When an accident happens, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Many clients come to injury lawyers feeling uncertain about what steps to take next. Unfortunately, it’s common for people to make mistakes that can significantly affect their personal injury claims. Injury lawyers have seen these errors repeatedly and know how crucial it is to avoid them.

One of the most important factors in any personal injury case is timeliness. According to the New Jersey Courts, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline can mean losing your chance to seek compensation altogether. With that in mind, let’s explore the common mistakes injury lawyers see clients make after an accident, so you can avoid them and protect your rights.

Misunderstanding Insurance Policies

One of the first mistakes clients make is misunderstanding their insurance policies. Insurance jargon can be confusing, and many injured parties don’t fully grasp what their policy covers or what the other party’s insurance is responsible for. Injury lawyers often find that clients either overestimate or underestimate their insurance benefits, leading to misguided expectations.

For example, some clients believe that their insurance company will automatically cover all medical bills and damages, only to later discover that certain expenses aren’t covered or that policy limits are lower than expected. Others may not realize that the at-fault party’s insurance is the primary source for compensation in their claim. Understanding the details of your insurance policy is critical. Injury lawyers advise clients to review policy documents carefully and consult an expert if anything is unclear. Misunderstandings can delay settlements or lead to disputes that prolong the claim process unnecessarily.

Delaying Medical Treatment

A delay in seeking medical treatment after an accident is one of the most damaging mistakes injury lawyers encounter. Some clients wait days or even weeks before seeing a doctor, often hoping that their pain will go away on its own. However, postponing medical care can weaken your case.

Medical records serve as vital evidence to prove the extent and cause of your injuries. If there is a significant gap between the accident and your first medical visit, insurance companies might argue that your injuries are unrelated or not severe. This can reduce the compensation you receive or even result in claim denial. Injury lawyers strongly recommend that accident victims seek medical attention as soon as possible. Immediate evaluation not only protects your health but also strengthens your legal position. Prompt documentation of injuries establishes a clear connection between the accident and your condition.

Forgetting Documentation

Another frequent error involves how clients document the accident scene and related details. Injury lawyers often see cases where little or no evidence was collected at the time of the incident. Without photographs, videos, witness contact information, or police reports, proving fault becomes much harder.

Mistakes such as failing to take photos of vehicle damage, the accident location, visible injuries, or neglecting to write down the names of witnesses can make it difficult to reconstruct the event accurately. Injury lawyers emphasize the importance of thorough documentation immediately after the accident. Even simple actions like taking pictures with a smartphone or asking for a police report number can make a huge difference in building a strong claim. Clients who overlook these details often regret it later when evidence is scarce or contradictory.

Neglecting to Report the Accident

Reporting the accident properly and promptly is critical. Injury lawyers frequently observe clients neglecting to notify the police or their insurance companies in a timely manner. This oversight can jeopardize claims and complicate negotiations.

For example, some clients assume that small accidents don’t require police involvement, but having an official police report can be a powerful piece of evidence in a personal injury case. In addition, failing to inform your insurance company about the accident within the required timeframe can violate policy terms, potentially leading to claim denial. According to injury lawyers, reporting the accident accurately and quickly ensures that all parties are aware and that the process to file claims begins without delay. It also helps prevent disputes about when or how the accident happened.

Settling Too Early

Many clients make the mistake of assuming that a quick settlement offer from an insurance company is fair or the best they can get. Injury lawyers caution against accepting early offers without fully understanding the long-term implications.

Insurance companies may offer fast settlements to minimize their payout, often before all medical treatments or damages have been fully assessed. Accepting these offers can leave you with inadequate compensation for ongoing medical care, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Injury lawyers recommend careful evaluation of any settlement offer and consultation before agreeing. Understanding the full scope of your injuries and potential costs is essential before finalizing any agreements.

Failing to Communicate Properly

Communication with insurance adjusters can be tricky, and injury lawyers see many clients inadvertently harm their cases through poor communication. Some clients speak without preparation, offer statements that can be twisted, or provide incomplete information.

Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and any inconsistent or damaging statement can reduce your claim value. Injury lawyers advise clients to be cautious, stick to the facts, and avoid speculating or admitting fault when speaking with insurance representatives. Having an injury lawyer handle communications ensures that your rights are protected and your statements are appropriate. This professional guidance often leads to better outcomes than attempting to negotiate alone.

Missing the Deadlines for Filing Claims

One of the most critical aspects injury lawyers stress to their clients is the importance of meeting legal deadlines. According to New Jersey Courts, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline can bar you from seeking compensation entirely.

Clients often overlook or underestimate these timelines, especially when they believe they can delay filing while continuing medical treatment. However, injury lawyers know that filing within the statutory period is non-negotiable. Starting the claims process early ensures your case is timely and complies with legal requirements. Injury lawyers help clients avoid these pitfalls by managing deadlines and filing necessary paperwork promptly.

Skipping Consultations With Injury Lawyers

Perhaps the biggest mistake injury lawyers see is clients delaying or ignoring the need to consult a professional. Many injured parties believe they can handle claims on their own or wait until later to seek legal advice.



Ignoring early legal help can cause missed opportunities to gather evidence, meet deadlines, and negotiate effectively. Injury lawyers provide essential guidance on navigating complex legal and insurance processes, helping clients maximize their compensation. Engaging injury lawyers as soon as possible after an accident increases your chances of success and reduces the stress of dealing with claims on your own.

After an accident, avoiding these common mistakes can make a significant difference in the outcome of your personal injury claim. Misunderstandings about insurance, delays in medical treatment, poor documentation, neglect in reporting, premature settlements, miscommunications, missed deadlines, and lack of legal advice are pitfalls that injury lawyers frequently encounter.

If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t make these common mistakes. Contact Michael J Glassman & Associates today for expert guidance and dedicated support through every step of your personal injury claim. Our experienced injury lawyers are here to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.