After a serious injury, you may be dealing with physical pain, financial stress, and emotional trauma all at once. It's easy to make mistakes that seem harmless at the time but can seriously damage your compensation claim. Here are the five most common ones we see, and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Giving a Recorded Statement to the Insurer Too Soon
The other driver's insurer will often call you within days of the accident asking for a recorded statement. They are friendly, helpful-sounding and skilled at asking questions designed to minimize your claim. You are not legally required to give this statement, and you should not do so without speaking to a lawyer first.
Even innocent comments like "I didn't see them coming" or "I'm feeling a bit better" can be used to argue you weren't paying attention or that your injuries aren't serious.
Mistake #2: Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies are businesses. Their first offer is almost never their best offer. It is a starting point designed to close your claim quickly and cheaply, before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. Once you accept a settlement, you release all future claims. If your injury turns out to be more serious than initially thought, you cannot go back.
Always get an independent legal opinion before signing anything.
Mistake #3: Delaying or Skipping Medical Treatment
Gaps in medical treatment are a red flag for insurers. If you don't see a doctor promptly, or if you stop treatment before you've recovered, insurers will argue that your injuries couldn't have been that serious. Follow your doctor's advice, attend all appointments, and keep records of every treatment, prescription, and therapy session.
Mistake #4: Oversharing on Social Media
A single photo of you at a family gathering, tagged at an event, or even just standing up can be used by an insurer to undermine your injury claims. We routinely advise clients to pause all social media activity after a serious injury. At minimum, set everything to private and do not post anything about your case, your health, or your activities.
Mistake #5: Waiting Too Long to Contact a Lawyer
Many people assume they should only hire a lawyer if their case goes to court. In reality, having legal representation from the beginning dramatically improves outcomes. A lawyer can preserve evidence, advise you on what to say (and not say), identify all liable parties, and negotiate from a position of knowledge and strength.
At Edmonton Injury Law, initial consultations are always free and we work on contingency, meaning there's no cost to have an experienced attorney in your corner from day one.
Concerned about your claim? Book a free case evaluation with one of our attorneys. We'll tell you exactly where you stand. No obligation, no cost.