What to Do After a Crash in Erie County: Your Guide to Legal Rights & Next Steps

Traffic crashes involving multiple vehicles can lead to serious injuries, complex liability issues, and immediate legal concerns — especially when children or vulnerable occupants are involved. According to reports, a serious two-car collision at W 38th St & Cherry St in Erie left multiple people injured, including children. In Erie County, Pennsylvania, being involved in a significant two-car collision is more than just a traffic headache — it can become a life-altering event.

At The Travis Law Firm, our auto accident attorneys represent drivers and passengers in Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Venango, and Warren Counties. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you protect your health, your rights, and your future after a two-vehicle crash.

1. Safety First: Seek Medical Care Immediately

Even if you feel “okay” right after the crash, your body may be masking injuries due to adrenaline or shock. After the first responders arrive and the scene is stabilized, make sure to:

• Request an ambulance or head directly to the emergency department if needed.
• Tell the medical professionals all symptoms, even mild ones (headache, dizziness, back soreness).
• Keep copies of all medical records, diagnoses, and prescriptions — these are crucial for any later claim.

2. Document the Crash & Preserve Evidence

When two vehicles collide, especially in an urban area like Erie, there are many variables: traffic signals, right-of-way, road conditions, visibility, driver behavior, vehicle damage, and witnesses. To protect your position:

• Take photos of all vehicles, damage from multiple angles, the intersection or roadway, skid marks, signage, and traffic lights.
• Ask for names and phone numbers of any witnesses, including passengers in the other vehicle(s).
• Obtain the official crash report from the local police or state patrol — this establishes basic facts like date, time, and involved parties.
• Keep your vehicle repair estimates and invoices — they document property damage, which supports your claim.

3. Understand Liability & Your Legal Options

When two vehicles are involved, the question of who caused the crash (fault) becomes central. Pennsylvania uses a comparative negligence framework, meaning even if you share some responsibility, you may still be eligible to recover compensation. In the aftermath of a multi-vehicle crash:

• Investigate whether the other driver violated traffic rules (failed to yield, ran a stop sign, distracted driving).
• Consider the possibility of multiple at-fault parties (e.g., both drivers, vehicle maintenance issues, or roadway defects).
• Talk with an attorney about whether your case should be filed with your own insurer (under uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage) if fault isn’t clear or if the other driver’s coverage is inadequate.

4. Avoid Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Claim

• Do not provide a recorded statement to an insurance company without consulting a lawyer — you are not required to do so.
• Avoid posting photos or comments about the crash on social media — insurance adjusters and opposing parties may use them against you.
• Do not accept an early settlement offer without understanding the full extent of your injuries — some damage or medical expenses may appear later.
• Make sure you follow all treatment plans and attend all medical appointments — gaps in care can damage your case.

5. Why Working with an Auto Accident Attorney Matters

At The Travis Law Firm, we help crash victims manage the legal and practical aftermath so they can focus on recovery. Our team will:

• Partner with accident reconstruction professionals to analyze the crash scene, vehicle damage, and driver actions.
• Handle communications with insurance companies, opposing counsel, and medical providers.
• Determine the full scope of your claim: past and future medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
• Advocate strongly for you whether through negotiated settlement or courtroom litigation.

6. What to Do Right Now if You’ve Been in a Two-Vehicle Crash in Erie County

• Write down your account of the crash while details are fresh — where you were going, what you saw, how the impact occurred.
• Contact an attorney with experience handling multi-vehicle collisions in Erie and surrounding counties.
• Request your crash report and send it to the attorney for review.
• Avoid signing releases, accepting low offers, or giving up your right to future claims.
• Keep all documents related to your injury, treatment, repair estimates, and lost income.

Get the Legal Help You Deserve After a Serious Crash

If you or a loved one were injured or killed in an auto-accident in Northwestern Pennsylvania, The Travis Law Firm is here to help. Our attorneys represent families across Erie, Crawford, Warren, and surrounding counties, guiding them through wrongful death and personal injury claims with professionalism and compassion.

Call us today at (814) 277-2222 or (814) 455-3839, or use our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.