One wrong move after an accident can destroy your ability to recover fair compensation. We see people make the same errors repeatedly, often without realizing the damage until it’s too late.
Our friends at Cohen & Cohen discuss how simple mistakes turn strong cases into uphill battles or complete losses. A personal injury lawyer can help you avoid these pitfalls and protect your legal rights from day one.
Understanding what not to do is just as important as knowing the right steps to take.
1. Delaying Medical Treatment
Waiting days or weeks to see a doctor raises red flags. Insurance companies argue you weren’t really hurt if you didn’t seek immediate care. Even if you feel fine initially, some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
Get examined within 24 to 48 hours of your accident.
2. Skipping Follow-Up Appointments
Starting treatment then missing appointments gives insurers ammunition. They’ll claim you must have recovered or your injuries weren’t serious. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan completely, even when you start feeling better.
3. Giving Recorded Statements to Insurance Companies
The other party’s insurance adjuster will call asking for your version of events. They sound sympathetic and helpful. Don’t fall for it.
These recorded statements are designed to trap you into saying something that weakens your claim. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney.
4. Posting on Social Media
That photo of you smiling at a family gathering? Insurance companies will use it to argue you’re not in pain. According to research from insurance industry sources, social media posts are increasingly used as evidence in injury claims.
Make your accounts private and avoid posting anything about your accident, injuries, or activities until your case resolves.
5. Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Initial offers rarely reflect the true value of your claim. Insurance companies hope you’ll accept quick money before understanding the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs.
We review every settlement offer carefully before advising whether to accept or negotiate further.
6. Failing to Document Everything
Memories fade and details get fuzzy. Take photos of your injuries, accident scene, and property damage. Keep every medical bill, prescription receipt, and pay stub showing lost wages.
Documentation builds your case brick by brick.
7. Talking About Your Case
Friends and family mean well, but loose talk spreads. Anything you say can potentially be discovered and used against you. Discuss your case only with your attorney.
8. Ignoring Your Attorney’s Advice
We give guidance based on years of experience handling similar cases. Ignoring that advice often backfires. If you disagree with our recommendation, ask questions until you understand the reasoning.
9. Exaggerating Your Injuries
Credibility is everything. Overstating your pain or limitations will be exposed during depositions, medical examinations, or trial. Tell the truth about:
- What hurts and what doesn’t
- What activities you can and cannot do
- How your injuries affect daily life
- Your medical history
Honesty strengthens your case. Exaggeration destroys it.
10. Waiting Too Long to Hire an Attorney
The sooner you get legal representation, the better. Evidence disappears, witnesses become hard to find, and insurance companies start building their defense immediately.
Early involvement allows us to preserve evidence and build the strongest possible case.
11. Signing Medical Authorizations Without Review
Insurance companies request authorization to access your complete medical history. They’re looking for pre-existing conditions or past injuries to blame for your current condition.
Never sign blanket medical releases. We limit authorizations to relevant treatment only.
12. Settling Before Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement
You can’t reopen your case after signing a settlement agreement. If you settle too early and your condition worsens or requires additional treatment, you’re stuck with the bills.
Wait until your doctor confirms you’ve reached maximum medical improvement before considering settlement.
13. Hiding Pre-Existing Conditions
Attempting to conceal prior injuries or health conditions always backfires. Insurance companies will discover this information through medical records. The cover-up damages your credibility more than the pre-existing condition itself.
We handle these situations transparently and effectively.
14. Missing Legal Deadlines
Statutes of limitations vary by state and claim type. Missing your filing deadline means losing your right to compensation permanently, regardless of how strong your case might be.
15. Representing Yourself
The legal system is complex and insurance companies employ experienced attorneys and adjusters who handle injury claims daily. Going it alone puts you at a significant disadvantage.
Professional representation dramatically improves your chances of fair compensation. Don’t let preventable mistakes derail your recovery. Contact an experienced attorney who will guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
