Let’s be real — no one plans to get hurt. Whether it’s a car crash, a slip-and-fall, or some other unexpected accident, your mind goes into overdrive trying to figure out what to do next. In that chaos, it’s easy to make missteps — some of which can seriously hurt your health and your legal rights as a spinal cord injury lawyer has seen far too often.
So, what are the biggest mistakes people make after an injury? And how do you avoid them? We teamed up with our trusted friends at Mickey Keenan, P.A. to break it all down.
1. Toughing It Out Instead Of Getting Medical Care
This one’s a biggie. You might feel okay in the moment — or maybe you don’t want to “make a big deal” out of it. But delaying medical treatment is a major mistake.
People often downplay their injuries, but what seems minor at first can turn into serious complications. Plus, insurance companies will use any delay to question the legitimacy of your claim.
Pro tip: Always get checked out after an accident — even if you think you’re fine. Your body might be hiding more than you realize.
2. Saying The Wrong Thing To Insurance Companies
They sound friendly, they say they’re just gathering information… but make no mistake: insurance companies are not on your side.
One of the most common mistakes? Giving a recorded statement or casually saying something like, “I feel fine,” or “It was probably my fault.”
Attorneys warn that these innocent comments can be twisted and used against you later. When in doubt, talk to an attorney before talking to the adjuster.
3. Posting On Social Media Like Nothing Happened
We get it — you’re trying to keep things normal. Maybe you post a vacation selfie, a gym check-in, or just a “feeling better today!” update. But if you’re filing a personal injury claim, those posts could sabotage your case.
Even the most innocent posts can be misinterpreted. Insurance companies will stalk your social media for anything they can use to downplay your injuries or suggest you’re exaggerating.
Play it safe. Avoid posting about your accident — or your recovery — until your case is resolved.
4. Not Getting Legal Help Early Enough
Many people wait too long to talk to an attorney. Maybe they’re unsure if they have a case, or they assume they can handle it alone. But the sooner you get legal advice, the better protected you are.
Early legal guidance means stronger evidence, fewer mistakes, and more peace of mind. And many lawyers don’t charge anything unless they win — so there’s zero risk to just ask.
In the moments after an accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed — and that’s exactly when costly mistakes happen. But you don’t have to work through this alone.
By getting medical care, watching your words (and your posts), and talking to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney early on, you’re already on the path to protecting your health, your rights, and your future.
Want more tips on what to do after an accident? Visit with an attorney who focuses on helping injury victims avoid the common pitfalls and come out stronger on the other side.