(300+)Hurt in a car accident in Philadelphia or elsewhere in Southeastern Pennsylvania? There are a few big things that you should avoid doing to protect your health, well-being, and legal rights. Indeed, knowing what not to do is as key as knowing what to do. Too many people make mistakes that undermine their claims. Here, our Philadelphia car accident attorney explains the key things that you should not do after a motor vehicle crash in Pennsylvania.
Seven Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident
Mistake #1: Not Reporting the Crash to the Police
Under Pennsylvania Commonwealth law, all injury crashes should be reported to local or state law enforcement. The sooner you report a collision, the better. Indeed, it is a best practice to have a police officer come to the scene of the crash itself. Drivers sometimes agree to handle a crash privately, especially when damage appears minor. That decision can backfire. A police report provides an independent record of the crash, including time, location, involved parties, and preliminary observations. A Philadelphia car accident lawyer can help you get a copy of the police report after a serious accident.
Mistake #2: Failing to Get Medical Care for Your Injuries
All traffic collision injuries should be evaluated and treated by a licensed physician. Indeed, you should always get medical care after being involved in a car accident in Philadelphia. Not only is it important for your health and well-being, but it is also an important legal step. Some injuries, including concussions, spinal disc injuries, and internal trauma, do not produce immediate symptoms. Pennsylvania personal injury claims rely heavily on medical documentation to establish causation. Waiting days or weeks to see a doctor weakens that connection. Your medical records will largely form the foundation of any car accident injury claim.
Mistake #3: Admitting or Accepting Fault at the Scene (or Even Apologizing)
Fault matters in most car accident claims in Pennsylvania, especially if there are serious injuries involved. In fact, under Pennsylvania law (42 P.S. § 7102), a modified comparative negligence standard applies. That means that each party to a crash is liable for their share of the resulting damages. A big mistake that people make is that they accept or admit some degree of blame before they can speak to a lawyer. After a crash, people often apologize reflexively. It feels human. Unfortunately, those statements can carry legal consequences. Any admission, even a casual one, may later be used to argue that you share responsibility for the crash.
Mistake #4: Proving a Recorded Statement to an Insurance Adjuster
Insurance companies are not on your side. After a crash, they are likely to see a record statement. However, you are under no obligation to provide one without representation from an experienced Philadelphia car accident attorney. Insurance adjusters may sound polite and helpful. Their job is to protect the insurer’s financial interests. Recorded statements are designed to lock you into a version of events before you understand the full extent of your injuries or damages.
Mistake #5: Delaying Notification to Your Own Insurance Company
You should always notify your own insurer that you were involved in a crash. In fact, you likely have an obligation under your policy. Some people avoid contacting their insurer out of fear that premiums will increase. That hesitation can create coverage issues. Pennsylvania policies often include prompt notice requirements, particularly for no-fault benefits such as medical coverage.
Mistake #6: Jumping On the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies rarely lead with their best and final settlement offer. Quite the opposite, the initial offer is often for a relatively small share of the damages that the victim may actually be entitled to recover through a claim. Early settlement offers are common after car accidents. They rarely reflect the full value of a claim. Once you sign a release, the case is over, even if your condition worsens. In Pennsylvania, accident victims are entitled to seek compensation for future medical care, lost earning capacity, and long-term pain and suffering. Do not settle your claim for less: A top-rated Philadelphia car accident lawyer can help you seek full and fair financial compensation.
Mistake #7: Waiting Too Long to Hire a Top Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney
You do not have to take on the insurance claims process alone. Claims can be complicated. The right strategy can make all the difference. Waiting too long to hire an experienced Philadelphia auto accident attorney can make it more challenging to get justice and the full and fair financial compensation that you deserve. Unfortunately, it is a mistake that far too many people make in the claims process. Insurance companies believe it is good for them if they can get victims to resolve their cases without ever getting an attorney involved in the process at all.
Why Trust Gibbons & Crichton for a Car Wreck Claim in Philadelphia
Knowing what not to do after a car crash can be as important as knowing what to do. A proactive approach to the claims process is the best approach. At Gibbons & Crichton, we invest the time, resources, and attention to detail that every case deserves. You do not have to take on the challenges of the claims process alone. Our case results and client testimonials tell the story of what we can do for people and families who need help. With a law office located in Philadelphia (19103), our attorneys fight for justice and the maximum compensation for victims throughout the area.
Contact Our Philadelphia, PA Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review
At Gibbons & Crichton Personal Injury and Accident Lawyers, our Philadelphia motor vehicle accident attorney has the knowledge and experience that you can rely on when it matters the most. If you have any questions about what to do after a crash, we are here to help. Call us now or contact us online right away for a free, no obligation initial consultation. From our Philadelphia office, we fight for justice for car crash victims all across the region, including in 19103, 19120, 19124, 19111, and 19134.
