Mistakes after a car accident can quietly weaken a claim before it even begins. The moments and days that follow a crash shape how injuries are treated, how fault is decided, and how losses are measured.
Many people focus on fixing their car or getting back to work, not realizing that small missteps can reduce their ability to pursue the compensation you deserve when medical bills and lost income start to pile up.
Delaying Medical Treatment
Delayed injuries do not always present immediately. Delayed onset of symptoms for whiplash, concussions, and internal bruising often occur many hours after the incident.
When you fail to seek immediate medical attention, the insurer will use this to question whether your injuries were truly as severe as you describe them to be, or if they developed after the fact.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents are one of the top causes of injury in the United States, with millions of people receiving treatment annually for injuries resulting from car wrecks.
Failing to Report the Incident to Law Enforcement
An official law enforcement report is essential to document the accident. This document includes the names of the parties involved, the location(s) where the accident occurred, and early verbal statements that will later be crucial to establishing liability.
When no police report exists, it is much easier for the insurer to dispute the nature of the accident and, potentially, the amount of loss, given the lack of clarity surrounding the accident’s circumstances.
Admitting Liability at the Scene of the Accident
During times of high stress and shock, people typically express apologies (or regret) verbally to others on site. While these expressions of remorse may seem innocent, they can be perceived as admissions of liability by the insurer and/or opposing party.
Exchanging contact information and allowing the physical evidence to be collected will provide a much stronger basis for your claim than your casual statements at the scene.
Failing to Document the Wreck
Claims based upon strong evidence are far superior to those with weak or missing evidence. As soon as possible, document and photograph your accident and obtain the contact information of witnesses.
Key items to document include:
- All vehicle damage
- Road conditions
- Traffic signs and signals
- Any visible injuries to occupants
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, accident scenes rapidly deteriorate once vehicles are relocated or towed. The earlier documentation of the accident is the best opportunity to accurately establish the facts.
Speaking with Insurers Before Understanding Injuries
Adjusters may appear friendly and interested in helping you settle your claim quickly, but their ultimate goal is to minimize your financial recovery. Recorded statements prior to your injuries being evaluated or treated properly can be detrimental to your claim if you underestimate your losses.
Accepting a Quick Settlement
Often, insurers issue quick settlements prior to completion of your medical treatment. Once a settlement is finalized, it is unlikely to be reopened or revised, which can result in you paying medical expenses incurred after the settlement date out of pocket.
Posting About the Wreck on Social Media
Your social media postings can be misinterpreted. Posting a picture of yourself or comments about the wreck on social media can create the perception that you are not injured. Avoid posting anything about the wreck until it is resolved.
Key Takeaways
- Get medical care to document injuries
- Report the crash to create an official record
- Avoid admitting fault
- Save photos and evidence
- Be careful with insurers
- Do not rush settlements
- Stay off social media
- Track deadlines and paperwork
