Yes. The police report may say the other driver caused the wreck, but what actually moves claim value in Parkersburg is the evidence you create or destroy in the first 48 hours.

The better question is: what should you stop doing right now so the insurer cannot use it against you?

First, get off social media. Do not post photos, videos, check-ins, jokes, or "I'm okay" updates. If you were hit near a school zone on Murdoch Avenue or while crossing by a bus stop during back-to-school traffic, the insurer will screen-grab anything showing you walking, carrying groceries, or out with family and argue you are not hurt.

Second, do not give the other driver's insurer a recorded statement. They are looking for lines like "I didn't see the car," "I'm fine," or "it was just sore at first."

Third, get medical care fast and follow through. A gap of even a few days gives them room to blame your pain on something else. In West Virginia, the at-fault driver may carry only the minimum 25/50/25 policy limits, so wasting evidence early can cost real money if coverage is already tight.

Fourth, save proof:

• photos of the scene, shoes, clothing, bike, stroller, or vehicle
• names of witnesses
• discharge papers, prescriptions, and work notes
• screenshots of texts from the driver or insurer

If police did not come, report the crash to the Parkersburg Police Department, Wood County Sheriff, or the West Virginia State Police depending on where it happened.

And if you are undocumented, filing an injury claim is not the same thing as reporting yourself for immigration enforcement. The insurer cares about whether the crash happened, who caused it, and how badly you were hurt.