According to the Journal of Emergency Medicine, over 20% of car crash victims develop injury symptoms within 72 hours, even if they had no obvious pain right after the crash.
At Nick Schnyder Law Firm, we fight for your rights from the start and guide you every step of the way, helping you avoid the mistakes that could hurt your case. Here are the most common and costly errors, and what you should do instead.
1. Not seeking immediate medical care
This is the #1 mistake. Many injuries don’t appear right away because of the adrenaline spike. Whiplash, internal bruising, and back injuries can take days to surface.
“Delaying medical care is one of the most costly mistakes after an accident. In our experience, insurance companies often use that delay to downplay or deny compensation, arguing your injuries weren’t serious or related to the crash,” says attorney Nick Schnyder.
2. Not calling the police
A police report is a critical official record. It includes accident details, witness statements, road conditions, and contact info. Without it, your case may be weakened.
Even if the other driver seems “nice” or suggests handling it privately, don’t fall for it. Call 911.
3. Failing to properly document the accident
Memory alone won’t help your case. You need:
- Photos of the scene, vehicles, injuries
- Driver and witness information
- Names of hospitals or clinics visited
Solid documentation connects your injuries to the crash and prevents the insurance company from making excuses.
4. Giving a statement to the insurance company
Another critical mistake is giving a recorded statement without a lawyer present. Insurance adjusters are trained to make you say something that weakens your claim.
At Nick Schnyder Law Firm, we handle insurance communication for you, because we know their tricks. Don’t go into this alone, we’re experienced trial attorneys ready to fight in court if necessary.
5. Thinking a “minor” crash isn’t worth legal help
Just because the car wasn’t totaled or your pain seems manageable doesn’t mean you don’t have a case. Many clients who thought, “It’s no big deal,” later needed physical therapy, or even surgery.
If you were hit and it wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The worst mistake? Underestimating your situation.
6. What to do in the first 48 hours
- Seek medical help (ER or your doctor)
- Call the police at the scene
- Take photos, write down all details
- Call Nick Schnyder Law Firm: we’ll guide you from the start
- Seek medical help (ER or your doctor)
- Don’t speak to insurance without legal advice
Mistakes After an Accident Can Cost You Thousands
Your medical treatment, your job, your peace of mind, all can be lost by taking the wrong steps. The first 48 hours are not the time to guess. They’re the time to act smart.
At Nick Schnyder Law Firm, we’re your ally against the insurance companies, and we fight for the compensation you deserve. Whether the crash was minor or severe, if you were injured and weren’t at fault, you have the right to strong legal defense.
📞 Call us now at 404-941-1487
Injured? Nick Schnyder is your lawyer.
