After an accident, it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed. Between doctor visits, car repairs, and dealing with insurance companies, there is a lot to handle, and one small mistake could seriously hurt your ability to get fair compensation. Attorneys such as our friends at Johnson & Alday, LLC know that understanding what not to do is just as important as knowing what steps to take. When pursuing a personal injury claim, avoiding these common mistakes can help increase your chances of a successful outcome.
- Talking too Freely to Insurance Adjusters
One of the biggest mistakes people make is speaking to the other driver’s insurance adjuster without being prepared. These adjusters might seem friendly and concerned, but their job is to protect their company’s bottom line, not you. They often ask leading questions, take recorded statements, or twist your words to downplay your injuries or shift blame. They will try to undervalue or deny your claim.
Be polite, but limit what you say. Stick to the basic facts (date, time, location) and never admit fault or guess any details. Before giving any statement or signing anything, talk to an experienced attorney.
- Posting on Social Media
Many people do not realize how much damage a single post can do to their claim. Insurance companies and defense attorneys often check your social media for anything they can use against you. A harmless photo of you smiling at a family event can be twisted to argue that you are not really in pain or disabled.
Following an accident, it is best to avoid posting about your injuries, activities, or accident altogether. Ask friends and family not to tag you in photos that could be misinterpreted.
- Not Receiving Prompt Medical Treatment
Another common mistake is delaying medical care. Some people “tough it out” or assume they’ll feel better in a few days, but gaps in treatment can seriously hurt your claim. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were not serious or that something else caused them if you do not see a doctor right away.
Always get checked by a medical professional immediately after an accident, even if you feel okay at first. Follow your doctor’s advice, keep all appointments, and save your medical records and receipts. Receiving prompt treatment not only creates a record of your injuries, but it can also be crucial for your health, as some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
- Ignoring Your Doctor’s Advice
Skipping treatments, therapy sessions, or ignoring medical restrictions can also weaken your claim. If you fail to follow your doctor’s orders, the insurance company may argue that you made your injuries worse or prolonged your recovery, and they’ll try to pay you less.
- Settling too Quickly
Insurance companies will often offer quick settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries. As a personal injury lawyer will tell you, once you accept a settlement, you cannot go back and ask for more, even if you later need surgery or cannot work the way you used to.
Do not rush. Make sure you understand your total medical costs, future care needs and other losses before accepting any offer. A lawyer can help you figure out what is fair.
Contact An Attorney Today
The aftermath of an accident can be confusing but avoiding these common mistakes can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Be cautious with what you say, what you post, and how you handle medical care. And remember, you do not have to handle it alone. An lawyer can protect your rights, deal with insurance companies, and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
