8 Costly Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident

A car accident can leave both your body and your mind in turmoil. In the moments that follow, it is common to feel shaken, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next. Many people make quick decisions just to get through the situation. Unfortunately, some of those choices can quietly harm an injury claim before the damage is obvious.

At The Leach Firm, P.A., we have spent decades helping people after serious car accidents across Florida and Georgia. With more than 50 years of combined experience, we have seen how insurance companies use confusion and stress to their advantage.

The crash may be over, but your financial recovery depends on what happens next. Below are the most common mistakes we see and why avoiding them matters.

1. Leaving the Scene or Not Calling the Police

After a crash, some drivers want to leave as quickly as possible. Others agree to “handle it privately” to save time or avoid trouble. That decision often causes more problems than it solves.

Without a police report, the insurance company can question what really happened. Details get blurred. Stories change. And, suddenly you’re stuck trying to prove the crash even occurred the way you remember it. In both Florida and Georgia, leaving the scene can also bring serious legal consequences.

Calling the police protects you. That report becomes the starting point for your claim, and it gives us something solid to work with when insurance companies start pushing back.

2. Not Gathering Evidence at the Scene

Many people assume the police will document everything. In reality, officers are focused on safety and traffic flow, not building your personal injury claim.

Photos, witness names, and small details can disappear within minutes. Cars get moved. Witnesses leave. And, once that moment is gone, you can’t recreate it.

If you’re able, taking a few photos and collecting basic information can make a big difference later. When clients come to us early with this kind of evidence, it gives us more leverage and less room for the insurance company to argue.

3. Saying “I’m Sorry” or Guessing What Happened

Most people don’t realize how powerful their words can be after a crash. Saying “I’m sorry” or guessing out loud about what went wrong feels polite, but insurance companies don’t hear it that way.

Those statements can be twisted into admissions of fault, even when the crash wasn’t your fault at all. Once fault becomes an issue, it can reduce what you’re able to recover.

Checking on everyone’s safety is always the right move. Talking about blame is not. That’s something we handle for you once we step in.

4. Waiting Too Long to Get Medical Care

It’s common to feel “okay” right after a crash, only to wake up the next day stiff, sore, or in pain. Many people wait, hoping it’ll pass.

Waiting can work against you. In Florida, there’s a limited window to seek treatment if you want full access to certain insurance benefits. In both states, delays make it easier for insurance companies to claim your injuries came from something else.

Getting checked out right away protects both your health and your claim. And, if medical bills are worrying you, that’s something we address when building your case.

5. Giving a Recorded Statement to the Other Insurance Company

Soon after the crash, the other driver’s insurance company may call you, sounding friendly and helpful. They often say they just want your side so they can move things along.

That call is not for your benefit. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that limit payouts. Even innocent answers can be used later to weaken your claim.

Once you have us on your side, you don’t have to handle those calls alone. We step in, take over communication, and make sure your words aren’t used against you.

6. Talking About the Accident on Social Media

Posting online feels harmless. A photo of the car. A quick update saying you’re okay. A comment about how frustrating the crash was.

Insurance companies pay attention to social media. They look for anything they can use to downplay injuries or question your pain. Even a smiling photo or casual comment can be taken out of context.

Keeping the accident off social media is one of the simplest ways to protect your claim while it’s active.

7. Accepting the First Settlement Offer

Quick settlement offers often arrive when people are stressed and bills are piling up. The check can look like relief.

The problem is that early offers rarely reflect the full cost of an injury. Future treatment, ongoing pain, time missed from work, and long-term effects are usually not factored in.

Once you accept and sign, the door closes. Having us review an offer before you agree to anything can prevent regret later.

8. Waiting Too Long to Call a Lawyer

Some people wait because they want to see how they feel. Others think calling a car accident lawyer makes things more complicated. In reality, waiting can make things harder.

Evidence fades. Witnesses disappear. Deadlines approach faster than people expect. The sooner we get involved, the more control we have over protecting your claim.

We’re available 24/7 because accidents don’t happen on a schedule and early action matters.

Don’t Let Simple Mistakes Cost You Your Recovery

A car accident can affect your health, your income, and your peace of mind. Avoiding these mistakes gives you a stronger position and a clearer path forward.

At The Leach Firm, P.A., we believe in keeping it real. We tell you the truth about your options and fight hard for the outcome you deserve. Whether you’re dealing with a car accident, a workplace injury, or an employment issue, we’re here to stand in your corner.

If you or a loved one has been injured in Florida or Georgia, call us at 844-722-7567 or send a message through our Contact Us page today for a free consultation.

We’re ready to listen, answer your questions, and help you take the next step.