Suffering an injury due to an accident is overwhelming enough. The pain, medical bills, and uncertainty about the future can feel crushing. If you’re pursuing a personal injury case to seek compensation for your losses, the last thing you want is to unintentionally make a mistake that could jeopardize your claim. Unfortunately, small missteps can have big consequences, and they often happen because people simply don’t know any better.
1. Failing to Seek Medical Attention Immediately
One of the biggest mistakes people make is not seeing a doctor right after their injury. Even if you feel fine or think your injuries are minor, you should always get checked out by a medical professional. Why? Because not all injuries show symptoms right away. For example, issues like whiplash or internal injuries may take days or even weeks to appear.
Additionally, if you delay medical treatment, the insurance company may argue that your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident. Seeking medical care promptly creates a clear record of your injuries, which is vital evidence for your case.
Pro Tip: Always follow your doctor’s advice regarding treatment and recovery. Failing to do so can hurt your case down the road.
2. Giving Too Much Information to Insurance Adjusters
After an accident, you’ll likely hear from insurance adjusters asking for statements or details about what happened. Be cautious about what you say. Their job is to minimize the amount of money their company pays out, so they might try to twist your words or get you to admit fault.
Avoid providing a recorded statement or signing any documents without first consulting a personal injury attorney. Even seemingly harmless comments like "I’m sorry" or "I feel better now" could be used against you to undermine your claim.
Pro Tip: Direct all communication with insurance companies to your attorney. It’s their job to handle these conversations and protect your interests.
3. Posting About the Accident on Social Media
We get it, sharing updates on social media is a normal thing to do. But after an accident, less is more. Posting about your injury, the accident, or your recovery could give the insurance company ammunition to dispute your claim. For example, a photo of you smiling at a family BBQ might be taken out of context to suggest your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim.
Pro Tip: It’s wise to stay off social media altogether until your case is resolved. If you must use it, don’t post anything related to your accident, injuries, or activities.
4. Not Collecting Evidence at the Scene
If you’re able to, gathering evidence at the scene of an accident is crucial. Photographs of the accident site, damage to vehicles, your injuries, and even weather conditions can help strengthen your case. Skipping this step leaves room for the other side to dispute key details about what happened.
If you’re unable to collect evidence yourself (due to injuries or other reasons), ask someone you trust to do it for you or make a note to retrieve relevant information later.
Pro Tip: Evidence isn’t only collected at the scene. Save things like medical bills, police reports, and witness contact information to build a strong case.
5. Accepting a Quick Settlement
It can be tempting to accept a quick settlement offer from an insurance company, especially when you’re struggling with medical expenses and lost wages. But these early settlement offers are often much lower than what you’re entitled to. Accepting them may waive your right to pursue additional compensation later, even if you discover new expenses or long-term impacts from your injuries.
Pro Tip: Always consult a personal injury attorney before agreeing to any settlement. They can help you assess whether the offer is fair or if you deserve more.
6. Trying to Handle the Case Without an Attorney
Navigating a personal injury case is complicated. From understanding legal jargon to negotiating with insurance companies, feeling out of your depth is easy. Attempting to handle your case alone can result in missed deadlines, overlooked paperwork, or undervalued compensation.
An experienced personal injury attorney knows how to build a strong case, handle complex legal requirements, and fight for what you truly deserve. With their help, you can focus on recovering while they handle the rest.
Pro Tip: Many attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case. Don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance because of financial concerns.
Personal Injury Claims in Fresno
At Fowler | Helsel | Vogt, our experienced personal injury attorney has seen it all and knows how to navigate the legal system on your behalf. Contact us today at (559) 900-1280 to get started.