After a car accident, it’s easy to make decisions in the heat of the moment that can later cause serious problems both for your health and your legal claim. Many of the most damaging missteps happen unintentionally, often because people simply don’t know what to do next. In this article, we discuss…
- Common mistakes people make following a car accident.
- Why these missteps can hurt your case.
- Practical insights on how to protect yourself in the aftermath of a crash.
Why Is It Risky To Skip Calling The Police After A Car Accident?
The police know what basic information needs to be gathered. While I have faith that my clients are intelligent and capable of collecting information themselves, you have to consider the situation they’re in. They’ve just been in an accident, and some of these crashes are violent and traumatic. In those moments, people aren’t always thinking clearly.
Having the police on scene ensures that the essential information is collected properly. People are also far less likely to lie to a police officer than they are to someone they’ve just hit. There’s always a risk that the other driver gives you false information or tries to appeal to your emotions by saying, Let’s not involve the police—I’ll take care of it. More often than not, that doesn’t happen. Usually, they’re just trying to get out of there because they’re hiding something.
Calling the police also protects you if the other driver leaves the scene. If you tell them the police are on the way, and they take off, they’ve now fled the scene, which creates serious problems for them. For all of these reasons, calling the police is a critical step.
How Can Apologizing At The Scene Harm My Car Accident Claim?
An apology can be viewed as an admission of guilt. One of the first things an insurance company looks at is liability, that is, who was at fault. If they have a statement from you saying, I’m sorry, whether once or repeatedly, they may interpret that as you apologizing for causing the accident.
Even if you’re simply being kind or expressing sympathy, the other side can and will use that statement to argue that you did something wrong. As hard as it may be, it’s important not to apologize at the scene, despite how you feel. Those words can be used immediately to suggest that you were at fault.
What Is The Danger Of Not Seeking Immediate Medical Care After A Crash?
The most obvious danger is your health. You don’t know what’s happening inside your body. Even if you think you’re fine, you should see a doctor to make sure. People can have serious internal injuries and not realize it right away.
Beyond your health, delaying medical treatment can hurt your claim. If you wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance company will argue that you must not have been injured or that something else caused your condition. They may suggest you were hurt in another incident between the accident and when you finally sought treatment.
From a case standpoint, medical treatment often takes the longest. We usually can’t determine a case’s value until someone has either fully recovered or reached a point where they’re not expected to improve further. If treatment is delayed, the entire case gets dragged out, and no one benefits from that.
Should I Speak To The Other Driver’s Insurance Company After An Accident?
Their job is to protect themselves and their insured—not you. When they ask questions about the collision, there’s a real risk that they can draw out statements that may hurt your case.
At some point, you will likely need to explain what happened in your own words. We just want to make sure that when that happens, you’re prepared to give a clear, accurate, and concise statement without volunteering unnecessary information. Even truthful and honest statements can be misused if they’re not handled carefully.
What Happens If I Fail To Follow My Doctor’s Treatment Plan After A Car Accident?
First, you’re jeopardizing your own care. Beyond that, it drags the case out even more. The other side will also use this against you. If you claim you’ve been injured but don’t follow through with treatment, they’ll argue that your injuries aren’t legitimate.
That can significantly affect the value of your case. Failing to take your treatment seriously makes it much easier for the defense to poke holes in your claim.
How I’ll Work With You To Maximize Your Recovery
Every step of the way, communication is key. There are no stupid questions and no small questions. These cases are full of pitfalls, and the goal is to prevent clients from unintentionally hurting their own case. We want our clients to do the best they can, so we can do the best we can. When everyone is working together and making informed decisions, that’s how we maximize your recovery.
Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?
For more information on common car accident mistakes in Texas, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (210) 390-4754 today.
Joseph Fierros, founder of Fierros Law, PLLC, is a Texas personal injury attorney who has seen firsthand how simple, well-intentioned decisions after a car accident can quietly derail an otherwise strong claim.
He has spent years helping injured Texans navigate police reports, medical treatment, and aggressive insurance tactics, often stepping in after mistakes were already made. That experience shapes his practical, preventative approach to client advocacy.
If you’ve been in a crash and want guidance before missteps cost you, schedule a free consultation with Fierros Law, PLLC today and get answers while they still matter.