If you’re in a car accident in Berks County, PA, focus first on safety: move to a secure location, call 911, exchange information, document the scene, and contact your insurance provider quickly. Avoid admitting fault, skipping medical care, or delaying your claim. With Rothenberger Insurance Services by your side, you’ll have trusted local guidance every step of the way.
Car accidents can happen anywhere, from the intersection of Penn Street and North 5th in Reading to a slick stretch of Route 422 during a sudden downpour. In stressful moments like these, knowing what to do (and what to avoid) can protect your health, your finances, and your peace of mind.
Here are seven crucial steps every Berks County driver should follow.
1. Prioritize Safety First
Move yourself and passengers to a safe location if possible, but never leave the scene. On high-speed roads like Route 222 or the West Shore Bypass, remaining in traffic lanes can be especially dangerous. Turn on hazard lights, place warning triangles if you have them, and stay visible until help arrives.
2. What Should I Do First After a Car Accident in Berks County? Call 911.
Even for a minor fender-bender, always call local authorities. In Reading, that often means the Reading Police Department will respond. An official police report is critical for insurance claims and ensures medical assistance is dispatched quickly if needed.
3. Exchange Information Carefully
Collect driver’s license, insurance, and contact details from all parties. If witnesses stop, say, along Lancaster Avenue near Alvernia University, ask for their names and phone numbers, too. Keep the conversation factual and avoid apologizing, which could be misinterpreted as admitting fault.
4. Document the Scene Thoroughly
Use your phone to take photos of the vehicles, license plates, road signs, weather conditions, and skid marks. After an icy crash on Perkiomen Avenue, for example, photos can show exactly how road conditions contributed. Memory fades, but documentation doesn’t.
5. Should I See a Doctor After a Car Accident If I Feel Fine? Yes.
Adrenaline can mask injuries. Even if you feel fine, a trip to Penn State Health St. Joseph or Reading Hospital can uncover hidden issues like whiplash or concussions. Prompt medical care protects your health and provides documentation that strengthens your insurance claim.
6. Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Don’t skip calling the police. Delayed reports complicate claims.
- Don’t wait to notify your insurance provider. Quick action keeps the process smoother.
- Don’t ignore pain or injuries. Always see a doctor and keep records.
- Don’t try to handle the process alone. Having an insurance partner makes it far less overwhelming.
7. Contact Rothenberger Insurance Services Immediately
As your local insurance partner, Rothenberger understands the challenges of driving in Berks County, from unpredictable weather to traffic on Route 12. Call us right after an accident. We’ll walk you through filing your claim, explain what happens next, and ensure you never feel left in the dark.
Quick Reference: Do vs. Don’t After an Accident
| Do | Don’t |
| Ensure safety first | Leave the scene without calling police |
| Call 911 and get a police report | Apologize or admit fault |
| Exchange info and collect witness contacts | Forget to gather witness details |
| Take photos of damage, road, and weather | Rely solely on memory |
| Seek medical care quickly | Skip the doctor because you “feel fine” |
| Call Rothenberger Insurance right away | Try to navigate your claim alone |
Why a Local Insurance Partner Matters
Accidents are stressful, but having a trusted local guide changes everything. Rothenberger Insurance Services isn’t just another claims hotline, we’re your neighbors in Berks County. We know the roads, the weather, and the Pennsylvania requirements that shape your claim. That means faster answers, clearer guidance, and dependable support when you need it most.
Don’t wait until an accident to find out where your coverage falls short. If you’re searching for reliable auto insurance in Berks County or want expert help after a crash, Rothenberger Insurance Services is here for you. Contact us today for a free policy review and discover the peace of mind that comes with having a trusted, independent insurance partner right here in Reading, PA.
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