After an accident, there’s a lot to deal with—medical treatment, time off work, insurance calls, and recovery. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, and in the process, it’s just as easy to make a few decisions that can seriously affect the outcome of a personal injury claim. We’ve seen how small missteps can lead to lost compensation or denied claims, even when someone clearly deserves to be paid for their losses. That’s why we believe it’s important to know what to avoid from the very beginning.
Waiting Too Long To Seek Medical Attention
One of the most damaging things people do after an accident is delay medical treatment. Whether it’s because the pain seems manageable or because they hope it’ll go away on its own, waiting too long to see a doctor can work against them later. Insurance companies often use these delays to argue that the injury wasn’t serious—or that it didn’t come from the accident at all.
We recommend getting checked out right away, even if the injury seems minor at first. A medical record created early can be one of the strongest pieces of evidence in a personal injury case. It also helps us show how the injury has impacted your daily life and what treatment may be needed moving forward.
Sharing Details On Social Media
Social media can feel like a place to vent or update friends and family, but after an accident, posting online can be risky. Anything shared publicly can be used by the insurance company or defense attorneys to question the seriousness of your injuries or even claim you’re not being honest.
Photos, check-ins, and even lighthearted comments can be taken out of context and used against your case. We’ve seen people lose ground in strong claims because of what seemed like innocent posts. After an accident, it’s best to keep details off social media and let your legal team handle the communication.
Giving A Recorded Statement Without Legal Help
Insurance adjusters often call soon after an accident and ask for a recorded statement. While they may sound friendly and helpful, their goal is to gather information that limits how much they have to pay. People often think they’re required to give one, but that’s not the case—and it’s rarely a good idea to speak without guidance.
Statements made early on can be used to deny or reduce your claim, especially if you downplay injuries or get facts wrong. It’s always better to wait and speak with a legal professional before giving any statements to insurance companies.
Failing To Gather And Keep Evidence
Strong personal injury claims rely on evidence. That includes photos of the scene, names of witnesses, police reports, and medical records. If we don’t act quickly, some of this evidence can disappear. For example, video footage might be deleted, or accident scenes may be cleaned up before anything is documented.
We advise keeping copies of everything, even if you’re unsure whether it will matter later. The more detailed your record is, the easier it is to build a solid case.
Not Contacting A Legal Team Early
Waiting too long to speak with a legal team can cause major setbacks. Some people want to handle things on their own, or they’re not sure if they even have a case. But waiting can lead to missed deadlines, lost evidence, and missed opportunities to negotiate a better settlement.
In Louisiana, personal injury claims are subject to strict time limits, and those deadlines come fast. Having someone experienced in personal injury law gives you a better chance to be treated fairly from the start. If you’re searching for our Kenner, LA personal injury lawyer, reaching out sooner rather than later can make all the difference.
At Kiefer & Kiefer, we’ve helped many people who came to us unsure of what to do next. If you’ve been injured and want honest answers about your situation, call us today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you take the right steps to protect your claim and your future.
