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Being involved in a car accident in Pittsburgh is a stressful and disorienting experience. Whether it happens on I-376, Route 51, the Parkway, or a side street in your neighborhood, knowing exactly what to do in the moments after a crash can protect your safety, your insurance claim, and your legal rights.

At Tag Towing & Collision, we respond to accident scenes across Pittsburgh and Allegheny County every day. This guide walks you through exactly what to do after a car accident in Pittsburgh, PA.

Step 1 — Check for Injuries and Call 911

The first thing to do after any accident is check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Even if injuries seem minor, call 911 immediately. Pennsylvania law requires you to report any accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage.

Do not move your vehicle until police arrive unless it is creating a dangerous hazard in the roadway. Wait for emergency services to assess the scene.

Step 2 — Move to a Safe Location

If the accident is minor and your vehicle is drivable, move it to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot to avoid blocking traffic. Pittsburgh roads like Route 51, McKnight Road, and the Parkway are heavily trafficked and a stopped vehicle in a live lane creates serious danger for everyone involved.

Turn on your hazard lights immediately and if you have road flares or reflective triangles in your vehicle place them behind your car to warn other drivers.

Step 3 — Exchange Information with the Other Driver

Once you are safely out of traffic exchange the following information with the other driver:

• Full name and contact information
• Driver’s license number
• License plate number
• Insurance company and policy number
• Vehicle make, model, and year

Do not admit fault or apologize at the scene — even a simple “I’m sorry” can be used against you in an insurance claim. Stick to factual information only.

Step 4 — Document the Scene

Use your phone to photograph everything before any vehicles are moved if it is safe to do so. Take photos of:

• All vehicles involved from multiple angles
• Damage to every vehicle
• The road, intersection, or highway where the accident occurred
• Skid marks, debris, or road conditions
• Street signs and traffic signals
• Any visible injuries

These photos are critical evidence for your insurance claim and can make a significant difference in how quickly and fairly your claim is settled.

Step 5 — File a Police Report

When Pittsburgh Police or Pennsylvania State Police arrive at the scene, give them an accurate account of what happened. Ask for the officer’s name and badge number and request a copy of the accident report number — you will need this when filing your insurance claim.

If police do not respond to the scene because the accident is minor, you can file a self-report through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation within five days if the damage exceeds $1,000 or there are any injuries.

Step 6 — Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident — ideally the same day. Most policies require prompt notification and waiting too long can complicate your claim. Have the following ready when you call:

• Your policy number
• The police report number
• Photos from the scene
• The other driver’s insurance information
• Contact information for any witnesses

Step 7 — Get Your Vehicle Towed Safely

If your vehicle is not drivable after the accident you will need a tow truck. Tag Towing & Collision responds to accident scenes across Pittsburgh and Allegheny County 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our flatbed tow trucks are the safest option for accident-damaged vehicles — keeping all four wheels off the ground to prevent any additional damage during transport.

When your insurance company asks which tow company to use, you have the right to choose your own. Call Tag Towing & Collision directly at 412-915-0957 for fast, professional accident recovery anywhere in Pittsburgh.

Step 8 — Get Your Vehicle Repaired

After your vehicle has been towed, the next step is collision repair. Tag Towing & Collision provides full auto body and collision repair services right here in Pittsburgh. We work directly with all major insurance companies to streamline the claims process and get your vehicle restored to pre-accident condition as quickly as possible.

From minor dents and paint damage to major structural repairs and frame straightening, our experienced technicians handle it all. Call us at 412-915-0957 or visit us at 5945 Buttermilk Hollow Rd, Pittsburgh PA 15207 for a free estimate.

What To Do If the Other Driver is Uninsured

Pennsylvania has a significant number of uninsured drivers on the road. If the other driver cannot provide valid insurance information make sure you have documented their license plate number and get a copy of the police report. Your own uninsured motorist coverage — if you carry it — will be your primary resource in this situation. Contact your insurance agent immediately.

Tag Towing & Collision — Pittsburgh’s Accident Recovery Experts

Tag Towing & Collision has been responding to accident scenes across Pittsburgh and Allegheny County since 2007. Whether you need emergency towing, accident recovery, or collision repair, we are available 24/7 and ready to help. Call us any time at 412-915-0957.