7 Mistakes To Avoid After A Car Accident in Pennsylvania
When you have been involved in a car accident, the moments immediately following can be chaotic, especially if you or another party has been injured. With all the activity surrounding the scene, it can be difficult to remain calm and collected, this is when mistakes are made. If you take the wrong steps after a car accident, getting the compensation you deserve to make up for these losses will likely be more challenging. Below are seven crucial mistakes to avoid while trying to maximize your compensation after an accident.
#1: Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
Seeking medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident is essential. You may have suffered what appears to be a minor injury that could worsen without immediate treatment. Even if you feel fine after an accident, you may have internal injuries that haven’t manifested. Don’t take any chances. See a doctor as soon as you can.
Seeing a doctor as soon as you are able can help prove your injuries are severe and you are taking every possible precaution. Your doctor should document each of your injuries and treatment plan, which will be helpful when you are pursuing compensation.
#2: Not Calling the Police
After a vehicle accident, you are not necessarily required to call the police. In any case, it is a good idea, especially if you estimate the damage to be significant, if someone is injured, or if something else is damaged. Safety always comes first. After you have contacted the police, they may tell you to simply exchange information with the other driver. In low-damage accidents such as fender benders, this is common. The police can help you collect evidence and determine the cause of the accident, which will help you when filing your claim.
#3: Admitting Fault
It’s fine to be polite when talking to other people involved in an accident, and it is natural to want to resolve things as quickly as possible. At times one may be inclined to apologize for what has happened not realizing how something as simple as “I’m sorry” could negatively impact your case. A statement like this could be taken as an admission of guilt. If it looks like you’ve admitted fault for the crash, it will be that much harder to get fair compensation for the losses you’ve suffered. In addition, you should never give a recorded statement to anyone, especially the insurance company.
#4: Neglecting To Take Photos At The Scene
Evidence from the accident scene is crucial for your case. Take photos and video of the damage to all vehicles involved, visible injuries you’ve sustained, the area surrounding the accident, and any other images you deem relevant. Also, be sure to collect the contact information of any witnesses. Gathering this evidence gives your attorney a place to start when they begin investigating your case.
#5: Accepting The First Settlement Offer
In the days immediately following an accident, you may receive an offer for a fast settlement from the other driver’s insurance company. It can be tempting to want to resolve your case quickly, but this offer generally will not be the best. You are more likely to get a fair settlement if the other side believes you are serious about fully pursuing your case. Taking the time to build your case can prove to the other party that you deserve more than the initial settlement offer.
#6: Sharing On Social Media
Your everyday routine may include sharing your life on social media platforms, it is wise to avoid this while your lawsuit is pending. Defense lawyers and adjusters will look for your personal posts and images that may depict your injury as less serious than it really is. Anything you post to Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and other platforms can be used out of context, even when your profile is set to private.
#7: Not Contacting A Personal Injury Attorney
There is so much commotion and turmoil after an accident, it is easy to make a rash decision that could have a long-lasting effect on you and your claim. Between your medical bills and other expenses, the costs of a car accident can add up quickly. A personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim and make sure you are compensated for the full amount of the losses you’ve suffered. A personal injury attorney can ensure that all necessary evidence is gathered and evaluated, negotiate with insurance companies and attorneys representing those responsible for your injuries.
The personal injury lawyers at Gay Chacker & Ginsburg can help if you’ve been injured in a vehicle accident. Our attorneys will investigate and answer all your questions about seeking justice and compensation.
