Being in a car accident can be overwhelming and stressful. In the moments after a crash, it’s natural to focus on making sure everyone is safe, exchanging information, and figuring out what to do next. But in the chaos, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect your health, finances, and ability to recover compensation later. Simple missteps, like skipping a police report, delaying medical care, or sharing details online, can have serious consequences.
Understanding what not to do after a car accident is just as important as knowing what steps to take. By learning the common mistakes and how to avoid them, you can protect yourself, your loved ones, and your claim.
A Roswell car accident lawyer at the Weinstein Firm can guide you through the claim process and protect your rights.
They Fail to Call the Police
One of the biggest mistakes people make after a car accident is not calling 911. Georgia drivers are required to report car accidents that cause injury, death, or more than $500 in property damage. Even if the crash seems minor, having law enforcement come to the scene is extremely important.
When police arrive, they investigate what happened and create an official accident report. This report documents details like driver information, witness statements, and road conditions. If you later need legal help, this report becomes a key piece of evidence. Without it, the case often turns into your word versus the other driver’s.
Many accident victims later regret trusting the other driver. It’s common for someone to promise they’ll pay for repairs, only to disappear or provide false contact information. Without a police report, tracking them down can be nearly impossible.
What to do instead:
- Call 911 as soon as it’s safe to do so
- Request that an officer come to the scene
- Ask how to get a copy of the police report for your records
They Wait to Get Medical Care
After a crash, adrenaline can mask pain and injuries. You might feel “okay” and assume you don’t need medical attention. This is another mistake that can hurt both your health and your claim.
Some injuries, like a concussion and whiplash, don’t always show symptoms right away. Getting checked by a medical professional helps identify problems early and creates a record linking your injuries to the accident.
If you delay treatment, insurance companies may argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the crash or that they aren’t serious.
What to do instead:
- Accept medical help at the scene
- Visit the emergency room or your doctor as soon as possible
- Follow all treatment recommendations and keep copies of medical records
They Post About the Accident on Social Media
Social media is part of everyday life, and it’s natural to want to share what happened. However, posting about your accident can seriously damage your case.
Insurance companies and defense attorneys often monitor social media accounts. A photo, comment, or even a seemingly harmless update can be taken out of context. If someone comments negatively about your driving—or if you post something that makes you look uninjured—it could be used against you.
What to do instead:
- Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries
- Do not share photos, videos, or location check-ins
- Ask friends and family not to tag you or post about the crash
They Say the Wrong Thing to the Insurance Adjuster
After an accident, you may hear from an insurance adjuster almost immediately. Their goal is often to get information that limits their company’s payout. Accident victims sometimes make the mistake of giving statements to insurance companies without knowing the consequences.
Even small comments can be used to argue that you were partly at fault. In Georgia, comparative negligence means that if you are found partially responsible for the crash, your compensation can be reduced proportionally. For example, if an insurance company claims you were 20% at fault, your settlement could be reduced by that amount.
Insurance adjusters may ask questions about your health, how the accident happened, or previous injuries. Saying the wrong thing could hurt your claim. A car accident lawyer can step in to deal with the insurance company for you.
What to do instead:
- Politely tell the adjuster that you will provide information through your attorney
- Avoid giving detailed statements about the accident or your injuries
- Keep a record of all calls or communications from the insurance company
- Contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible
They Accept a Settlement Offer Too Quickly
It’s tempting to accept the first settlement offer after an accident. Insurance companies often hope you’ll say yes before fully understanding the extent of your injuries or property damage. Accepting too early can leave you without enough compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or future care.
Remember, the full costs of an accident aren’t always obvious right away. Some injuries take time to appear, and some damage to your vehicle may require professional evaluation. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot ask for more money later.
What to do instead:
- Wait until you have a complete understanding of your medical condition and damages
- Review the settlement offer with a car accident attorney before signing anything
- Keep documentation of all medical bills, repair estimates, and other expenses
Talk to an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
One of the smartest steps you can take after a car accident is speaking with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can guide you from the beginning, communicate with insurance companies, and help protect your rights while you focus on recovery.
At The Weinstein Firm, we offer free consultations so you can get answers without any upfront cost. Whether your accident happened in Roswell, Atlanta, or anywhere else in Georgia, our team is here to help you understand your options and avoid costly mistakes. Call 770-HELP-NOW or contact us online for a free consultation.
