Common Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident is one of the most stressful experiences you can go through. In the aftermath, shock, pain, and confusion can make it difficult to think clearly, leading many people to make mistakes that could have serious consequences later. Knowing these common errors can help you avoid them, protecting both your legal rights and your well-being.
1. Not Calling the Police
One of the most critical mistakes people make after an accident is failing to call the police immediately. Some assume that if the accident seems minor or there are no obvious injuries, police involvement isn’t necessary. However, this is not the case.
Laws typically require that you report an accident, regardless of its severity or whether injuries are apparent at the scene. A police report serves as an official record of the incident, providing essential details that can be crucial later—especially if injuries or vehicle damage turn out to be more serious than initially thought.
2. Assuming You Aren’t Injured
Shock and adrenaline can mask pain, making it easy to assume you weren’t hurt. However, many injuries—such as whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions—don’t present symptoms immediately.
Many people make the mistake of declining medical attention because they “feel fine” at the moment, only to realize hours or even days later that they were actually injured. Without medical documentation, it becomes difficult to file an injury claim or receive compensation for medical expenses.
Consider these factors when determining whether to seek medical attention:
- The severity of the accident: If the vehicles are totaled or heavily damaged, you should get checked by a doctor, even if you don’t feel immediate pain.
- Other injuries at the scene: If others were seriously hurt, it’s a sign the crash was significant, and you may have injuries you haven’t noticed yet.
- Existing medical conditions: If you are pregnant or have a pre-existing health condition, you should seek medical evaluation right away, as the accident could have caused hidden complications.
3. Admitting Fault or Saying “I’m Sorry”
One of the biggest mistakes you can make after an accident is admitting fault or apologizing at the scene.
Even if you believe you may be responsible, avoid making any statements that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt. The other party could use your words against you, even if the official police report later determines you were not at fault.
Instead, focus on ensuring everyone’s safety and calling the police. You can ask if others are okay, but never say, “I’m sorry” or anything that could suggest liability. Let the authorities and insurance companies determine fault based on the evidence.
4. Not Exchanging Insurance Information with the Other Party
If the accident seems minor and you decide not to call the police, failing to exchange insurance information could be a mistake. Without this information, you may have no way to contact the other driver if you later realize the damage is worse than expected or if injuries become apparent.
After an accident, always gather the following details from the other party:
- Full Name
- Address
- Phone Number
- Driver’s License Number
- Insurance Information (Company Name & Policy Number)
- Vehicle Make, Model, and License Plate Number
- Extent of the Damage to Each Vehicle
This reinforces why it’s best to always call the police, even for minor accidents. A police report provides an official record of the incident, reducing the risk of disputes or complications later. While some cases of exchanging information without police involvement have worked out, it’s generally safer to have an official report.
5. Not Gathering Vital Evidence
Failing to collect evidence at the scene of the accident can create serious problems later. Without proper documentation, it could become a matter of your word against the other driver’s.
While waiting for the police to arrive, take the following steps to protect yourself:
- Photograph the Scene: Capture pictures of vehicle damage, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Obtain Witness Information: If there are any bystanders, get their names and phone numbers in case you need their statements later.
- Get a Copy of the Police Report: Before leaving the police station, review the report to ensure all details are accurate. Keep this document with your other evidence in case it’s needed for the insurance adjuster or your attorney.
Gathering evidence immediately after the accident ensures you have the necessary documentation if issues arise later. Taking these steps can protect your rights and help you navigate any potential claims smoothly.
Table of contents
- Common Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident
- 1. Not Calling the Police
- 2. Assuming You Aren’t Injured
- 3. Admitting Fault or Saying “I’m Sorry”
- 4. Not Exchanging Insurance Information with the Other Party
- 5. Not Gathering Vital Evidence
- 6. Not Understanding Your Rights
- 7. Failing to Call Your Insurance Company Immediately
- 8. Not Seeking Medical Attention Immediately
- Find a Doctor for your accident
- 9. Swapping Insurance Information and Leaving the Scene
- 10. Trusting the Insurance Adjuster
- 11. Responding to Solicitation from Attorneys or Medical Representatives
- 12. Posting About Your Accident on Social Media
- 13. Giving a Statement to the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company
- 14. Cashing a Check from the Insurance Adjuster Too Soon
- 15. Failing to Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
- 16. Not Knowing Your Insurance Coverage
- Conclusion
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6. Not Understanding Your Rights
Many people never expect to be in a car accident, so they may not fully understand their rights when one occurs. This lack of awareness can lead to costly mistakes, such as admitting fault, making statements that could hurt them in a legal case, or failing to collect necessary information from the other driver.
It’s essential to know your rights after an accident. You have the right to gather personal and insurance details from the other party and to seek compensation if you were injured or suffered damages. By understanding what you are legally entitled to do, you can protect yourself from making mistakes that could negatively impact a potential claim.
7. Failing to Call Your Insurance Company Immediately
After contacting the police, your next step should be to inform your insurance provider. Be thorough when explaining what happened, including details about vehicle damage and any injuries. Delaying this step can create complications, especially if you later discover the other driver is uninsured. If you wait too long, your insurance company may question why you didn’t report the accident sooner, which could hurt your claim.
