Do’s and Don’ts After A Car Accident

Have You Recently Been in a Car Accident? Protect Yourself with These Do’s and Don’ts

If you’ve ever been in a car accident, you know how disorienting, confusing, and frightening it can be. The accident itself seems to happen in slow motion, but the time immediately following is characterized by a frenetic pace while you determine the extent of injuries, call medical and police personnel, and assess property damage. It’s very difficult to make clear decisions during this time.

Yet there are few other times when it’s as important to think clearly and carefully. If you or someone in your family has been injured in a car accident in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, and someone else is at fault, that person may be liable for your medical bills, property damage, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and other costs associated with the accident. The actions you take immediately following the accident can have an impact on the outcome of your case. Pennsylvania and New Jersey personal injury attorneys Console & Hollawell have prepared the following “Do’s and Don’ts” as a guide. These are based on our 17 years of experience successfully defending the legal rights of car accident victims.

DO contact the police immediately. Wait until authorities arrive. If someone from your car or the other car is injured, call 911 immediately.

DON’T allow the other vehicle to drive off. Even if the other driver gives you his or her name, contact information, and insurance information, ask them to wait until police arrive to verify. Some accident victims have been burned by false information.

DO call your insurance company to report the accident. Give the basic facts only.

DON’T give your insurance company unnecessary information. The main job of your insurance adjuster is to limit your compensation. Some things you say may be used to deny or reduce your claim. It’s important to give your insurance company the basic information about the accident required by law, but don’t give them information you don’t need to. A personal injury lawyer can help you determine what you should tell the insurance company and what you shouldn’t, and can also deal with the insurance company on your behalf.

DO see a doctor. If injuries are serious or emergency treatment is necessary, go by ambulance. Otherwise, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you leave the accident scene.

DON’T assume that your injuries are minor, or will resolve on their own. Quite often, pain and injuries don’t present until 24 to 48 hours following the impact. Even if you feel your injuries are minor, see a doctor who can give you a full assessment.

DO gather as much evidence as possible. When it comes to providing compelling evidence for your case, a personal injury lawyer can help you gather what’s important. Take photographs of the accident scene, and get the names and contact information of any witnesses.

DON’T wait to take witness statements. Memories fade over time and details are forgotten. To ensure you build the most compelling case possible, get witness statements right away, before the details of your accident are lost with time.

DO hire a personal injury attorney. Your insurance adjuster will attempt to convince you that an attorney is unnecessary, and you can handle a claim on your own. In fact, accident victims who hire an attorney get roughly 3.5 times more compensation than those who don’t. A personal injury attorney will help you gather evidence by working with investigators, and will fight the insurance company so you don’t have to.

DON’T accept quick settlements from an insurance company. The full extent of your injury may not be known for months, perhaps even years. Once you accept a settlement, you won’t be able to receive compensation for any future injuries, pain, suffering, or time away from work. Speak with a personal injury lawyer before accepting any type of quick settlement from an insurance company. To ensure you get the amount of compensation necessary for your care, don’t settle until you understand the long-term impact of your accident.

If you or someone you love has recently been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, contact the award-winning Pennsylvania and New Jersey personal injury attorneys at Console & Hollawell today at 866-778-5500 to schedule a free consultation. We’ll assess your situation, educate you on your legal rights and options, and develop a plan designed to best fulfill your medial and financial needs. Because we know your accident has resulted in an additional financial burden, our No Fee Promise guarantees you won’t have to pay a fee unless we win money for you.