Why Early Choices Matter After an Injury
Getting hurt in an accident is stressful enough. But what you do next can shape your entire recovery — not just physically, but financially and legally. A single mistake can reduce or even eliminate your chance to get the compensation you deserve.
Let’s walk through the biggest legal missteps people make after personal injuries — and more importantly, how to avoid them. Francis Pommett, an attorney with over 25 years in personal injury law, has seen it all. “People mean well, but a lot of folks make decisions based on fear or bad advice,” he said. “It’s easier to avoid trouble than fix it later.”
Not Getting Medical Treatment Immediately
Why This Is a Problem
Many people skip seeing a doctor after an accident. They think they’re fine. They don’t want to make a fuss. But injuries can be invisible at first — like concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding.
Insurance companies look at how quickly you got treatment. If you waited too long, they may claim your injury wasn’t serious or wasn’t related to the accident.
What to Do Instead
- Always go to a doctor or ER within 24–48 hours of an accident.
- If symptoms appear later, go back and document the visit.
- Follow all recommended treatments and referrals. Skipping them weakens your case.
Talking Too Freely to Insurance Companies
Why This Is a Problem
Insurance adjusters aren’t on your side. Their job is to save their company money. They record calls, twist your words, and use anything you say to deny or reduce your claim.
One misplaced comment like “I’m feeling better” can cost you thousands.
What to Do Instead
- Don’t give a recorded statement until you’ve talked to a lawyer.
- Stick to basic facts only — no guesses or emotional statements.
- Let your attorney handle communications when possible.
Not Hiring a Lawyer Soon Enough
Why This Is a Problem
Some people wait until a claim is denied to hire a lawyer. By then, key evidence may be lost. Witnesses forget. Mistakes pile up. And the damage is harder to undo.
According to the Insurance Research Council, injury victims who used a lawyer received 3.5 times more settlement money than those who didn’t.
What to Do Instead
- Talk to a personal injury attorney ASAP, even before talking to the insurance company.
- Most offer free consultations, so you don’t risk anything by asking.
- Ask if they work on contingency — many only get paid if you win.
Settling Too Quickly
Why This Is a Problem
Insurance companies often throw out lowball offers early. They hope you’ll take quick cash before knowing how serious your injuries are. Once you settle, you can’t go back.
Francis Pommett recalled a client who accepted a fast $5,000 offer after a crash. “Three months later, they needed surgery. But it was too late — they’d signed away their rights.”
What to Do Instead
- Don’t settle before you’ve finished treatment or know your future care needs.
- Ask your lawyer to evaluate the full cost of your injuries, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future care
- Medical bills
Posting About the Accident Online
Why This Is a Problem
Insurance companies and defense lawyers check your social media. A happy photo at a party, even if unrelated, can be used to argue that you aren’t injured.
Even posting about the accident itself can backfire.
What to Do Instead
- Avoid social media while your case is active.
- Don’t post photos, activities, or location check-ins.
- Tell friends not to tag you or share your posts.
Not Documenting Everything
Why This Is a Problem
Legal cases need proof. If you don’t keep records, it’s your word against theirs. Important evidence can vanish fast.
What to Do Instead
- Take photos at the scene if possible — car damage, injuries, weather, road signs.
- Save all medical records, bills, and receipts.
- Keep a pain and recovery journal — even a few sentences a day help show your suffering.
Missing Deadlines
Why This Is a Problem
Every state has a statute of limitations — a deadline for filing injury claims. In Maryland, for example, you have three years from the date of the injury. Miss it, and your case is gone forever.
What to Do Instead
- Know your deadline. It varies by state and type of injury.
- Don’t wait until the last minute.
- A lawyer can help you track deadlines and file on time.
Not Understanding How Medical Bills Get Paid
Why This Is a Problem
Many injury victims assume the at-fault party’s insurance will cover medical bills right away. But those payments usually come after a settlement — not during treatment.
This confusion can lead to unpaid bills and damaged credit.
What to Do Instead
- Use your health insurance first if you have it.
- Ask if your doctor accepts liens — meaning they’ll wait for payment until your case settles.
- Keep track of every bill, co-pay, and mileage to appointments.
Protect Yourself From the Start
Mistakes after an injury are common. But they don’t have to be. The smartest thing you can do is take control early — get care, get advice, and protect your future.
As Francis Pommett puts it: “You can’t undo a bad decision later. But you can make the right one at the start — and it makes all the difference.”
If you’ve been hurt and feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone. But now you know what to avoid — and how to give yourself the best chance of recovery, justice, and peace of mind.