When someone’s been seriously hurt, the first days and weeks afterward are often a blur. Between medical treatment, pain, and trying to figure out what’s next, it’s easy to overlook certain decisions that might seem minor at the time but could end up having a major impact later. Our friends at DuBose Law Firm, PLLC discuss some of the most common missteps people make after suffering a major injury—and how those decisions can affect the outcome of a claim.
We’ve seen it happen to good people—folks who thought they were doing the right thing, only to learn later that a single conversation or skipped appointment weakened their entire claim. That’s why it’s so important to be mindful of certain mistakes, especially if a legal claim may be involved.
Speaking Too Soon With Insurance Companies
One of the most common issues we see is when someone talks to an insurance adjuster before fully understanding their own situation. Insurance representatives may sound helpful on the phone, but their goal is to gather information quickly and get a claim settled for as little as possible.
We’ve seen clients give statements early on—without realizing how their words could be twisted later. Something as simple as saying, “I’m feeling better,” can end up being used to argue that your injuries weren’t serious. Once that statement is part of the file, it’s hard to undo.
It’s always better to speak with a legal advocate before having those conversations. Even one call handled the wrong way can shift the entire course of your claim.
Delaying Or Skipping Medical Treatment
Another mistake we see far too often is people trying to “tough it out” or thinking they’ll get better without follow-up care. Unfortunately, insurance companies often use gaps in treatment or missed appointments as a reason to question whether the injury is real or severe.
We had a client who waited weeks to go back to the doctor after an accident, even though the pain wasn’t going away. When we presented his case, the insurance company tried to argue that his injuries must have improved quickly since he didn’t return for care. It took a lot more effort to prove the truth—and that delay ended up reducing the value of his claim.
Showing consistent care is one of the most important ways to support your case. It tells a story that’s hard to argue with.
Posting Too Much Online
Social media has become another problem area. What might seem like an innocent photo or status update can easily be taken out of context. We’ve seen insurance adjusters pull pictures from a family barbecue or a vacation and use them to argue that someone must not be in pain or disabled.
Even if someone is struggling behind the scenes, a single smiling photo can damage credibility. After an injury, it’s often best to pause public posting entirely until the claim is resolved.
Not Keeping Records
The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be. That includes medical bills, prescriptions, missed workdays, travel expenses to doctor visits, and even journals that track daily pain or emotional impact. Without records, it becomes much harder to show the full scope of what you’ve been through.
We’ve worked with clients who didn’t keep receipts or notes early on, and later regretted it when we needed that information to build a case. Even small expenses can add up—and every detail helps paint the bigger picture.
Getting Help Can Protect Your Recovery
We always tell people the same thing: focus on healing, but don’t take chances with your future. A serious injury lawyer helps protect you from the pitfalls that can weaken your case—and gives you the support to handle the legal side while you focus on getting better.
Mistakes are easy to make when you’re dealing with pain and stress. But avoiding the common ones—like early statements, missed appointments, or lack of documentation—can make a real difference in what you’re able to recover.