5 Mistakes to Avoid - Advice From Personal Injury Attorneys
If you've been hurt in an accident in Savannah, the steps you take—or don’t take—can make a huge difference in your ability to recover compensation. Unfortunately, many people unknowingly make critical errors that weaken their claims. To help you avoid these pitfalls, the team at Jones, Boykin & Associates, P.C., a trusted firm of
personal injury lawyers in Savannah, GA, shares the five most common mistakes accident victims make—and how to prevent them.
The High Cost of Simple Mistakes
Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
One of the worst mistakes you can make after an accident is delaying medical care. Some people assume their injuries aren’t serious, while others worry about medical bills. However, waiting to see a doctor can:
- Worsen your condition – Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away.
- Hurt your claim – Insurance companies may argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident if too much time passed before treatment.
- Reduce your compensation – Without medical records, proving the extent of your injuries becomes much harder.
What to Do Instead:
- Visit a doctor immediately, even if you feel fine.
- Follow all treatment plans and keep copies of medical reports.
- Let a personal injury attorney in Savannah, GA use your records to build a strong case.
Admitting Fault at the Scene
After an accident, it’s natural to feel shaken up and even apologetic. However, saying things like “I’m sorry” or “It was my fault” can be used against you later. Insurance adjusters often look for any reason to deny or minimize claims, and admitting fault—even accidentally—can hurt your case.
What to Do Instead:
- Stay calm and avoid discussing fault with the other driver.
- Stick to the facts when speaking to police or witnesses.
- Let your personal injury lawyer in Savannah, GA handle conversations with insurers.
Not Collecting Enough Evidence
Strong evidence is crucial for proving your claim, but many people fail to gather enough proof at the scene. Without proper documentation, insurance companies may dispute what really happened.
Key Evidence You Should Collect After an Accident:
- Photos & videos – Take pictures of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs.
- Witness statements – Get contact info from anyone who saw the accident.
- Police reports – Always call law enforcement to file an official report.
If you’re too injured to gather evidence, a personal injury attorney in Savannah, GA, can help reconstruct the scene and secure necessary documentation.
Talking Too Much to Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies often contact victims soon after an accident to request a recorded statement. While they may seem friendly, their goal is to pay you as little as possible.
Adjusters may twist your words to:
- Downplay your injuries – They might claim your pain isn’t severe.
- Blame you for the accident – Even a simple comment like “I didn’t see them” can be used against you.
- Offer a lowball settlement – Once you accept, you can’t ask for more money later.
What to Do Instead:
- Politely decline to give a recorded statement without legal advice.
- Refer all insurance calls to your personal injury lawyer in Savannah, GA.
- Let your attorney handle negotiations for a fair settlement.
Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies often pressure victims into quick settlements—sometimes before they even know the full extent of their injuries. Once you sign a release, you cannot ask for more money, even if your medical bills pile up later.
Why You Should Never Accept the First Settlement Offer:
- Medical costs may increase – Some injuries require long-term treatment.
- Lost wages add up – If you miss work, you deserve compensation.
- Pain and suffering matter – You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s negligence.
A personal injury attorney in Savannah, GA, can calculate the true value of your claim and fight for what you deserve.
How Jones, Boykin & Associates, P.C. Can Help
Avoiding these mistakes can mean the difference between a denied claim and full compensation. At Jones, Boykin & Associates, P.C., our team of personal injury lawyers in Savannah, GA has helped countless accident victims recover fair settlements. We handle everything —from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers—so you can focus on healing.
Additional Tips for Protecting Your Rights After an Accident
Beyond avoiding these five mistakes, here are a few more ways to strengthen your personal injury claim:
- Keep a Detailed Injury Journal: Document your pain levels, medical visits, and how injuries affect your daily life. This helps prove the impact of the accident.
- Avoid Posting on Social Media: Insurance companies may check your profiles for posts that contradict your injury claims. Even innocent photos can be misused.
- Don’t Sign Anything Without Legal Review: Insurers may send confusing paperwork hoping you’ll sign away your rights. Always have a personal injury lawyer in Savannah, GA review documents first.
- Know the Statute of Limitations: In Georgia, you generally have two years to file a personal injury claim. Waiting too long could bar you from compensation.
Don’t Risk Your Claim—Get Legal Help Today From Personal Injury Attorneys in Savannah, GA
If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t make these costly mistakes. Contact us today at (912) 236-6161 for a free consultation with experienced personal injury attorneys in Savannah, GA. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Accidents are stressful, but making smart decisions early can protect your health and legal rights. By avoiding these common mistakes and working with skilled personal injury lawyers in Savannah, GA, you give yourself the best chance at a fair recovery.