What Are The Mistakes You Should Avoid After Being Hit By a Car?

Nobody ever wants to get into an accident. However, car accidents are a common occurrence in and around Philadelphia. Regardless of how these incidents happen, there are steps you can take if you or a loved one have been struck by a vehicle. At the Dan Doyle Law Group, our Philadelphia car accident lawyers are here to help investigate your case, determine liability, and secure the compensation you deserve.

You can maximize your compensation by avoiding these mistakes

Car accidents are going to occur. If you are involved in an accident, how you handle the situation can directly impact how much compensation you receive, or whether you receive compensation at all. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were more than 128,000 traffic accidents during the latest reporting year in the Commonwealth. Out of those incidents, there were 1,190 fatalities and 78,219 injuries.

Some of the most common mistakes people make after a car accident include:

Not seeking medical assistance

The single most important thing you can do after a car accident is to seek medical assistance. Many car accident victims do not think their injuries are serious enough to warrant medical attention only later to realize that they are indeed injured. An insurance carrier will use the fact that you did not seek medical attention right away as evidence against you.

Fail to gather or keep evidence

If you can do so, you should gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. This includes taking photos of all damage, injuries, and possible causes of the crash. Get the names and contact information of any eyewitness statements and ensure that you know how to get a copy of the accident report.

Admit fault

One of the most common mistakes people make is admitting fault, even if they just admit they were partially at fault. In the aftermath of an accident, do not admit fault to anybody involved. This includes the other drivers involved, the police, or an insurance company.

Speak to an insurance adjuster

Before you speak to an insurance adjuster, you should talk to a Philadelphia car accident attorney first. If an adjuster calls you before you have a chance to speak to an attorney, let them know that you do not want to give a recorded statement and that you will be talking to an attorney. You do not have to admit fault or discuss your case right away.

Fail to follow up with doctors

A common mistake people make is not following through with their doctor’s orders after a car accident. If you fail to continue treatment for your car accident injuries, the insurance carriers will use this as evidence that you were not injured.

Not seeking legal assistance

A skilled Philadelphia car accident attorney will be able to guide you through this entire process. You have nothing to lose by seeking a free consultation from an attorney. Most car accident lawyers take these cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no legal fees until your attorney secures the compensation you deserve.

We can help you through this

If you or somebody you care about has been in a car accident that was caused by another person, you need to take steps to protect yourself and any potential compensation. At the Dan Doyle Law Group, we are going to get started on your case immediately so we can secure maximum compensation, including:

  • Any medical expenses related to the incident
  • Lost wages if you cannot work while you recover
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Loss of personal enjoyment damages
  • Possible punitive damages against a grossly negligent party

If you need a Philadelphia car accident attorney, you can contact us by clicking here or calling 215-987-3730 for a free consultation.