Common Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident

Many people involved in car accidents are understandably shaken and unsure of what steps to take next. While focusing on physical recovery is paramount, certain actions (or inactions) after an accident can significantly weaken or even destroy a potential personal injury claim. Avoiding these common mistakes is crucial to protecting your rights and securing fair compensation.

One major pitfall is failing to report the accident to the authorities. Even if the accident seems minor, filing a police report provides an official record of the incident, including witness accounts and descriptions of the damage. This documented evidence can be invaluable in a subsequent legal case. Furthermore, neglecting to obtain contact information from witnesses, including their names, addresses, and phone numbers, can severely limit the availability of corroborating evidence.

Another prevalent mistake is engaging in conversations that could be construed as admitting fault. Avoid making statements like “I’m sorry” or admitting responsibility at the scene of the accident, regardless of your feelings. Let the facts speak for themselves, and allow your lawyer to handle communication with insurance adjusters and other parties.

Delayed medical attention is another crucial misstep. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it’s vital to seek medical treatment promptly. Delayed diagnoses can complicate the causal link between the accident and your injuries, making it more difficult to demonstrate the full extent of your damages in court. Maintain thorough records of all medical treatments, doctor visits, and prescribed medications.

Furthermore, many individuals unknowingly waive their rights by prematurely settling with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters are skilled negotiators trained to minimize payouts. Don’t accept a settlement offer before thoroughly understanding the extent of your injuries and the full value of your claim. It’s wise to consult with a qualified attorney before accepting any offer.

Finally, posting about the accident on social media can create unintended consequences. Your social media activity can be used by the opposing party to challenge your claim. Refraining from social media posts about the accident until your case is settled is a wise precaution.

Navigating the legal complexities after a car accident can be overwhelming. Making these mistakes can dramatically impact your ability to secure the compensation you deserve.


Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and understand your rights. For more information, you can visit our homepage, watch us fight for our clients in the news, listen to some of our satisfied clients, or browse our other content below:


The information contained in this article is general in nature and is not offered as legal advice or medical advice for any particular situation nor do they in any way create a legal relationship. The opinions and conclusions in this blog post are solely those of the author, are for general informational purposes only and not directed at any specific case or to be construed as legal advice. Any links provided by the author in this article are for informational purposes only and by doing so, the author does not adopt or incorporate their contents. The Law Office of David Wasser operates throughout Maryland and Washington D.C., including Rockville, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Potomac, Germantown, Frederick, Hagerstown, and Baltimore.

Our writers used secondary sources when writing this accident news post. These sources include but are not limited to local news sources, local and state police reports, social media posts, and eyewitness accounts about accidents that take place in and around Maryland and Washington, D.C. We have not independently verified all of the facts surrounding this accident, therefore, if you find any information that is not correct, please contact The Law Office of David Wasser immediately so that we can update the post. The photo used in this post was not taken at the accident scene.

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