After being involved in a motor vehicle accident, slipping and falling on a wet floor or otherwise being the victim of someone else’s negligence, it is important to know what steps to take — and what potentially costly mistakes to avoid. This article identifies six of the most common mistakes injured victims make and provides tips on how to avoid making the same errors.

Assuming Your Injuries Are Minor

For many people, there is a natural tendency to try to “tough out” what may seem like minor injuries after an accident. After all, nobody wants to waste time or money going to see a doctor if there is not a reason to do so. However, this can be an expensive mistake. Sometimes, the full extent of accident-related injuries is not immediately apparent.

Seeking medical treatment right away is the best way to identify and treat your injuries. This medical documentation will also be an important factor in your personal injury claim, should you choose to pursue a claim for damages.

Not Reporting the Accident to Law Enforcement

Another common mistake is failing to report the accident right away to law enforcement. Contacting the police and obtaining a copy of the resulting police report are additional steps that can bolster a future personal injury claim. The police report serves as official documentation of the incident, identifying all parties and, sometimes, identifying people who witnessed the incident.

Posting About the Accident on Social Media

Social media can be a powerful platform for connecting and sharing information about our lives. However, when it comes to personal injury accidents, the best advice is to refrain from posting about the incident. By posting photos, videos or commentary about the accident, you could unwittingly devalue your claim or provide ammunition to the other party, which could be used to refute or deny your claim altogether. The last thing you want is for your own statements to be used against you.

Giving a Recorded Statement to an Insurance Company

After becoming injured, you will likely be contacted by the other party’s insurance company. While you should be courteous in your interactions, it is important not to provide any sort of written or recorded statement to them without first obtaining legal advice. By speaking to the insurance company about your accident and injuries, you could end up inadvertently admitting liability or saying something that could weaken your claim.

Accepting a Settlement Payment Without Talking to an Attorney

Similarly, it would be a mistake to agree to an insurance company’s settlement offer prior to obtaining legal advice from an unbiased attorney. The insurance company, unfortunately, is not on your side. Insurance adjusters’ primary goal is settling claims quickly and inexpensively. While the insurer’s initial settlement offer might seem appealing, it may not adequately compensate you for your physical and emotional injuries or for your financial expenses related to the accident.

Waiting Too Long to Pursue Your Rights

Finally, it is understandable to want to take some time after an accident before deciding if you will pursue a legal claim against the responsible party. Waiting too long could be a mistake, though. That’s because each state sets time limits for filing legal claims after personal injury accidents. If you wait too long to act, you might not be able to recover anything. As a best practice, accident victims are encouraged to seek legal advice as soon as they feel up to doing so after their accidents. Lawyers for personal injury accidents can help you understand both the potential value of your claim and applicable time limits, so you can make informed decisions.

Ultimately, acting quickly after an accident to report the incident, seeking medical attention, being more aware of what you say and post, and consulting with an attorney can help you preserve your rights.