To avoid issues, notify your insurance provider as soon as possible. This not only ensures a smoother claims process but also puts them on notice in case further complications arise.
8. Not Seeking Medical Attention Immediately
Why You Shouldn’t Delay Medical Treatment
Insurance companies may deny your claim
In states with personal injury protection (PIP) laws, there are strict deadlines for seeking medical care. For example, Florida requires accident victims to see a doctor within 14 days, or they may have to pay for all medical expenses themselves.
Delaying treatment can make injuries worse
Pain medication and muscle relaxers may temporarily relieve discomfort, but they don’t heal injuries. Waiting to see a doctor can prolong your recovery and lead to long-term complications.
Missed appointments and ignoring medical advice can hurt your case
If you fail to follow through with doctor’s appointments or disregard medical advice, it may be seen as evidence that your injuries aren’t serious. Insurance companies and attorneys will use this against you in a personal injury claim.
If you’ve been in an accident, don’t put off medical care. Whether you visit your accident doctor, an urgent care clinic, or the emergency room, getting checked by a medical professional is crucial. Prioritizing your health ensures that any injuries are properly documented and treated, protecting both your well-being and your legal rights.
Find a Doctor for your accident
Seeing a Doctor may be the single most important thing you can do after a car accident. We have doctors for accidents listed across the United States.
9. Swapping Insurance Information and Leaving the Scene
While it’s fine to obtain the other driver’s insurance details while waiting for the police, never leave before law enforcement arrives. If the other driver later denies fault or refuses to cooperate with their insurance company, you could end up paying for the damages yourself. Some drivers promise to handle things privately, only to change their story later. Always call the police to document the accident properly.
10. Trusting the Insurance Adjuster
Do not assume that an insurance adjuster has your best interests at heart. While they may seem friendly and helpful, their job is to minimize the payout for the insurance company—not to make sure you get fair compensation.
Many injured victims have waited for an adjuster to “take care of everything,” only to find out later that their claim was denied or undervalued. Be careful when speaking with insurance adjusters, and never provide a recorded statement without first consulting a personal injury attorney.
11. Responding to Solicitation from Attorneys or Medical Representatives
In some states, it is illegal for attorneys or doctors to contact you directly after an accident. These aggressive “runners” are paid to bring personal injury cases to lawyers or medical providers.
They often obtain accident victim information from sources like tow truck drivers, hospital staff, or even police reports. If someone reaches out to you about legal or medical services after your accident, be cautious—it could be an unethical or even illegal solicitation. Always choose a reputable attorney or doctor on your own terms.
12. Posting About Your Accident on Social Media
Sharing details about your accident on social media is a serious mistake. Anything you post—whether photos, comments, or updates—can be used against you by insurance companies or opposing attorneys.
Even something as simple as saying, “I feel okay” can be taken as evidence that your injuries are not severe. Avoid posting about the accident, your injuries, or any ongoing claims until your case is fully resolved.
13. Giving a Statement to the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company
Speaking to the at-fault driver’s insurance company without legal guidance can be detrimental to your case. Insurance companies often try to get you to make statements that downplay your injuries or shift some of the blame onto you.
Before giving any statements, consult a personal injury attorney. They can advise you on what to say—or whether to say anything at all—to protect your injury claim.
14. Cashing a Check from the Insurance Adjuster Too Soon
If an insurance company sends you a check after your accident, do not deposit or cash it until you’ve consulted with an attorney.
Insurance companies often offer quick settlements before you’ve even seen a doctor or fully assessed your damages. Cashing the check could mean you’ve unknowingly settled your case for much less than you deserve, giving up your right to pursue further compensation. Always have an attorney review any settlement offer before accepting it.
15. Failing to Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
Consulting an attorney does not mean you have to hire one—it simply means getting professional advice about your rights and options. Many personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, so speaking with one costs you nothing.
If you’ve been injured, it’s in your best interest to talk to a lawyer to understand what to expect when dealing with insurance companies. You can hire an attorney at any time during your medical treatment or even after you’ve finished recovering. If you’re unsure where to find a qualified attorney, give us a call, we can help.
16. Not Knowing Your Insurance Coverage
Many drivers are unaware of what type of coverage they actually have. It’s important to know your policy details before an accident occurs.
If you don’t have Medical Payments (Med Pay) coverage, consider adding it. Med Pay covers your medical expenses regardless of who is at fault in an accident, helping reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Another crucial coverage is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) protection. If you’re hit by an uninsured driver or involved in a hit-and-run, UM coverage can protect you. Many drivers opt out of this coverage to save money, only to regret it when they’re left with unpaid medical bills and damages.
Insurance is financial protection—you can never have too much of it. Talk to your insurance agent to ensure you have adequate coverage.
Conclusion
A car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but avoiding these common mistakes can make a huge difference in protecting your health, rights, and financial well-being. From ensuring you call the police and seeking medical attention to understanding your insurance coverage and being cautious when dealing with insurance adjusters, every step you take matters.
By staying informed and prepared, you can prevent unnecessary complications that could cause serious issues later. If you ever find yourself in an accident, remember to stay calm, document everything, and seek professional guidance when needed. Taking the right actions now can save you from headaches and financial burdens in the future. Stay safe and always be proactive when handling an accident situation!