5 Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Wreck

Accidents happen in the blink of an eye, but the choices you make in the hours, days, and weeks that follow can have a lasting impact on your health, your financial future, and even your legal rights. Unfortunately, many accident victims, whether they’ve been injured in a car crash, truck collision, or slip-and-fall, unknowingly make mistakes that weaken their personal injury claims.

At Scott Callahan & Associates, we’ve seen how insurance companies and corporations use these mistakes against injured people to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. The good news? By knowing what not to do, you can protect yourself, preserve your rights, and put yourself in the strongest position to recover the compensation you deserve.

Below, we outline five common mistakes to avoid after an accident and why each one matters.

Mistake #1: Not Getting Medical Attention Immediately

After an accident, it’s common for adrenaline and shock to mask pain. You might think you’re “fine” and try to tough it out. But failing to seek prompt medical care is one of the most damaging mistakes you can make.

Why this is a problem:

Insurance companies argue that if you didn’t see a doctor right away, your injuries must not be serious.
Delayed treatment creates a gap in your medical record, which adjusters exploit to deny claims.
Some injuries—like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage—don’t always show symptoms right away. Waiting can make them worse and harder to prove later.

What to do instead:

Always seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident, even if you feel okay.
Get a full evaluation at the ER or urgent care, and follow up with your primary care provider or specialists.
Keep records of every appointment, diagnosis, and treatment. These records are key evidence in your case.

Mistake #2: Admitting Fault or Saying Too Much

In the aftermath of an accident, it’s natural to want to apologize—even if you weren’t at fault. Unfortunately, simple phrases like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see them” can later be twisted into admissions of guilt.

Why this is a problem:

Statements you make at the scene or to an insurance adjuster can be used against you.
Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules. If you’re found 51% or more at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages. Even partial fault reduces compensation.
Insurance companies are trained to get you talking. They’ll ask leading questions designed to make you slip up.

What to do instead:

At the scene, exchange necessary information but avoid discussing fault. Stick to the facts.
Never speculate about what happened. If you don’t know, simply say, “I’m not sure.”
Politely decline to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

Mistake #3: Not Documenting the Accident Scene

Evidence fades quickly. Skid marks get washed away, damaged vehicles are repaired, and witnesses’ memories grow fuzzy. If you don’t take steps to document the accident scene, you may lose critical proof of what happened.

Why this is a problem:

Without strong evidence, it becomes your word against the other party’s.
Insurance companies will use any gaps in evidence to deny responsibility or lowball your settlement.
Photos, videos, and witness statements often make the difference between winning and losing a case.

What to do instead:

If it’s safe, take photos and videos of the scene from multiple angles. Capture vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, weather, and visible injuries.
Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Independent accounts can be powerful in court.
File a police report and request a copy. This creates an official record of the incident.

If you weren’t able to document the scene because of your injuries, don’t panic. An experienced personal injury lawyer can often gather evidence later, such as surveillance footage or accident reconstruction reports.

Mistake #4: Accepting a Quick Settlement Offer

Insurance companies know you’re stressed, overwhelmed, and facing medical bills. That’s why they often dangle a quick settlement in front of accident victims. At first glance, it might seem like fast relief. But accepting too soon can cost you thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars.

Why this is a problem:

Early settlement offers are almost always far below what your case is worth.
Once you accept, you sign away your right to pursue further compensation, even if new injuries or expenses arise.
Many injuries have long-term consequences. You may need additional surgeries, physical therapy, or ongoing treatment that isn’t covered by the initial offer.

What to do instead:

Never accept a settlement without having your case reviewed by an attorney.
Take the time to fully understand the extent of your injuries and future medical needs.
Let your lawyer negotiate with the insurance company. Attorneys know the tactics insurers use and can fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Mistake #5: Trying to Handle Everything Without a Lawyer

After an accident, many people think they can handle the process themselves. They might not want to “cause trouble,” or they worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer. Unfortunately, this is exactly what insurance companies hope you’ll do.

Why this is a problem:

Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to protect their bottom line, not your recovery.
Without legal guidance, it’s easy to miss deadlines, overlook important evidence, or fall victim to intimidation tactics.
Studies show that accident victims who hire experienced attorneys typically recover significantly more compensation than those who go it alone.

What to do instead:

Consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Most offer free case evaluations.
Choose a lawyer with proven experience in cases like yours. Ask about their track record with settlements and trials.
Remember: at Scott Callahan & Associates, you don’t pay us unless we win your case. This means you can focus on healing while we focus on protecting your rights.

Let a Katy car accident lawyer help you.

Recovering from an accident is hard enough without the added stress of dealing with insurance companies and legal pitfalls. By avoiding these five mistakes—delaying medical care, admitting fault, failing to document the scene, accepting quick settlements, and trying to handle everything alone—you give yourself the best chance at a strong recovery, both physically and financially.

At Scott Callahan & Associates, we believe no one should have to fight powerful insurance companies or corporations alone. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process, keep you informed, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us protect your rights while you focus on healing.