Being in a car accident can be stressful, even if you’re covered by no-fault insurance. No-fault insurance requires you to file a claim with your own insurance company for medical bills, lost wages, and related expenses — regardless of who caused the accident. While the process may seem straightforward, making certain mistakes could hurt your chances of receiving full compensation.
Insurance companies are not always eager to pay claims, and they may look for reasons to reduce or deny payments. To protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, it’s essential to avoid common missteps after a no-fault car accident.
1. Not Seeking Medical Attention Right Away
One of the biggest mistakes you can make after a car accident is delaying medical treatment. Even if you feel fine, injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding may not show symptoms right away. If you wait too long to see a doctor, it becomes harder to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident.
Seeking medical attention immediately not only protects your health but also strengthens your injury claim. Your medical records will provide evidence of the injuries you sustained in the accident. If you delay treatment, insurance companies may argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t related to the crash at all.
Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments. Failing to do so could give the insurance company a reason to reduce your compensation. Keep all medical bills, doctor’s notes, and prescriptions, as they will be essential when filing your claim.
2. Failing to Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company on Time
Another common mistake is waiting too long to report the accident to your insurance company. Most no-fault insurance policies have strict deadlines for reporting accidents — sometimes as short as 24 to 72 hours. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to file a claim under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
After the accident, call your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with basic details about the crash, but avoid making statements that could be seen as an admission of fault. If you’re unsure how to communicate with your insurer, contact a Wright Gray Harris attorney for guidance.
3. Not Collecting Evidence at the Scene of the Accident
Even though no-fault insurance covers your medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident, evidence is still crucial. If you don’t collect evidence at the scene, you may have a harder time proving the extent of your injuries or disputing any false claims made by the other driver.
Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to both vehicles, traffic signs, skid marks, and weather conditions. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information so a Wright Gray Harris attorney can follow up with them later. Collecting evidence ensures you’re prepared if your insurance company tries to challenge your claim or if you need to sue the at-fault driver.
4. Admitting Fault or Apologizing at the Scene
It’s natural to feel apologetic after a car accident, but it’s important not to admit fault — even if you think you played a role. Apologizing or saying, “I’m sorry,” can be interpreted as an admission of responsibility. This could hurt your ability to receive full compensation, especially if your statement is recorded by the other driver, witnesses, or the police.
Instead of apologizing, focus on gathering evidence and providing factual information. Allow the police to investigate the scene and make their own assessment of fault. If you have any doubts or questions, contact a Wright Gray Harris attorney for legal guidance before making any statements to your insurance company.
5. Failing to Track Medical Expenses and Lost Wages
If you’re injured in a no-fault car accident, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage will pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and certain other costs. However, it’s your responsibility to document these expenses. If you don’t keep track of your bills, you may struggle to get full reimbursement.
Start by saving copies of every medical bill you receive, including hospital visits, doctor appointments, medications, and physical therapy. If your injuries cause you to miss work, ask your employer for a letter confirming the dates you were unable to work and the wages you lost. This documentation is crucial when filing your PIP claim, as it proves the value of your losses.
A Wright Gray Harris attorney can help you organize and present these records to your insurance company, ensuring you receive the maximum payout under your policy.
6. Giving a Recorded Statement Without Legal Guidance
After you file a claim with your insurance company, an adjuster may ask you to provide a recorded statement about the accident. While this might seem harmless, these statements are often used against you. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that may lead you to say something that could hurt your claim.
If an adjuster asks for a recorded statement, you have the right to decline. Before you provide any statement, speak with a Wright Gray Harris attorney. Your attorney can advise you on what to say, what to avoid, and how to protect your claim from being undervalued or denied.
7. Accepting a Quick Settlement Offer
After a no-fault car accident, you may receive a quick settlement offer from the insurance company. While it may be tempting to accept the offer and move on, these initial offers are often much lower than what you’re entitled to receive. Insurance companies aim to settle claims quickly and for as little money as possible.
If you accept a settlement offer, you forfeit your right to pursue additional compensation later. Before accepting any offer, consult with a Wright Gray Harris attorney. They can evaluate the offer, review your medical expenses, and help you determine if the settlement is fair.
If the settlement offer is too low, your attorney can negotiate on your behalf to secure a higher payout.
8. Assuming the Insurance Company Will Act in Your Best Interest
Many people mistakenly believe that their insurance company will act in their best interest. After all, it’s your insurance company, so they should be on your side, right? Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Insurance companies prioritize their profits, and they may try to reduce or deny claims to save money.
Your insurance company may question the severity of your injuries, challenge your medical bills, or delay the payment of your claim. To avoid being taken advantage of, it’s wise to have a Wright Gray Harris attorney on your side. Your attorney will handle all communication with the insurance company and fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
9. Not Hiring a Wright Gray Harris Attorney Early in the Process
Many people wait too long to hire an attorney after a car accident, thinking they can handle everything on their own. But if you make mistakes during the claims process, it could cost you thousands of dollars. Hiring a Wright Gray Harris attorney early in the process ensures you have an experienced advocate on your side from the start.
A Wright Gray Harris attorney can help you file your PIP claim, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and challenge low settlement offers. If your injuries meet the criteria for filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, your attorney will help you seek compensation beyond what your PIP insurance covers.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. The sooner you have a Wright Gray Harris attorney on your side, the stronger your case will be.
Contact Wright Gray Harris
If you’ve been in a no-fault car accident, it’s essential to avoid costly mistakes that could reduce your compensation. By seeking medical attention, collecting evidence, and working with a Wright Gray Harris attorney, you can protect your rights and maximize your payout.
At Wright Gray Harris, our experienced car accident attorneys understand how to handle no-fault insurance claims. We’ll help you track your expenses, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight to ensure you receive the full amount you’re entitled to. If the insurance company offers you a low settlement, we’ll challenge it on your behalf.
Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you. Call Wright Gray Harris today for a free consultation. We’ll protect your rights, fight for your compensation, and guide you every step of the way.
Call now to schedule your free consultation.