After an accident, you are likely dealing with physical pain, emotional stress, and a mountain of questions. It is an overwhelming time. Unfortunately, that is when costly mistakes are most likely to happen. If you are not careful, those mistakes can damage your personal injury claim or even cause it to be denied altogether.
Accident victims across Washington have thought they were doing everything right but made minor missteps with significant consequences for their injury claims. If you have been injured and are considering filing a personal injury claim, here’s what you need to know to protect your case – and what to avoid along the way.
Common Personal Injury Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to personal injury claims, even minor slip-ups can cause severe problems. Here are a few common mistakes that can hurt your case.
Talking to the Insurance Company Without Legal Guidance
Talking to the insurance adjuster might seem like no big deal – especially if they sound nice or act like they are trying to help. But do not forget, they work for the insurance company, not you. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible, and they’re pretty good at using your words against you.
Avoid giving a recorded statement, accepting a quick settlement, or speculating about your injuries. Let your attorney handle communication so your words cannot be used against you later.
Delaying Medical Treatment
One of the most damaging mistakes in injury claims is waiting too long to receive medical attention. If you delay treatment, the insurance company may argue that your injuries are not serious or were not caused by the accident at all.
Even if your pain seems minor, get a doctor’s evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries, like soft tissue damage or internal trauma, do not show symptoms immediately but can worsen over time. Delayed medical treatment in a personal injury claim often results in reduced settlements or outright denials.
Not Following Through with Medical Care
Some victims start treatment but do not finish it. They miss follow-ups, drop out of physical therapy, or stop taking their medications too soon. That can make it seem like they’re already better or weren’t seriously hurt in the first place. And yes – insurance companies pick up on that fast. If your doctor recommends ongoing care, stick with it. It’s not just about getting better – it also helps back up your injury claim.
Avoiding these mistakes early on can make a significant difference in how your claim plays out – and how much compensation you’re able to recover.
What Not to Do After an Accident
One wrong move after an accident can hurt more than your injuries – it can hurt your entire case.
- Do not leave the scene without calling the police
- Do not admit fault, even if you think you may have contributed
- Do not skip the doctor
- Do not exaggerate your injuries
- Do not post accident details online
- Do not wait too long to file your claim
Even small mistakes can mess up your case. Not sure what to do next? Please take a look at our personal injury page for help.
How to Protect Your Personal Injury Case
Here are a few simple steps you can take to protect your case from the start.
Document Everything
Failing to document accident evidence is one of the most common errors in accident claims. If you can, take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage right after the accident. Collect names and contact info from witnesses. Get a copy of the police report.
You should also keep a detailed record of your medical treatment, prescriptions, time off work, and how your injuries affect your daily life. The more evidence you can provide, the harder it is for the insurance company to dispute your case.
Watch What You Post Online
Can social media hurt your personal injury case? Absolutely. A single photo or post can be taken out of context to suggest you are not injured.
If you are pursuing a claim, set your profiles to private and avoid posting anything about the accident or your recovery. Better yet, stay off social media altogether until your case is resolved.
Don’t Give in to Pressure to Settle Fast
It can be tempting to take the first settlement offer, especially when medical bills are piling up and you are out of work. But early offers are almost always lowballs.
Once you accept a settlement, you give up your right to pursue additional compensation – even if new injuries surface or complications arise. Do not rush this process. Let your attorney assess the long-term impact of your injuries before discussing numbers.
Staying organized, being quiet online, and holding off on a fast settlement can all help strengthen your claim and get you the compensation you deserve.
Mistakes That Put Personal Injury Settlements at Risk
Most denied personal injury claims share similar issues: lack of medical evidence, inconsistent statements, or errors during the claims process. Sometimes, it is as simple as filling out forms incorrectly or missing deadlines.
Small mistakes can still reduce your payout even if your claim isn’t denied. Things like downplaying your pain, forgetting to mention past injuries, leaving out certain losses, or not telling your lawyer about other treatment you’re getting can all hurt your case. You don’t need to exaggerate anything – just be honest and thorough about how the accident has affected you.
Working with a knowledgeable attorney who handles the paperwork, gathers proper documentation, and keeps everything on track can help avoid these insurance claim errors in personal injury cases.
Protect Your Case from the Start
Not all attorneys are created equal. Choosing the wrong one – or trying to handle everything yourself – can seriously jeopardize your case.
Look for a firm with real experience in Washington personal injury law, a track record of success, and strong client reviews. At Tamaki Law, we are committed to putting our clients first from start to finish. We handle every case with the compassion, skill, and attention it deserves.
Accidents are unexpected, but what you do next matters. Avoiding common mistakes and working with the right Washington State personal injury attorney can make a big difference. Do not let a misstep hurt your health or finances. If you have suffered an injury, contact our law firm today. Request a free consultation here or call us at (800) 801-9564 to get started.