Car accidents happen unexpectedly and can leave you feeling confused and overwhelmed. While it’s natural to feel shaken, the actions you take immediately after an accident can have a long-term impact on your health, finances, and legal options. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes that worsen their injuries or weaken their legal claims. Here are seven common mistakes to avoid and tips to protect yourself.

At Coffey McPharlin we have successfully handled tens of thousands of motor vehicle accident cases where we have helped our clients win against an insurance company.  We are proud to say that 99% of the time our clients win.  We attribute this to hard work, sound strategy, and understanding of insurance company secrets based upon years of working for insurance companies.  Unfortunately, we can’t help everybody and some people come to us after they have made mistakes that kill their chances of getting a full and fair recovery from an insurance company.  We write this article to help you understand some common mistakes and how to avoid them.  If you want expert advice to help you win against an insurance company call us today for a free consultation. We guarantee that we will not charge you an attorney fee or costs unless we win your case for you. The consultation is always free and there’s no obligation.

1. Ignoring the Need for Medical Attention

Don’t be a hero.  You are probably not a doctor, so go get checked out by a trained medical professional to see if there is something wrong immediately!. The biggest mistake people make is skipping medical care, especially if their injuries seem minor. Some injuries, like concussions or internal damage, don’t show immediate symptoms but can lead to serious complications later. Failing to seek medical attention also makes it harder to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident.

You have 14 days to get to a medical professional after an accident if you want to be able to take advantage of PIP insurance through an automobile insurance policy that provides up to $10,000 in medical care that you do not have to pay back if you follow the rules. Not going to the doctor gives up your right to as much as $10,000 in medical care that you probably already paid for through your automobile insurance policy.  If you are involved in a car accident as a passenger and don’t have insurance or even a pedestrian and get hit by a car, you may still qualify for PIP coverage, but you have to act fast. If you have any questions about this important issue then please give us a call.

What to Do Instead:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even for minor discomfort.
• Keep all medical records, diagnoses, and treatment plans as evidence.
• Follow your doctor’s recommendations, including attending follow-up visits or physical therapy.

Even if you feel fine after the accident, underlying injuries can worsen over time and lead to long-term complications. A documented medical history not only ensures you receive proper treatment but also strengthens your legal claim if you pursue compensation. 

2. Admitting Fault, Even Informally

At the scene of an accident, it’s common to apologize or take responsibility out of politeness. However, admitting fault can harm your case since liability is determined based on legal evidence, not feelings or statements.

What to Do Instead:

• Stick to neutral statements like, “Are you okay?” or “I’m contacting the police.”
• Avoid discussing the fault with the other driver or witnesses.
• Let insurance adjusters, the police, and your attorney determine liability.

Even a simple apology can be misinterpreted as an admission of fault and used against you in an insurance claim or lawsuit. Let an experienced car accident attorney assess liability based on the facts and legal standards rather than personal statements.

3. Forgetting to Document the Scene

In the aftermath of an accident, gathering evidence may not be your first thought. However, failing to document the scene can make it harder to prove what happened. Photos, videos, and witness information can be crucial to your claim as long as you can do it safely. 

What to Do Instead:

• Take photos of all vehicles involved, license plates, and visible damage.
• Document road conditions, traffic signs, and weather.
• Collect contact information from witnesses and the other driver.

A well-documented accident scene can provide indisputable evidence in your case, making it harder for insurance companies to dispute your claim. The more details you capture, the stronger your case will be if liability is questioned. Make sure you provide these documents to your car accident lawyer so he or she can maximize your compensation.

4. Skipping the Police Report

Many people assume calling the police is unnecessary for minor accidents, but a police report provides an official account of the incident. Without it, your case might lack credibility.

What to Do Instead:

• Call the police immediately after the accident, regardless of severity.
• Cooperate with officers and provide factual details without admitting fault.
• Request a copy of the police report for your records.

A police report is a critical piece of evidence that documents key accident details and provides an objective account of what happened. Without this official report, insurance companies may challenge your claim, leading to delays or denials.

5. Accepting an Early Settlement Offer

Insurance companies often offer quick settlements to minimize payouts. Many victims accept these lowball offers without considering the long-term costs of their injuries. Once you accept a settlement, you probably will not get more money even if you were seriously injured and the settlement doesn’t cover your medical bills.  It’s a fact that people will hire attorneys, on average get 3.5 times more money than if they try to settle a case themselves.  the insurance companies study this and it’s a reason why they will reach out to people right after an accident and make a lowball offer to them and hand them a check immediately.  At Coffey McPharlin some of our clients have recovered 40 times more money than the insurance company initially offered them through our representation.  Imagine a $10,000 insurance company offer going to $400,000  without even having to go to trial just because you hired Coffey McPharlin!  We cannot promise the results, and this real-world example does not necessarily mean we can necessarily get the same result for you. What it does show is how hard we work for our clients and how much we can increase the value of a case for a client with a serious injury.

What to Do Instead:

• Consult a car accident lawyer before signing any agreements.
• Calculate all potential costs with your lawyer, including medical bills, lost wages, and future care.
• Resist pressure from insurance adjusters to settle quickly and let your lawyer handle the rest.

Early settlement offers are often designed to minimize payouts, leaving you with insufficient funds for long-term medical expenses or lost income. A car accident lawyer can evaluate your case’s worth and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

6. Posting About the Accident on Social Media

Social media posts may seem harmless, but they can be used against you. Insurers may use photos or comments to argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim. Just imagine an insurance company lawyer saying, ‘How hurt could they really be if they posted about it on Insta?’  this happens all the time and don’t give them the ammunition to use against you.

What to Do Instead:

• Avoid posting any details about the accident or your recovery online.
• Adjust your privacy settings to limit who can view your posts.
• Refrain from engaging with comments or messages related to the accident.

Insurance companies and opposing lawyers monitor social media for evidence to dispute injury claims. Even an innocent post or photo can be misinterpreted and used against you to downplay your injuries.

7. Trying to Handle Everything Without a Car Accident Attorney

The legal process after a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies and medical bills. Many people try to handle their claims alone, only to be disadvantaged during negotiations.  Don’t fall for their trap!  Insurance companies are not your friends even your own insurance company.  They are full of dirty tricks to minimize your recovery and cheat you out of a full and fair settlement regardless of what they say in their multi-million dollar television commercials.  The cute little characters and mascots on their TV ads are designed to get people to buy insurance.  Once they get the insurance premium dollars they hold on to it and don’t pay out fair settlements most of the time if they can trick somebody into settling for less, don’t be the victim of an insurance company.  Call a personal injury lawyer today to protect your legal rights.  Insurance companies have armies of lawyers working for them.  Hire your own Army to protect you.

What to Do Instead:

• Consult a car accident attorney to understand your rights.
• Choose an attorney with experience in car accident cases.
• Let your attorney handle negotiations while you focus on recovery.

Handling a claim alone can lead to costly mistakes that reduce your settlement or result in claim denials. An experienced attorney knows how to navigate insurance tactics, gather evidence, and maximize your compensation.

Get the Support You Deserve!

Car accidents disrupt your life, from repairing your vehicle to managing medical care and dealing with insurance companies. Avoiding these seven common mistakes can help protect your health and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.

The experienced car accident attorneys at Coffey McPharlin in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, have decades of experience handling car accident cases involving motor vehicle accidents. We provide personalized support and legal representation to ensure our clients receive maximum compensation for their injuries.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation. We don’t charge attorney fees unless we make a recovery for you. Let us handle the hassle so you can focus on getting back to normal.