Biggest Mistakes Made After a Car Accident

The aftermath of a serious car accident can be chaotic. To complicate matters, every decision you make after your collision could impact your case’s outcome.

The following is a short guide about the mistakes you should avoid after suffering a car accident. Some examples include:

• Underestimating your condition’s severity
• Waiting too long to take legal action
• Giving the insurance company a recorded statement
• Admitting fault for the collision
• Sharing information about your case on social media

When you partner with a lawyer from our firm, they can explain what other measures could impact your case’s outcome. They will also do everything possible to secure what you need.

Don’t Underestimate Your Condition’s Severity

After an accident, you should take each of your injuries seriously – even if they initially seem minor.

Consider the following:

You Should Seek Medical Care Even If You Feel “Fine”

You may be at the scene of the accident and initially feel “fine.” Even if you feel “okay” at the time of the accident, you may have suffered invisible injuries that could prove to be serious or life-threatening if left untreated.

Furthermore, failure to be seen by a medical professional immediately after the accident could adversely affect your claim’s outcome. You want to draw a solid connection between your condition and the collision itself.

If You Incurred Financial Losses, You Can Pursue Compensation

Don’t assume that your injuries aren’t “severe enough” to warrant legal action. If your collision caused you to incur medical bills, lost income, and other related losses, you can pursue compensation.

Do not underestimate the extent of your injuries. Find out how much you could be entitled to when you contact our car accident team.

Failing to Consider Legal Aid Could Prevent You from Getting Compensated

Pennsylvania places a strict two-year deadline on most car accident cases, per Pa. C.S.A. § 5524. This applies to how long you have to file a lawsuit.

Many people are quick to assume that two years is more than enough time to get their claims filed. Or, they make the mistake of confusing their insurance claims’ deadline with their lawsuits’.

If the statute of limitations expires on your case, you lose the right to seek damages. When you partner with our car accident team, we will manage each of your case’s legal deadlines. We can get started on your case today.

Don’t Give the Insurance Company a Recorded Statement

After the car accident, you will need to speak with the insurance company. Pennsylvania is a modified no-fault insurance state for medical coverage, as well as some other potential coverages. This means that, after an accident, you file a claim with your own insurer – no matter who caused the collision.

However, you don’t want to give more information than is absolutely necessary.

The insurance adjuster is likely going to be very friendly and polite. They may even discuss details of their life with you. But remember, the insurance adjuster is working for the insurance company. And the insurance company will lose money if it settles your claim.

Anything you say to the insurance company could be used to deny, delay, or contest your claim. Your car accident lawyer can handle all insurance negotiations, so you don’t jeopardize your case.

Don’t Apologize or Admit Fault for What Happened

Remember when we said the insurance company could use your words against you? This goes for literally anything you say – even apologizing for the accident’s inconvenience.

By saying how sorry you are or admitting to causing the accident in some way, you give the insurance company a reason to reduce your compensation. Although Pennsylvania’s a modified no-fault insurance state, your portion of fault can still affect how much you can recover.

The insurance company will look for opportunities to increase your portion of fault and decrease what it owes you. This is where having a lawyer could benefit you. They can prove the other party’s negligence and build your case in accordance with the American Bar Association’s guidelines.

Refrain from Discussing Your Case on Social Media

Following your collision, refrain from sharing information about your accident and injuries online. Anything you post online, even an old photo with your loved ones, could give the insurance company a reason to contest your case.

Don’t say anything about your accident, your injuries, or the legal action you may be taking online. While you don’t have to delete your accounts altogether, you should be extremely wary of what you share.

Contact Our Car Accident Firm in Pennsylvania for Help

We understand that you may be feeling anxious about jeopardizing your case. Yet, when you hire Berger and Green, you don’t have to worry about making any mistakes after your car accident.

Our firm has more than 40 years of experience advocating for people in the Keystone State. Now, we’re ready to extend our legal services to you and your loved ones. To consult with our team about your case, dial (412) 661-1400.

We offer free case reviews.