Whether it’s a car crash, a fall, or another type of injury caused by someone else, what you do—and don’t do—in the early days can impact your claim. A personal injury lawyer can help avoid common mistakes that people often don’t realize until it’s too late. Our friends at Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC discuss how decisions made shortly after an accident can affect a person’s ability to recover full compensation.
When an accident happens, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You’re dealing with pain, property damage, and time away from work. Most people aren’t thinking about the legal side of things right away. That’s understandable, but small missteps early on can lead to delays, reduced settlement offers, or even a denied claim. We’ve seen these issues come up time and time again, so it’s worth taking a closer look at what to avoid—and how the right legal support can help keep things on track.
Not Getting Medical Care Right Away
One of the most common mistakes people make is delaying a trip to the doctor. Maybe the injury seems minor, or maybe they think the pain will go away on its own. The problem is that insurance companies often point to that delay as a reason to question whether the injury was serious—or even related to the accident at all.
Getting checked by a medical provider as soon as possible helps protect both your health and your claim. It creates a clear record of your injuries and shows that you took the situation seriously. If you’re working with a personal injury lawyer, they can also help make sure follow-up care is documented properly and used to support your case.
Giving A Recorded Statement Too Soon
After an accident, you’ll likely get a call from the other party’s insurance company asking for a recorded statement. Many people agree without realizing that what they say can be used against them later. Insurance adjusters may ask questions in a way that leads you to downplay your injuries or admit fault, even if you didn’t mean to.
We always advise clients not to speak with the insurer until they’ve had a chance to talk to us first. Once we’re involved, we handle all communication and make sure no statement is given without preparation. That helps keep the facts clear and avoids misunderstandings that can hurt the claim.
Accepting A Quick Settlement Offer
Injuries can take time to show their full impact. A quick offer from the insurance company might seem like a good thing, but it often doesn’t come close to covering the full cost of treatment, lost wages, or long-term effects. Once you accept, the case is usually closed for good.
A personal injury lawyer reviews the offer, calculates what’s actually needed, and advises whether it’s fair. In many cases, the first offer is just a starting point, and we negotiate from there.
Failing To Gather Evidence
Photos, witness statements, and police reports all play a big role in supporting your claim. But in the moment, it’s easy to forget to collect this information—especially if you’re injured or shaken up. Unfortunately, the longer you wait, the harder it is to track down details that support your side of the story.
We help gather the right documents, speak with witnesses, and follow up on records that matter. Even if you weren’t able to take pictures or get contact info at the scene, there are still ways to build a strong case with the right approach.
Posting About The Accident Online
It’s natural to want to talk about what happened, especially on social media. But what you post can be seen by the insurance company—and taken out of context. Something as simple as a photo or comment can be used to question how injured you really are.
We always tell clients to avoid sharing anything about the accident online. It’s better to focus on your recovery and let us handle the claim. We know what to watch for and how to protect your case from outside interference.
After an accident, every decision matters. A personal injury lawyer helps guide the process, avoid setbacks, and keep things moving toward a fair result. If you’re unsure about what to do next, speaking with a lawyer early on can make all the difference in the outcome of your claim.
