If you’ve been hurt in an accident, a Lake Worth Personal Injury Lawyer can help you fight for the money you deserve. But even with a strong case, simple mistakes can damage your claim. These errors can lower your payout or cause you to lose the case entirely. Many people don’t realize how much their actions after the accident can affect the outcome.
1. Waiting Too Long to Get Medical Help
After an accident, it’s important to see a doctor—even if you feel okay. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, don’t show symptoms right away. If you wait too long to get checked, the insurance company may say your injury isn’t real or isn’t related to the accident.
Why does this hurt your case?
No medical record = no proof of injury
Delays make it easier for insurance to deny your claim
It may seem like your injury isn’t serious
See a doctor right away and follow their instructions. Keep copies of all visits, reports, and bills.
2. Not Calling the Police After the Accident
In Florida, the law requires you to report certain accidents, especially if there’s injury or major damage. But even for minor accidents, calling the police is a smart move. A police report gives your lawyer and insurance company solid evidence about what happened.
What a report includes:
Date, time, and location of the accident
Driver and witness statements
Officer’s view of who was at fault
Road and weather conditions
Without a report, it becomes your word against the other driver’s. That’s a risk you don’t want to take.
3. Admitting Fault at the Scene
After a crash, it’s natural to feel shaken. Many people say “I’m sorry” without thinking. But even a simple apology can be taken as admitting fault. Insurance companies love to use this kind of language against you.
What not to do:
Don’t say “I wasn’t paying attention.”
Don’t guess what caused the crash
Don’t blame yourself or anyone else
Just stick to the facts. Let the police and your Lake Worth personal injury lawyer handle the rest.
4. Talking to the Insurance Company Without a Lawyer
The insurance adjuster may act friendly, but their job is to save the company money. They may ask you to give a recorded statement or push for a quick settlement. It’s easy to say the wrong thing, and once it’s recorded, it can’t be taken back.
What they might do:
Ask trick questions to confuse you
Use your words to blame yourself
Offer a low settlement before you know the full cost of your injuries
Let your lawyer speak for you. They know how to handle insurance companies the right way.
5. Not Following Doctor’s Orders
Seeing a doctor is just the first step. To protect your case, you must follow through with all treatment. If you skip appointments or stop therapy early, it can look like you weren’t hurt.
Why this matters:
Insurance may argue that your injury healed quickly
Gaps in treatment weaken your case
You may delay your recovery
Keep all appointments and follow your doctor's recommendations. If you need to stop treatment, talk to your lawyer first.
6. Posting on Social Media
After an accident, avoid posting about it online. Even innocent posts can be used against you. Insurance companies often check social media accounts to find anything that contradicts your injury claim.
Avoid posting:
Photos of yourself looking healthy or active
Updates about your recovery or mood
Comments about the accident or legal case
Jokes that could be taken the wrong way
It’s best to avoid social media or set your profile to private until your case is closed.
7. Accepting a Fast Settlement
After an accident, you may get a quick offer from the insurance company. It might seem like a good idea, especially if you need money for bills. But early offers are usually much lower than what your case is worth.
Here’s what you might be missing:
Future medical costs
Missed work and lost income
Pain, suffering, or long-term effects
Vehicle replacement or repairs
Once you accept an offer, you can’t go back and ask for more. Always let your lawyer review any settlement offer before you sign anything.
8. Not Hiring a Lawyer Soon Enough
Many people wait too long to speak with a personal injury lawyer. Maybe they want to “see how things go,” or they fear legal fees. However, there are time limits to file a claim in Florida, and waiting can make your case harder to prove.
Here’s what a Lake Worth personal injury lawyer can do right away:
Gather time-sensitive evidence
Handle insurance calls and paperwork
Make sure you meet all legal deadlines
Protect your rights from the start
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee, meaning you only pay if they win your case. You get expert help with no risk upfront.
