There are many actions that should be taken following a Bucks County, Philadelphia, or Mercer County car accident. However, there is one thing you should never do if you have been injured in an accident:
–DO NOT SIGN A RELEASE from an insurance company without consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney. You may be signing away rights to the true compensation you deserve for your injuries, pain & suffering, lost wages, medical bills, etc.
Auto insurance companies employ many deceitful practices in order to avoid paying innocent car accident victims rightful compensation for their injuries and resulting disabilities. Some of these practices initially make you believe they have your best interest in mind. They do not have your best interest in mind.
For example, an insurance adjuster may contact you shortly after your Philadelphia auto accident and ask for a recorded statement about the accident and at the same meeting write you a (settlement) check on the spot.
“Wow”, you think, “this is much easier than I thought it would be!”
An offer of money can be very tempting, especially if you need to replace your car or you are worried about unpaid time from work you incurred because of the accident. As good of an offer as it may seem, DO NOT FALL FOR IT!
Though the settlement amount they offer you may sound like a lot of money, chances are you have no idea this early on in the process how much your doctor visits, medical testing and treatments, or lost wages are going to cost you in the long run.
In the days immediately following a Bucks County auto accident, you may feel sore and be in pain but think it will pass in time. You should know that injuries from car accidents, truck accidents, and bicycle accidents often intensify over time. It is important to closely monitor your pain and physical limitations, preferably under a doctor’s care.
You will eventually be required to sign a Release before the check is handed over to you.
Read it carefully!
This Release most likely states that you give up all rights to future action against the party who hit you and/or their insurance company. This includes any claims against property damage, as well as personal injuries, and the consequences that arise from any personal injuries sustained in the auto accident. If your injuries worsen and it is determined that you need surgery, you are precluded from filing a claim against the person who injured you.
Also, contact a local proven Philadelphia area personal injury attorney to learn about your rights and whether or not you need a lawyer for your car accident injuries. The Delaware Valley car accident injury lawyers at Cordisco & Saile LLC work diligently for compensation to those who are injured due to someone else’s carelessness.
Remember, once you sign an insurance company Release, you give up your right to payment for medical treatment, even if your injuries worsen. That would not be a good position to be in.
