The Most Common Mistakes People Make After an Accident (And How to Avoid Them)

When you’re in an accident, everything happens fast. You’re in shock, you’re sore, and you’re trying to figure out what to do next.

That’s when the most common mistakes happen — and unfortunately, they can hurt your health, your case, and your future.

The good news? You don’t have to make those mistakes.
Here are the top things I see people get wrong after a crash — and how you can avoid them.

1. Not Seeing a Doctor Right Away

Even if you “feel fine,” get checked out. Some injuries take hours or days to show up, and the longer you wait, the harder it is to prove they came from the accident.

👉 Why it matters: Insurance companies use delays in treatment as an excuse to deny your claim or say your injury isn’t serious.

2. Not Following Up on Medical Care

Missing appointments or stopping treatment too early can tank your case. It makes it look like you weren’t that hurt — even if you were.

👉 What to do instead: Stick to your treatment plan, and communicate with your provider if anything changes.

3. Giving a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company Too Soon

They may sound helpful, but their job is to minimize your payout. They’re trained to ask questions that get you to say things they can twist later.

👉 Best move? Talk to a lawyer first. We’ll handle communication with the insurance company for you.

4. Accepting the First Settlement Offer

That first offer is usually a lowball — made before you know how serious your injury is or what your long-term care will cost.

👉 Wait. Get legal advice. We’ll calculate the true value of your case and negotiate from a position of strength.

5. Posting About the Accident on Social Media

That “I’m okay” post or a smiling photo at dinner can come back to haunt you. Insurance companies monitor your social media and may use it against you.

👉 Tip: Go quiet online until your case is resolved — or at least don’t post anything injury-related.

6. Trying to Handle Everything Alone

This process is complex — and the insurance company is counting on that. Having a personal injury lawyer means you’re not just reacting… you’re protecting your rights from day one.

Protect Your Health. Protect Your Case. Call Me First.

One mistake doesn’t have to ruin your case — but the fewer you make, the stronger your position. If you’ve already made one of these? Don’t panic. Just call me.

We’ll clean it up, make a plan, and get you back on track.

— Aaron