[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.conradattorneys.com\/blog\/what-not-to-do-after-being-injured-in-an-accident\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.conradattorneys.com\/blog\/what-not-to-do-after-being-injured-in-an-accident\/","headline":"What NOT to Do After Being Injured in an Accident","name":"What NOT to Do After Being Injured in an Accident","description":"After an accident, you may feel confused about what to do and where to turn. If you\u2019ve been hurt and you\u2019re considering bringing a personal injury claim against any at-fault parties, it\u2019s important to take certain steps to protect your rights. However, there also are things you want to avoid to ensure you don\u2019t jeopardize your case. The personal injury lawyers at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices in Eastern Pennsylvania offer some tips on what NOT to do if…<\/span>
Continue Reading ››<\/a><\/div>","datePublished":"2022-05-10","dateModified":"2022-05-24","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.conradattorneys.com\/blog\/author\/#Person","name":"","url":"https:\/\/www.conradattorneys.com\/blog\/author\/","identifier":"","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"http:\/\/www.conradattorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/logo.png","url":"http:\/\/www.conradattorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"http:\/\/www.conradattorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/A-man-with-an-injured-arm-in-a-sling-talks-with-a-doctor.jpg","url":"http:\/\/www.conradattorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/A-man-with-an-injured-arm-in-a-sling-talks-with-a-doctor.jpg","height":"597","width":"900"},"url":"https:\/\/www.conradattorneys.com\/blog\/what-not-to-do-after-being-injured-in-an-accident\/","about":["Blog"],"wordCount":859,"articleBody":"After an accident, you may feel confused about what to do and where to turn. If you\u2019ve been hurt and you\u2019re considering bringing a personal injury claim against any at-fault parties, it\u2019s important to take certain steps to protect your rights. However, there also are things you want to avoid to ensure you don\u2019t jeopardize your case. The personal injury lawyers at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices in Eastern Pennsylvania offer some tips on what NOT to do if you\u2019ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else\u2019s negligence.DON\u2019T Decline Medical AttentionWhen you\u2019ve been involved in an accident, it\u2019s vital to seek medical treatment, even if you believe you\u2019re not seriously injured. Symptoms of some injuries don\u2019t appear right away, so it\u2019s important to have a doctor check you out and order diagnostic tests that may show you sustained an injury. Going to the ER or seeing a doctor safeguards your health and provides evidence such as medical records and test results, which are crucial pieces of evidence in accident claims.DON\u2019T Forget to Collect EvidenceRegardless of the type of accident, it\u2019s important to collect evidence right away. If possible, take photos of the scene, any property damage, and your injuries. Obtain insurance and contact information from all involved parties and jot down contact information for any witnesses. If law enforcement is involved, ask for a copy of the police report. All these things provide valuable documentation of what happened and who may be responsible for your injuries. If you\u2019re unable to collect evidence because you are severely injured, ask someone who\u2019s with you or a bystander to do it for you.DON\u2019T Give a Statement to Insurance Adjusters or Admit FaultIf you\u2019re hurt in a car accident, slip and fall, or another type of accident, the liable party\u2019s insurance company likely will contact you shortly after. Before speaking to anyone from their insurance company, contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your case. Part of an insurance adjuster\u2019s job is to help the company save money, and they may try to twist your words to avoid paying compensation. If you do speak to an adjuster, make sure not to use statements such as \u201cI\u2019m sorry\u201d or \u201cit was my fault.\u201d If you\u2019ve already hired an accident lawyer, refer all communications to them. It\u2019s also important not to give a written statement or sign any documents without speaking to an attorney first.DON\u2019T Accept the First Settlement OfferAgain, insurance companies do everything in their power to offer injured victims as little compensation as possible and prey on the vulnerable. Injured victims often worry about how they\u2019ll pay their bills and end up accepting an inadequate settlement due to financial worries. It\u2019s easy to underestimate the total costs of damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A lawyer who is experienced in handling cases involving motor vehicle crashes can accurately value your claim and handle all negotiations with insurers. Having an experienced professional in your corner can help protect your health and financial security and allow you to focus on your recovery.DON\u2019T Talk to Anyone About Your CaseThe only person who should know the details of your case is your lawyer. The personal injury claims process can take time, and it may be tempting to speak to loved ones or post about it on social media. When investigating a claim, insurance companies and their lawyers look for whatever they can to discredit you and minimize the severity of your injuries. They may interview people you know as witnesses and scour your social media accounts for evidence. It\u2019s best not to post anything at all \u2013 even seemingly harmless photos and posts can be used against you.DON\u2019T Wait Too LongThe sooner you contact an attorney, the better. Each state has statutes of limitations on how much time you have to file a personal injury claim after an accident. Memories fade, and it can be more difficult to obtain evidence after months or even years have passed.DON\u2019T Try to Go it AloneSeeking the counsel of an experienced personal injury lawyer gives you a much better chance of obtaining the full and fair amount of compensation you need and deserve. Your attorney will fight for your rights and look out for your best interests every step of the way. You really have nothing to lose if you contact an accident lawyer \u2013 most offer free case evaluations and work on contingency, which means you won\u2019t owe attorneys\u2019 fees unless they make a recovery for you.Contact an Accident Attorney In Eastern PAFor more than 30 years, our accident attorneys at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad have successfully recovered compensation for countless injured victims and their families. With offices in Northampton, Lehigh, Berks, and Monroe counties, we represent injured victims throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. To schedule a free consultation, contact us online or call our Bath office at 610-867-2900."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.conradattorneys.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What NOT to Do After Being Injured in an Accident","item":"https:\/\/www.conradattorneys.com\/blog\/what-not-to-do-after-being-injured-in-an-accident\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]