5 Mistakes That Can Undermine Your Auto Accident Claim

After a serious auto accident, most people expect their insurance claim to be straightforward—file paperwork, cooperate with the process, and receive compensation. Unfortunately, the reality is often very different. Even honest mistakes can weaken a claim or cause unnecessary delays.

At SJP Sifers Jensen Palmer, we’ve seen how missteps early in the process can significantly affect outcomes. As experienced auto accident attorneys, we help clients in Kansas City, Missouri, and throughout the Kansas City Metropolitan Area—including Kansas—avoid costly errors and protect their rights from the beginning.

When someone has been injured in a collision, emotions run high, and decisions are made quickly. That’s when mistakes happen. Knowing what to avoid can make the difference between receiving compensation and being left with unpaid bills or long-term financial strain. Contact us today for further legal advice.

Failing to Seek Medical Treatment Right Away

One of the most common errors after a car accident is delaying medical attention. Many people assume their pain will fade, or they avoid the hospital because they worry about costs. However, gaps in treatment are one of the first things insurance companies look for when deciding whether to pay a claim.

We always encourage clients to seek immediate medical evaluation, even if injuries seem minor. Conditions like whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma may take hours or days to show symptoms. Medical documentation is critical—it safeguards your health and provides a clear record of your injuries.

As auto accident attorneys, we know how quickly insurers question claims when victims delay treatment. They often argue that injuries weren’t caused by the crash or that the pain is exaggerated. Prompt medical attention strengthens your credibility and provides the foundation for a successful claim.

Giving Recorded Statements Without Legal Guidance

After an accident, it’s common for insurance adjusters to call within days—or even hours—to request a recorded statement. While this may seem routine, it’s a tactic designed to gather information that can be used to reduce or deny your claim.

Adjusters are trained to ask questions that can twist your words or make your injuries sound less serious. For example, a simple comment like “I’m feeling better” could later be used to argue that your recovery was quick and that compensation should be limited.

We advise clients never to provide a recorded statement until they’ve spoken with legal counsel. As auto accident attorneys, we handle all communication with insurers to prevent clients from accidentally saying something that could be misinterpreted. 

When statements are necessary, we prepare clients thoroughly so that every answer is accurate, factual, and consistent with the medical record.

Accepting a Quick Settlement Offer

It’s not unusual for insurance companies to offer an early settlement soon after an accident—often before victims fully understand the extent of their injuries. These offers are tempting, especially when medical bills start piling up, and paychecks stop coming in. But early offers are rarely fair.

In our experience as auto accident attorneys, we’ve seen countless situations where initial offers barely cover short-term expenses, let alone ongoing medical care, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Once you accept a settlement, your case is closed, and you can’t go back for additional compensation—even if your condition worsens.

We take time to calculate the true value of every claim. This means reviewing medical reports, evaluating long-term care needs, and considering the full impact on your quality of life. Waiting for a fair resolution takes patience, but it almost always leads to better results than accepting the first check that comes your way.

Posting About the Accident on Social Media

In the age of smartphones and instant updates, many people share every aspect of their lives online. However, after a car accident, social media can quickly become one of your biggest liabilities. Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys routinely monitor social media platforms for posts that can contradict your claim.

A seemingly harmless photo or comment—like smiling with friends, traveling, or even saying “feeling better”—can be taken out of context and used to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as claimed. We’ve seen posts become evidence that undermines entire cases.

Our firm advises clients to avoid discussing the accident or their injuries on social media until their case is resolved. As auto accident attorneys, we remind everyone that once something is online, it’s effectively public and can be used against you—even if your account is private.

Not Hiring an Attorney Early Enough

Perhaps the most critical mistake is waiting too long to involve legal representation. Many people assume that insurance companies will act in good faith or that they can handle the claim alone. Unfortunately, the system is designed to protect insurers’ profits—not your recovery.

From the moment a claim is filed, the insurance company’s goal is to minimize payouts. Adjusters and defense lawyers know the rules, timelines, and loopholes. Without experienced legal help, it’s easy for victims to miss deadlines, submit incomplete documentation, or accept low offers.

At SJP Sifers Jensen Palmer, our team gets involved immediately to protect our clients’ interests. We handle communications, gather evidence, and negotiate aggressively to secure compensation. The earlier we’re brought into a case, the more leverage we have to preserve vital evidence and challenge unfair tactics.

Additional Ways People Accidentally Hurt Their Claims

Beyond the major mistakes above, we often see smaller but equally damaging errors. Even seemingly minor oversights can create complications down the line:

• Failing to report the accident promptly: Waiting too long to notify your insurance company can result in denial of coverage.

• Not following medical advice: Missing appointments or ignoring prescribed treatment can make it seem like you’re not seriously injured.

• Overlooking vehicle inspections: Getting a repair estimate too soon or using a non-certified shop can lead to disputes about damages.

• Admitting fault: Even casual comments like “I’m sorry” can be taken as an admission of liability, even if you were not responsible for the crash.

We educate our clients about these details from the start. By understanding what to do—and what to avoid—you can prevent mistakes that jeopardize your case.

Building a Strong Auto Accident Claim

A successful claim requires more than just paperwork. It’s about creating a clear, credible, and comprehensive picture of what happened and how it affected your life. We take a systematic approach to building each case:

• Gathering and preserving evidence: Police reports, witness statements, photos, and medical documentation form the foundation of every claim.

• Consulting with experts: We often work with accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and economists to validate the full impact of an accident.

• Managing communications: As experienced auto accident attorneys, we shield our clients from aggressive insurers and handle all correspondence to protect their interests.

• Calculating long-term damages: We evaluate lost earning capacity, ongoing care needs, and emotional distress—not just immediate expenses.

• Negotiating from a position of strength: Our firm’s preparation and attention to detail make it clear to insurers that we’re ready to go to trial if necessary.

This process helps us achieve fair settlements while avoiding the pitfalls that so often derail unrepresented claims.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

Time is one of the most critical factors in any auto accident claim. Missouri law generally allows five years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but waiting that long is rarely wise. Evidence fades, witnesses move away, and memories become less reliable over time.

Starting the investigation promptly increases our chances of securing critical evidence, like surveillance footage, phone records, and vehicle black box data. Acting quickly also enables us to communicate with insurance companies before they can shape the narrative of the accident.

As auto accident attorneys, we understand how the legal process can feel intimidating after a crash. Our job is to handle the legal complications so our clients can focus on healing.

Reach Out Today

At SJP Sifers Jensen Palmer, we know that a car accident can disrupt every aspect of your life—from your health to your finances. Our experienced auto accident attorneys are here to help you avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your claim and to guide you every step of the way.

We proudly represent clients in Kansas City, Missouri, and throughout the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, including Kansas. If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.