When you’re hit by another driver, the aftermath can feel chaotic. Between doctor visits, insurance calls, and trying to get your car back on the road Car Accident Claim, it’s easy to make mistakes that can seriously damage your claim. Insurance companies know this, and they’ll take full advantage of any slip-up.
If you want to protect your rights – and your compensation – you’ve got to steer clear of the most common errors people make after a crash. Here are the biggest mistakes to avoid when filing a car accident claim, and how to make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.
Not Calling the Police Immediately
One of the first missteps people make is skipping the police report. Maybe the other driver begs you not to call. Maybe it feels like a “minor” accident. Either way, not involving law enforcement early is a major problem.
A police report is one of the strongest pieces of evidence you’ll have. It documents the scene, records witness statements, and forces the other driver to commit to their version of events. Without it, the insurance company has far more room to argue, twist facts, or blame you for the crash.
Delaying Medical Treatment
Lots of crash victims wait days — even weeks — before seeing a doctor. They think their pain will fade, or they assume their injuries aren’t serious. Insurance companies love this because it gives them ammunition to say you weren’t really hurt.
Even if you feel “okay,” get checked out immediately. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away, but they’re still real, still dangerous, and still part of your claim. Prompt care protects both your health and your case.
Trusting the Insurance Company’s Advice
Here’s a hard truth: the insurance adjuster isn’t your friend. Their job is not to guide you — it’s to protect the company’s bottom line. People make the mistake of believing the adjuster’s advice, especially early on.
They might tell you not to get an attorney. They might tell you they’ll “take care of everything.” They may even encourage you to give a recorded statement. Every bit of that is designed to reduce what they owe you. When you have a car accident lawyer in Richmond handling communication, you stop falling into these traps.
Giving a Recorded Statement
This is one of the insurer’s favorite tactics. They know that when you’re stressed or in pain, you might say something unclear, incomplete, or easy to spin against you later. You’re never required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company.
And honestly, doing so is almost always a mistake. Insurers use these recordings to minimize your injuries, twist your words, or assign blame. Protect yourself by declining politely and letting your legal representative handle it.
Not Gathering Evidence
You don’t need to be a detective, but collecting evidence right after the crash is incredibly important. Many people forget to take photos, get witness names, or document the scene. That missing proof becomes the perfect opening for the insurer to challenge your claim. If you’re able, photograph:
- Vehicle damage
- Road conditions
- Your injuries
- Traffic signals
- Skid marks
Small details matter. And if you’re too injured to gather evidence, ask someone nearby for help — even a quick set of photos can make a huge difference.
Posting on Social Media
This one surprises people, but it’s real: insurance companies absolutely monitor your social media. They’ll look for anything that contradicts your injuries or damages. A smiling photo, a family gathering, a workout — even if it doesn’t prove anything — will be twisted against you. The safest move is simple: stay completely off social media until your claim is finished. Don’t give the insurer free ammunition.
Accepting the First Settlement Offer
After a crash, money feels urgent. You’ve got medical bills piling up, maybe a damaged vehicle, maybe missed work. Insurance companies know you’re stressed, and they pounce. Their first offer is almost always low — sometimes shockingly low — hoping you’ll take the bait.
Once you accept, you can’t go back, even if your injuries turn out worse or your financial losses grow. A Richmond, VA auto accident attorney can evaluate whether the offer reflects your real, long-term damages. Spoiler alert: it rarely does.
Not Documenting Your Injuries and Recovery
Medical records tell part of the story, but they don’t capture your daily struggle. Many victims forget to keep track of symptoms, pain levels, treatment challenges, or activities they can’t do anymore.
That missing detail weakens your claim. Keeping a simple daily log makes your suffering real and measurable — and it helps your legal team fight for full compensation.
Waiting Too Long to File Your Claim
In Virginia, strict deadlines apply to personal injury claims. If you wait too long to start the process, you risk losing your right to recover entirely. Even waiting a few months can hurt your case because evidence disappears, memories fade, and the insurance company gains the upper hand. The sooner you take action, the stronger your claim will be.
Trying to Handle Everything Alone
It’s tempting to try to resolve the claim yourself, especially if the crash seems straightforward. But doing so without legal guidance often leads to costly mistakes. Insurance companies have teams trained to reduce payouts.
You deserve someone trained to protect yours. Working with an accident lawyer in Richmond ensures you have someone who understands injury law, knows how insurers operate, and fights for every dollar you’re owed.
Protect Your Claim: Protect Your Future
Filing a car accident claim shouldn’t feel like walking through a minefield, but the reality is that one mistake can cost you thousands. Protecting your claim starts with smart decisions — getting medical care, gathering evidence, avoiding the insurer’s traps, and getting professional help when you need it.
The Johnson Injury Firm knows exactly how insurance companies operate and what it takes to win. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, don’t go it alone. Reach out today, and let us help you avoid the mistakes that could hold you back from the compensation you deserve.
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