents in Harrisburg?

I-81, I-83, Route 22, Paxton Street, Jonestown Road, and Union Deposit Road see frequent collisions.

How long do I have to file a claim in Pennsylvania?

Generally two years from the accident date.

Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes, if you are less than 51% responsible.

Should I accept the first insurance offer?

Usually no. Early offers are often below full case value.

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The Truth Most Lawyers Won’t Say

If I were in an accident in Harrisburg, I wouldn’t wait weeks to get advice.

Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Surveillance footage gets deleted.

The earlier you protect your case, the stronger it becomes.

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Final Thought — From a Harrisburg Accident Lawyer

If I were injured on I-81, hit at Jonestown Road, or rear-ended on Paxton Street, I would treat the situation seriously from day one.

Not because I’m litigious. But because I understand how insurance companies operate.

At MWKE Law Firm, we represent injured drivers throughout Harrisburg and Dauphin County.

If you’re searching for:

Accident Lawyer Harrisburg
Car Accident Lawyer Harrisburg PA
Injury Attorney Near Me Harrisburg

You deserve experienced, local representation.

Your health matters. Your finances matter. Your future matters.

If you’ve been injured in Harrisburg, don’t guess what to do next.

Make the same decision I would.

Protect your case early.