Mistakes to Avoid After an Accident
After a serious accident, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Between medical appointments, vehicle repairs, and missing work, the last thing you want is to make a mistake when dealing with an insurance company. But the truth is, insurers have one main goal: to limit the amount they pay. That means what you say and do can directly affect the value of your claim. It is crucial to be aware of the mistakes to avoid after an accident.
Here are five mistakes we regularly see injured clients make — and clear strategies to keep your case strong.
1. Letting Conversation Turn Into Confession
Casual comments like “I didn’t see the other car” or “I might have been going a little fast” can come back to haunt you. Even if you’re just trying to be polite, insurers may use your words as evidence to reduce or deny your claim.
Protect Yourself:
Keep discussions with adjusters short, factual, and free of personal opinions. Avoid sharing any guesses about how the accident happened. Liability is determined by evidence, not by off-the-cuff remarks.
2. Agreeing to a Recorded Interview
It’s common for an adjuster to ask if they can record your statement “just to get the facts straight.” But once your words are on record, they can be picked apart later, sometimes out of context.
Protect Yourself:
You are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurer. Politely explain that you’ll be happy to share information after you’ve spoken with an attorney who can guide you through the process.
3. Jumping at the First Offer
Fast settlement offers often look appealing — especially when bills are piling up. Unfortunately, early offers rarely reflect the full cost of your injuries, future medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Protect Yourself:
Before accepting any offer, make sure your injuries are fully evaluated by a medical professional and your long-term needs are calculated. An attorney can assess whether the settlement truly covers all your losses.
4. Delaying Medical Care or Skipping Follow-Ups
Gaps in medical treatment give insurance companies an opening to argue that your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident. This can significantly weaken your claim.
Protect Yourself:
Seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident — even for symptoms that seem minor. Follow your doctor’s instructions closely, attend all appointments, and keep records of every visit.
5. Not Keeping a Paper Trail
Accident claims are built on documentation. Without photos, medical records, repair bills, and written communications, it’s much harder to prove the extent of your damages.
Protect Yourself:
Create a dedicated folder — physical or digital — for everything related to your accident. Include photographs of the scene, injury progress, receipts, estimates, and notes from conversations with insurers, repair shops, and healthcare providers.
Bonus Insight: Watch for Pressure Tactics
Some adjusters use urgency as a strategy, telling you that you must decide immediately or risk losing your claim. This is rarely true — and often a sign they want to settle before you realize the real value of your case.
Why Avoiding These Mistakes Matters
Each of these missteps can cost you thousands of dollars or even derail your claim entirely. By staying cautious, organized, and informed, you give yourself the best chance at receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Your Next Step
If you live in Illinois — especially in Bloomington-Normal or anywhere in McLean County — you’ll want to read our local guide: Protecting Your Injury Claim in McLean County: Illinois-Specific Advice for Avoiding Common Insurance Mistakes
This in-depth article explains how Illinois law, McLean County court procedures, and local insurance practices can affect your case, with tips tailored to Central Illinois residents.
If you’ve been injured in Illinois, the personal injury lawyers at Koth Gregory & Nieminski know how to counter insurance company tactics and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Speak With An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Contact us today for a free consultation so you can focus on recovering while we protect your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mistakes to Avoid After an Accident
Should I talk to the insurance company after an accident?
You should notify your own insurance company that an accident occurred, but be careful about what you say. Avoid guessing about fault or minimizing your injuries. You are not required to give detailed statements to the other driver’s insurance company without legal guidance.
Do I have to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer?
No. In most cases, you are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company. Recorded statements are often used to limit or deny claims, especially before the full extent of injuries is known.
Why are early settlement offers usually too low?
Early settlement offers are often made before all medical treatment, future care needs, lost income, and pain and suffering are fully understood. Accepting an offer too quickly can prevent you from recovering the true value of your claim.
What if I delay medical treatment after an accident?
Delaying medical care can seriously harm your injury claim. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were not serious or were caused by something else. Prompt and consistent medical treatment helps protect both your health and your legal rights.
Can my statements be used against me in an injury claim?
Yes. Insurance companies document and analyze everything you say. Even casual comments made shortly after an accident can be used later to challenge fault or reduce compensation.
When should I contact a personal injury lawyer?
It’s best to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident—especially before giving recorded statements or accepting a settlement. Early legal guidance helps prevent costly mistakes and protects the value of your claim.
Revised: December 16, 2025
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