Injured in a Pennsylvania Car Accident? Here’s What NOT to Do.

No one ever thinks that it will happen to him or her – becoming seriously hurt in a car crash. Despite the thousands of Pennsylvania car accidents reported each year, the thought probably never crossed your mind that one of these collisions would involve you.

There is a lot of confusion following an accident. You have your injuries to tend to, medical bills that need to be paid and the uncertainty of if and when you will be able to return to work. The only solace you might have is that the other driver caused the accident and you will be able to recover damages. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. There are things that could hurt your chances of obtaining compensation for your serious injuries.

Below is a brief list of the actions that could damage your car accident case:

1. Not getting medical treatment. Many of us have the “superman mentality.” We think we are invincible and we try to brave our injuries. Going to the doctor seems like a last result. Here’s what you need to understand – some injuries that might appear minor are actually serious. For example, a headache could reflect a serious brain injury. Simple back pain could indicate a major back injury that requires surgery. If you delay getting treatment, the insurance company could use that against you.
2. Admitting fault. It is hard to know exactly what caused an accident. Emotions are often at an all time high, right after the collision. If you think you caused the accident, you need to realize that there are other factors that could have been involved. It would be better to talk with an attorney before admitting fault.
3. Giving a recorded statement. The insurance adjuster might ask you to give a recorded statement regarding the accident. This might seem innocent enough and “just part of the process,” but in reality, the adjuster is hoping you say something that wrecks your claim.
4. Agreeing to a settlement offer too early. As mentioned previously, minor injuries can turn out to be major, even permanent injuries. If you agree to a settlement offer too early, you could be undervaluing your claim. That means you could be responsible for future medical bills.
5. Not talking with a Philadelphia car accident lawyer. You may be tempted to work with the insurance company directly. After all, the insurance adjuster seems friendly and helpful. However, insurance companies are not easy to work with and will be looking out for their best interests, not yours. You need to have someone on your side, ensuring you are protected.

For more information, order a FREE copy of the book, Seven Ways to Destroy Your Pennsylvania Personal Injury Case. You can also call our office at 215-545-7777 for a free case evaluation.