After a car accident, your actions in the hours and days that follow can significantly affect your ability to recover fair compensation. While it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, avoiding certain common mistakes can make a major difference in the strength of your potential injury claim. An experienced Long Island car accident lawyer can help walk you through the process so you receive everything you’re legally entitled to.
One of the most frequent missteps is failing to seek immediate medical attention. Even if injuries appear minor, delaying care can jeopardize your health and make it harder to link those injuries to the accident. Insurance companies often use this delay to argue that your injuries were not serious or unrelated.
Another mistake is speaking too freely with insurance adjusters. Many people believe they are simply being cooperative, but giving a recorded statement or accepting an early settlement offer without legal guidance can backfire. Insurers may pressure you into admitting partial fault or accepting less than your claim is worth.
Some accident victims also forget to document the scene. Photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, visible injuries, and witness contact information can be crucial evidence later on. Without this documentation, your case may rely solely on conflicting personal accounts.
Finally, posting on social media can seriously undermine your claim. Even seemingly innocent posts or photos may be taken out of context and used to cast doubt on your injuries.
Ian Chaikin, founder and lead trial attorney at Chaikin Trial Group Injury Lawyers, believes in educating clients on their rights from day one. Our team helps you avoid costly mistakes, allowing you to focus on recovery while we work toward results.
