(235+)No one expects to be in a car accident. In the blink of an eye, a normal day can turn into a harrowing experience that leaves you shaken, confused, and possibly injured. As Philadelphia car accident lawyers, we have seen how the steps people take in the aftermath of a crash can have a huge impact, for better or worse, on their physical recovery and legal cases. To protect yourself and your rights, here is what not to do after a car accident in Pennsylvania.
Fleeing the Scene
One of the worst mistakes to avoid after a car accident is leaving the scene. Known as hit and run, this is a crime that can land you in serious legal trouble even if the accident was not your fault. You must always stop, check on the other parties involved, exchange information, and wait for the police to arrive if the crash caused injury, death, or significant vehicle damage. The only exception is if you are incapacitated and taken from the scene by ambulance. But if you can move and communicate, stay put. Leaving will only compound your problems.
Not Calling 911
For any accident beyond a minor fender bender, you should call 911 right away. The dispatcher will send police and emergency medical services to the scene. Having police on site to take an official accident report is crucial for insurance and legal purposes later. The police report will document the accident basics like where and when it occurred, the parties involved, and the initial assessment of injuries and damage. This creates an essential record of the incident. If you delay calling or fail to get police to the scene, the other driver’s story of what happened may go uncontested, putting you at a disadvantage.
Admitting Fault
After an accident, never admit fault, say you are sorry, or accept the blame for what happened, even if you suspect you may have played a role in causing the crash. These admissions can be used against you later when determining liability for insurance or legal purposes. Just state what happened, like “I was heading north on Walnut when the other vehicle hit my passenger side,” without editorializing or speculating about the fault. There will be plenty of time to sort out the details later.
At the scene, avoid the appearance of admitting guilt for the crash.
Forgetting to Gather Info
Before leaving an accident scene, make sure you gather all the key information. Get the name, contact info, insurance details, and license plate number of the other driver. Take photos of the damage to both vehicles, the accident location, and any visible injuries. Ask the police for the accident report number and find out how to get a final copy of the report. And get the names and numbers of any eyewitnesses. Documenting the accident this way will give you and your attorney valuable evidence later.
Skipping a Medical Checkup
A common mistake is failing to see a doctor after an accident if you feel ok. Some car accident injuries like concussions and soft tissue damage may not show symptoms right away. However, getting a prompt medical evaluation documents your condition and rules out unnoticed injuries before they worsen. Without this checkup linking your injuries to the accident, the insurance company may later argue they happened some other way if you delay treatment. Always get a medical exam after a crash, even if you feel unharmed. It protects your health and your case.
Talking To the Other Insurer
An insurance adjuster from the other driver’s insurer may contact you after an accident. They may come across as caring and concerned. But remember, this adjuster works for the other insurer. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible. They may pressure you into giving a recorded statement, answering endless questions, signing medical authorizations, or accepting a lowball settlement offer. Do not fall for it. Politely decline to speak with them and direct them to your lawyer instead.
Dealing with crafty insurance adjusters on your own is a big mistake after an accident.
Posting on Social Media
These days, social media is a normal part of life. However, posting about your accident is a major mistake. The other party’s insurance company will likely be scouring your profiles for posts, photos, check-ins, or any content they can use to challenge your claim. Even an innocent post of you out to dinner with friends can be used to argue your injuries are exaggerated. As a rule of thumb, stay off social media entirely while your claim is pending. Do not post anything about the accident, your injuries, or your activities. Better yet, suspend your accounts temporarily to avoid slip-ups that could sink your case.
Waiting Too Long to File a Claim
Putting off medical care can also make it harder to link your injuries to the accident. While a two-year statute of limitations may seem like ample time, the best thing to do after an accident is to consult with a personal injury lawyer immediately to understand your rights and start building your case while the evidence is fresh.
Handling Your Claim Alone
The biggest mistake is trying to handle your car accident claim by yourself. Pursuing compensation can be a complex, adversarial process full of traps for the unwary. The insurance companies have teams of adjusters, and defense attorneys experienced in denying, delaying, and diminishing claims.
Leveling the playing field requires getting an aggressive personal injury lawyer in your corner as soon as possible after an accident.
Get in Touch with Us Today
At Gibbons & Crichton, our Philadelphia car accident attorneys are ready to fight for you. Call us today to speak with a knowledgeable attorney about your case.
