Many people act without realizing their decisions could hurt their chances of recovering damages. Whether it’s speaking too freely to the wrong party or mishandling documents, these mistakes are more common than most think. If you’ve been injured and are thinking about pursuing compensation, knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to do. Our friends at Cohen & Cohen discuss how simple missteps after an accident can seriously impact the strength of a legal claim.
Speaking To The Insurance Company Without Legal Advice
After an injury, it’s standard for the insurance company to reach out quickly. While they may seem helpful, their goal is often to limit the amount they pay. Giving a recorded statement without preparation can be damaging. People sometimes downplay their injuries or provide unclear details, which can be used later to dispute the claim. We recommend speaking with an attorney first so you have someone to guide you before you respond.
Posting On Social Media
Social media posts can have a much bigger impact than most people realize. Even a simple photo or comment about your day can be misinterpreted and used to question the seriousness of your injury. Insurance companies may monitor your public accounts looking for any contradiction. It’s smart to avoid posting entirely until your case is resolved. Even well-meaning updates can work against you.
Delaying Medical Treatment
Waiting too long to get medical care is one of the most common ways a claim gets weakened. Insurance companies may argue that the delay means your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t related to the incident. Seeking treatment promptly and following all medical instructions shows that your injury is real and that you’re taking the right steps to recover. Keeping detailed records of visits, medications, and progress helps support your claim as well.
Ignoring Follow-up Care
Once initial treatment is done, it’s tempting to return to normal life and skip follow-up appointments. But if you miss therapy sessions or fail to complete your treatment plan, it can be used to argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed. Staying consistent with care is not only important for your recovery—it also protects the strength of your case.
Not Documenting What Happened
Failing to collect basic information at the time of the incident can make proving fault harder. Photos, names of witnesses, and a written summary of the event are all helpful. These should be gathered as soon as possible while the details are still fresh. Even if you couldn’t gather everything right away, it’s worth making notes of what you do remember and collecting whatever documentation you can.
Accepting A Quick Settlement
Insurance companies often offer quick payouts early in the process. These may seem appealing, especially if you’re facing medical bills or missing work. But once you accept a settlement, you usually can’t go back for more—even if your condition worsens. That’s why it’s best to speak with a personal injury lawyer before signing anything. Legal guidance helps you understand whether the offer covers the full value of your claim.
Avoiding common errors can make a major difference in the outcome of your injury case. Small decisions made in the early stages can have long-term effects. That’s why we always recommend taking a step back before responding to insurance companies, posting online, or agreeing to a settlement. Getting clear legal advice upfront gives you the information needed to protect your rights and move forward with confidence.