Beware of the top 10 mistakes to avoid after being in a car accident!
Have you been in a car accident? Watch out for the following mistakes:
1. Allowing Yourself to Panic After a Car Accident
Try your best to remain calm. Call police and request an ambulance. Check for injuries to all involved in the accident. And if people are injured, report those injuries to the investigating officer.
2. Forgetting to Get Detailed Information
Obtain the other driver’s name, address, phone number, license plate number, make and model of car, driver’s license number, name of the owner of the car, and details about the insurance company. Also write down all names, addresses and phone numbers of other individuals involved and witnesses to the accident.
3. Discussing the Car Accident
Do not discuss your car accident with anyone but the police. That includes your insurance adjuster. You may speak to your adjuster about your vehicle, but not about accident facts or your injuries.
4. Refusing Medical Care
While most injuries are apparent, some take time to appear. Do not make any rash judgments about your medical condition. Do not make any statements. If you seek medical care, make sure you tell the physician the symptoms you are having and the circumstances of the accident.
5. Failing to Collect Documents
Your legal representative will need copies of the following documents: Accident report, property damage estimates, photos of the property damage and injuries, and declaration page from the insurance policy which insures the vehicle.
6. Not Keeping a Daily Diary of the Car Accident
Every detail is important, and it is very easy to forget details during this stressful time. Take time to jot down on a daily basis descriptions of how the injury affects you and your family.
7. Failing to Turn in Bills to the Health Insurance Provider
Most legal offices will assist you with forms sent to you by your health insurance provider. Check your policy to see if your provider qualifies to be paid back from a third-party reimbursement.
8. Not Reporting the Car Accident to Your Insurance Company As Soon As Possible
Be sure to notify them immediately, but do not talk to the insurance company or the person at fault.
9. Signing Anything Before Speaking with a Car Accident Attorney
Do not sign anything until you have discussed your situation with an attorney. Signing the wrong papers could mean you have settled for less than you deserve.
10. Being Impatient
It takes time to resolve a case and negotiate a fair settlement.
MHK Attorneys is Here to Help
Learn how to avoid other mistakes after a car accident. Contact us for a free copy of our book, 10 Biggest Secrets to Winning Your Pennsylvania Car Accident Case: A Guide for Injured Pennsylvania Drivers. Visit our Facebook page to connect with us.
MHK Attorneys offers free consultations for Car Accidents, Commercial Vehicle Accidents, Distracted Driver Accidents, DUI Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Multiple-Vehicle Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents and Truck Accidents.