Getting into a car accident can be a terrifying experience, particularly if you sustain an injury or significant property damage. However, if another individual caused the accident, you need to take certain steps to recover compensation. There are also some things that you should absolutely not do after a car accident if you want to recover the maximum amount of compensation possible.
Do Not Skip the Doctor
The number one priority after a vehicle accident occurs is seeking medical care. In many cases, individuals do not feel much pain right after a collision, but it is a mistake to pass up going to the emergency room or the doctor. Often, individuals begin to experience signs and symptoms of crash injuries hours or even days after the incident occurs. Delaying medical treatment sends a signal to the insurance carriers that the injury may not have happened in the accident, even if it did. All car accident victims in Pennsylvania need to go see a doctor right away.
Do Not Wait to Report the Incident
Do not wait to report the vehicle accident to the insurance carrier. In many cases, individuals just file the police report and then put off calling their insurance carrier, maybe because they think that is the right thing to do. However, most vehicle insurance carriers in Pennsylvania have strict reporting deadlines, often within a day or two of the incident. Failing to report the incident to the insurance carrier promptly could lead to a delay or a denial of the claim.
Do Not Give a Recorded Statement
Insurance claims adjusters will call, both from your insurance carrier and the other driver’s insurance carrier. They may try to get you to give a recorded statement, but you need to politely tell them no. You are not required under any law in Pennsylvania to give a recorded statement to the insurance carriers. Recorded statements could be used against you at a later date. If you have any questions about giving statements to insurance carriers, please reach out to a skilled Philadelphia accident lawyer for assistance.
Do Not Sign ALL of Your Medical Records Over
Yes, your insurance carrier will eventually need your medical records if you want to have your medical expenses reimbursed, but they do not need access to all of your medical records. In many cases, insurance carriers want complete access to your medical records so they can look at your pre-existing injuries. They do this because they will attempt to say that your pain and suffering is a result of prior injuries and not as a result of the vehicle accident. When you sign over medical records, make sure you look at the dates for the records they are asking for.
Do Not Post on Social Media
We strongly encourage anyone not to post on social media about the vehicle accident or about much in general. Even if your social media settings are private, there are many ways that insurance carriers or legal teams can access your posts. This can occur by something as innocent as your friend or family member re-sharing a post. Do not make posts about the accident, the fault for the incident, your injuries, or any activities that you participate in on a regular basis. Something as simple as you talking about going to the beach with your children could jeopardize the claim.