September is the official start of fall and football season. Just like a quarterback in a football game, you deserve a well thought out game plan for your personal injury claim. A wrong move can put you on the defensive and make what is already a difficult situation even harder.
If you have been injured in a car crash, slip and fall, or another accident caused by someone else’s negligence, keep these five common mistakes in mind. Here are 5 mistakes to avoid after an accident:
1. Don’t Skip Medical Care
Even if you feel okay immediately after an accident, some injuries may not become apparent until hours or days after an incident occurs. If you are feeling soreness or pain, you should seek medical attention as soon as reasonably possible. Failing to seek medical attention after an accident may make it harder to connect your injuries to an accident later.
2. Don’t Give the Insurance Company a Free Pass
After an accident, you may receive a call from a insurance adjuster asking what happened or for details about your injuries. Remember: the adjuster works for the insurance company, not you.
Consider speaking to a personal injury attorney before giving a recorded statement or accepting an early settlement offer.
3. Don’t forget to document what happened
Details can become difficult to remember as time passes, especially after traumatic events. Take and save photographs of the scene and your injuries, keep copies of medical or other accident-related records, and write down notes while your memory of events is still fresh.
4. Don’t Post about the Accident on Social media
While it is important to document your claim, it is best to avoid posting on social media after an accident. Avoid posting about the accident, your injuries, your recovery, or your claim while your case is pending. Even a harmless, seemingly unrelated post or photo could be used to challenge your claim.
5. Don’t wait to contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Personal Injury claims involve deadlines and waiting until the last minute can limit your options. If you have been involved in an accident and believe someone else is at fault for injuries, contact the personal injury team at King Law Offices today for a complimentary consultation.
Should I see a doctor after an accident if I feel fine?
Yes. You should be evaluated by a medical provider as soon as reasonably possible, even if you don’t feel injured. Adrenaline can mask pain, and injuries like concussions, whiplash, and internal injuries often don’t show symptoms for hours or days. A prompt medical record also creates documentation linking your injuries to the accident, which becomes harder to establish the longer you wait.
Do I have to give the insurance company a recorded statement?
No. You are generally not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. The adjuster works for the insurer, and recorded statements are often used to find inconsistencies or minimize what your claim is worth. You should speak with a personal injury attorney before agreeing to a recorded statement or signing a medical authorization.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim?
It depends on the state where the accident happened, and the deadline can be as short as one year. In North Carolina and South Carolina, the deadline to file most personal injury lawsuits is generally three years from the date of the injury. In Tennessee, it is generally one year. Certain claims, including those against a government entity or those involving a minor, follow different rules, so it’s best to have an attorney confirm your specific deadline early.
Can social media hurt my personal injury claim?
Yes. Photos, check-ins, and comments can be used by an insurance company to challenge how badly you were hurt. A picture at a family cookout or a post saying you’re “doing fine” can be presented as evidence that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim, even when the post has nothing to do with your case. The safest approach is to avoid posting about the accident, your injuries, or your recovery until your case is resolved, and to keep your accounts private.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney?
At King Law, there is no upfront cost. Our personal injury consultations are complimentary, and we handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney’s fees are a percentage of the recovery, and you owe no attorney’s fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Personal Injury Team Member Spotlight:
Melody Sheets – Associate Attorney
Based in King Law’s Winston Salem office, Melody Sheets is a Personal Injury Attorney licensed in both North and South Carolina, and representing clients across both states. Melody began her legal career as an insurance defense attorney and now uses that defense background to her client’s advantage. Her unique perspective helps her to anticipate opposing arguments, prepare clients thoroughly, and negotiate confidently.
For any legal help, please contact call King Law at 1-888-748-KING or schedule your consultation online.
*The information contained in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Laws, statutes, regulations, and legal interpretations may change over time and can vary by jurisdiction. The information presented in this article is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of August 2026. Readers should verify current legal requirements and consult a qualified attorney regarding their specific circumstances before making any legal decisions or taking action based on the information provided.
