The most common misconception that people have is they assume that if the accident wasn’t their fault, the other party’s insurance company will simply pay them. Unfortunately, this is not true. Insurance companies will fight virtually every case. They may promise to treat you fairly, in an effort to persuade you to not seek the help of an attorney, but the reality is that they make money by stalling, delaying, and attempting to settle cases for less than what they are worth. Even if you decide not to pursue a claim, or decide not to hire an attorney, you should at least meet with an experienced attorney, so that you understand your rights and options.
What Steps Do I Need To Take If I Have Been Injured In An Auto Accident?
The most important thing is to seek prompt medical attention, so that you can recover from your injuries as quickly as possible. If you suspect that you will need to file a claim or lawsuit, consult with an attorney who has experience in handling auto accident cases. We like to get involved as early as possible, so that witnesses and police can be interviewed while the events are still fresh in their minds, and so that photographs and physical evidence can be taken and preserved. Ultimately, we like to get involved early so that our clients can concentrate on getting well, rather than dealing with insurance companies. I generally ask my clients to keep a diary or log of medical treatment and significant events in their recovery. We will do our own investigation, get a copy of the police reports, interview witnesses, and obtain medical records and reports—we don’t burden out clients with those matters.
Should I Notify My Insurance Company Regarding The Auto Accident?
You should notify your own insurance company of an accident as soon as possible, as you are required to do this under your own insurance policy. You should avoid giving a recorded statement, even to your own insurer, unless your attorney tells you to do so. You should not speak with or otherwise communicate with the other driver’s insurance company—let your attorney deal with them. Additionally, you should not speak about your case with anyone other than your attorney. Insurance companies will view your social media pages, such as Facebook, Twitter, or Snapchat, so make sure you do not post anything about your case on social media.
What Should I Do If The Other Driver’s Insurance Company Contacts Me?
I wrote a blog about why you should never give a recorded statement to the defendant’s insurance company:
http://www.colarussocohen.com/why-you-should-never-give-a-recorded-statement-to-the-defendants-insurance-company/
The short answer is that you should never give a recorded or written statement to the other person’s insurance company. This is not because we want you to hide things, or that we are afraid to tell your story. It is because anyone who recounts the same events on multiple different occasions is bound to have minor inconsistencies in their statements, no matter how honest you are or how good your memory is. Insurance companies and their attorneys will use these inconsistencies against you. Do not make the mistake of giving them ammunition to use against you.
What If I Feel Fine After The Accident But Start Experiencing Pain Several Days Or Weeks Later, Do I Still Have A Claim?
It is common for people who have been in car accidents to not realize the extent of their injuries for several days, or occasionally longer than that. This is particularly true for people who have neck or back injuries. Additionally, some people have what they think is a minor injury, but it turns out to be more serious than they originally thought. There is no set rule as to how long is too long to seek medical treatment, but as time goes by it does make it more challenging to prove that the accident caused your injuries. We offer free consultations, so if you have a question as to whether you have a case, you should come in for a no-obligation meeting, to discuss the details of your case so that we can properly advise you.
For more information on Auto Accident Claims In Pennsylvania, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling 1-844-334-6654 today.