The #1 Mistake I See After an Injury—And How to Avoid It

If you’ve just been hurt in an accident—whether it’s a car crash, a fall, or something else—you’re probably dealing with a lot: pain, stress, confusion, and questions about what to do next.

I’ve walked hundreds of people through this process, and over the years, one mistake has come up more than any other. It’s a simple one, but it can ruin an otherwise valid personal injury case:

Talking to the insurance company before talking to an attorney.

Why This Is Such a Costly Mistake

It might feel harmless—just answering a few questions from the insurance adjuster. Maybe you think being polite or cooperative will help things move faster.

But here’s the truth: insurance companies aren’t calling to help you. They’re calling to protect their bottom line. Their job is to find any reason to lower your payout or deny your claim altogether.

They’ll ask questions designed to get you to downplay your injuries. They’ll record your statement before you’ve seen a doctor. They might even twist your words and use them against you later.

By the time you realize what’s happening, it could be too late to undo the damage.

What You Should Do Instead

If you’ve been injured, here’s what I always recommend:

1. Get medical attention immediately.

Even if you think your injuries are “minor,” let a doctor make that call. This protects your health and creates documentation that supports your case.

2. Politely decline to speak with insurance reps—then call a lawyer.

You’re legally allowed to say, “I’m not comfortable giving a statement right now,” and then call a personal injury attorney. That’s where I come in.

3. Let your attorney handle all communication.

Once I’m on your case, I deal with the insurance companies so you don’t have to. You focus on healing. I’ll focus on protecting your rights and getting you what you’re owed.

The Sooner You Call, the Better

The best time to call a personal injury lawyer? Right after the accident. But if you’ve already talked to an adjuster, don’t panic—call me now. The sooner we start protecting your case, the better the outcome can be.

And here’s the good news: at Chatenka Injury Law, consultations are free. You don’t pay me a dime unless I win your case.

Bottom Line

The biggest mistake I see after an accident is talking to the wrong people before talking to the right one. Don’t let pressure, confusion, or fear get in the way of protecting yourself.

Call Chatenka Injury Law today for a free consultation.
Let’s talk about what happened—and let’s make sure your next step is the right one.