[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/robinettelaw.com\/the-7-worst-things-you-can-do-after-a-collision\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/robinettelaw.com\/the-7-worst-things-you-can-do-after-a-collision\/","headline":"The 7 Worst Things You Can Do After a Collision","name":"The 7 Worst Things You Can Do After a Collision","description":"Avoid these mistakes if you want to protect your car accident injury claim. After a car accident, the actions you take\u2014or fail to take\u2014can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Whether you’re dealing with a minor fender-bender or a serious collision, avoiding these common mistakes can help preserve the strength of your injury claim...","datePublished":"2018-04-18","dateModified":"2026-08-24","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/robinettelaw.com\/author\/robinette-legal-group\/#Person","name":"Jeff Robinette","url":"https:\/\/robinettelaw.com\/author\/robinette-legal-group\/","identifier":18,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1e52bf8f70e6b1108446492a3b589712bc7a958ee141599d900b5027214027b3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1e52bf8f70e6b1108446492a3b589712bc7a958ee141599d900b5027214027b3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Robinette Legal Group, PLLC","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/robinettelaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/favicon-rlg.png","url":"https:\/\/robinettelaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/favicon-rlg.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/robinettelaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/legally-reviewed-photo.png","url":"https:\/\/robinettelaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/legally-reviewed-photo.png","height":"100","width":"100"},"url":"https:\/\/robinettelaw.com\/the-7-worst-things-you-can-do-after-a-collision\/","about":["Car Accidents","Firm News"],"wordCount":601,"articleBody":"Avoid these mistakes if you want to protect your car accident injury claim.After a car accident, the actions you take\u2014or fail to take\u2014can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Whether you’re dealing with a minor fender-bender or a serious collision, avoiding these common mistakes can help preserve the strength of your injury claim and protect your legal rights.Above all, don’t lie about anything. Dishonesty about the accident, your injuries, or your medical history can destroy your credibility with insurance adjusters, attorneys, and judges. Even small exaggerations or omissions can be used to discredit your entire claim.Absolutely do not conceal any information related to your health or your case when speaking with your attorney. Your car accident lawyer needs complete and accurate information to build the strongest possible case on your behalf. Attorney-client privilege protects your communications, so full disclosure is essential.Do not exaggerate symptoms. While it’s important to report all injuries to your doctor and attorney, inflating or overstating your pain or limitations can backfire during settlement negotiations or at trial.Do not ignore doctor’s orders. Failing to follow prescribed treatment plans, attend follow-up appointments, or take medications as directed can be interpreted as evidence that your injuries aren’t serious\u2014even if they are.Do not sign a medical release or give a recorded statement without seeking legal advice. Insurance companies often request broad medical authorizations or recorded statements shortly after an accident. These can be used against you to minimize your claim or uncover unrelated medical conditions.Be aware that your social media posts after the collision may be used to devalue your case. Photos, check-ins, and comments that suggest you’re active or enjoying life can be taken out of context by insurance companies to argue that your injuries are not as severe as claimed.Keep in mind that if you wait, you may be too late! In West Virginia, you only have two years from the date of the collision to file a lawsuit. Missing this statute of limitations deadline means losing your right to pursue compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be.Why These Mistakes Matter to Your Injury ClaimInsurance companies and their legal teams are skilled at finding reasons to reduce or deny claims. Any inconsistency in your statements, gaps in medical treatment, or contradictory social media activity can be leveraged to argue that your injuries are not accident-related or are less severe than you claim. Working with an experienced car accident attorney from the outset helps you avoid these pitfalls and strengthens your position during negotiations or litigation.Related Article: Injured in a Car Accident? Know Your Legal Rights. This article outlines all of the most important steps to take if you have been in a collision.Protect your case by taking action today!If you’ve been injured in a car accident in West Virginia, don’t wait to get the legal advice you need. Questions? Call 304.594.1800 and speak with one of our attorneys today.Jeff Robinette( West Virginia Personal Injury Attorney )Jeffery Robinette was admitted to practice law in 1991 and is licensed in all levels of state and federal trial courts in West Virginia. Mr. Robinette is also licensed in all state and federal appeals courts in West Virginia and the United States Supreme Court. As a National Board Certified Trial Attorney who has handled hundreds of motor vehicle, injury, and construction defect claims and a leading author on insurance claims settlement issues and difficulties in West Virginia, Jeff Robinette is uniquely qualified to represent your best interest."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"The 7 Worst Things You Can Do After a Collision","item":"https:\/\/robinettelaw.com\/the-7-worst-things-you-can-do-after-a-collision\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]