Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Personal Injury Claim

July 28, 2025

Filing a personal injury claim after an accident can be a complex and stressful process. Unfortunately, many people make critical mistakes along the way that can jeopardize their chances of receiving fair compensation. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can protect your rights and strengthen your claim.


Here are the most common mistakes people make when pursuing a personal injury claim—and how to avoid them.


1. Giving a Recorded Statement to Insurance Adjusters:

After an accident, insurance adjusters may reach out and ask you to provide a recorded statement. While they may seem friendly and concerned, their goal is often to gather information that can be used to reduce or deny your claim.


  • Why it's harmful: Insurance companies may take your words out of context or use them to downplay the severity of your injuries. Even simple statements like “I’m okay” can be used against you.
  • How to avoid it: Politely decline to give a recorded statement. Instead, direct the adjuster to your attorney, who will handle communications to ensure your interests are protected.


2. Accepting an Early Settlement Offer:

It can be tempting to accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company, especially if you’re dealing with mounting medical bills and lost wages. However, early offers are often much lower than what you’re entitled to receive.


  • Why it's harmful: Early settlement offers rarely account for the full extent of your injuries and future medical costs. Once you accept an offer, you usually waive the right to seek further compensation.
  • How to avoid it: Never accept an offer without consulting with an experienced attorney. Your lawyer can evaluate the offer and negotiate a fair settlement that covers all your damages.


3. Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention:

Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms immediately after an accident. Failing to seek prompt medical attention not only jeopardizes your health but also weakens your claim.


  • Why it's harmful: Insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t serious or that they were caused by something other than the accident if you delay treatment.
  • How to avoid it: Always see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident, even if you feel fine. Keep a record of all medical visits, treatments, and related expenses.


4. Posting About the Accident on Social Media:

In the age of social media, it’s natural to want to share updates with friends and family. However, anything you post about your accident or your recovery can be used by insurance companies to challenge your claim.


  • Why it's harmful: Even innocent posts, such as photos of you socializing or engaging in activities, can be used to suggest that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
  • How to avoid it: Avoid posting anything related to your accident, injuries, or activities while your claim is ongoing. Make sure your social media profiles are private and be cautious about what others post about you.


5. Not Keeping Track of Medical Records and Expenses:

Documenting your injuries and expenses is crucial to building a strong personal injury claim. Failing to keep accurate records can make it difficult to prove the full extent of your damages.


  • Why it's harmful: Without detailed medical records and receipts, it may be challenging to demonstrate the severity of your injuries or the financial impact they’ve had on your life.
  • How to avoid it: Keep all medical bills, treatment records, and receipts related to the accident. Track your lost wages and any other expenses incurred as a result of the injury.


6. Waiting Too Long to File a Claim:

Each state has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In Washington State, for example, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim.


  • Why it's harmful: If you miss the statute of limitations, you may lose your right to pursue compensation, no matter how valid your claim is.
  • How to avoid it: Don’t delay. Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed on time.


7. Not Hiring an Experienced Attorney:

Navigating the legal complexities of a personal injury claim on your own can be overwhelming. Without an attorney, you may be at a disadvantage when dealing with insurance companies and legal procedures.


  • Why it's harmful: Without proper legal representation, you may accept a low settlement, make costly errors, or fail to properly present your case.
  • How to avoid it: Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and maximize your compensation.

Need Help with Your Personal Injury Claim? Contact Us Today!

At Floyd Personal Injury Law Group, we’re dedicated to helping accident victims avoid costly mistakes and get the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you navigate your personal injury claim with confidence.

Injured on Property: Kent’s Legal Guide by Floyd Personal Law Group
By jeff December 24, 2025
What Really Happens After a Property Injury If there is one thing I have learned from years of working with injured clients in Kent, it is that the most painful part of a property injury is often what comes after the fall. The shock, the confusion, the embarrassment. People replay the moment over and over, wondering what they did wrong. Most of the time, the answer is nothing. The emotional impact tends to catch people off guard. I hear the same questions constantly. Why do I feel so overwhelmed? Why is the property owner acting like this was my fault? Should I have spoken up sooner? I once represented a woman who fell on a slick ramp behind a retail store. She blamed herself because she was “in a hurry.” But when we reviewed the surveillance footage, it showed employees walking past the spill for nearly an hour before she fell. That is how quickly self-blame can cloud reality. Clients also struggle with symptoms that evolve days later. Pain that spreads Difficulty walking Headaches Loss of sleep Anxiety about returning to the location These are real experiences, and ignoring them only makes things worse. The moment you start doubting your own instincts is the moment the insurance company gains leverage. That is why clarity matters so much in these cases. Understanding Liability and What You Should Do Next Premises liability protects you when unsafe conditions on someone else’s property cause harm. It covers everything from wet floors to broken steps to poor lighting. The standard is simple. Property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent hazards. When they do not, people get hurt. Here is what I look for when assessing a case: Was there a clear, preventable hazard? Did the owner or employees know or should they have known about it? Did their failure to act directly cause your injury? These answers often come from details that people overlook. Maintenance logs. Internal memos. Prior complaints. A witness who saw the hazard hours earlier. These pieces quietly connect the story. If you get injured, your actions in the first few hours matter more than most people realize. This is what I always recommend: Get medical care right away, even if pain feels manageable Report the incident and get a copy of the report Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and surrounding conditions Ask for names and contact information of witnesses Avoid recorded statements with insurance adjusters Document symptoms as they develop Each of these steps protects your future self. I have seen strong cases collapse because the hazard was cleaned up before anyone captured evidence or because the injured person casually apologized at the scene. These moments may feel harmless, but insurance companies use them strategically. How Compensation Works and When to Call a Lawyer The cost of a property injury is rarely just the initial medical bill. I have seen slips and falls lead to months of physical therapy, lost wages, long term pain, and ongoing stress that clients were not prepared for. People often underestimate the long term financial impact until they are in the middle of it. Here is what compensation may include in Washington: Medical expenses Physical therapy and rehabilitation Lost wages Reduced earning capacity Pain and suffering Long term care costs Washington follows comparative negligence, meaning the insurance company will often try to assign part of the blame to you. You missed a warning sign You were distracted Your shoes were inappropriate These arguments come up constantly, even in cases where the property owner clearly failed to maintain a safe environment. It is why legal representation becomes important earlier than most people think. So when should you contact a lawyer? Your pain is worsening or persistent You are missing work The property owner denies responsibility The insurance company offers a low settlement You feel pressured to settle quickly You are unsure what your claim is worth Reaching out is not about being combative. It is about protecting your rights before the situation becomes more complicated. Why Work With Floyd Law Group in Kent, WA? Over the years, I have represented people who walked into my office feeling overwhelmed and unheard. Many assumed their injuries were not serious enough or believed the insurance company would treat them fairly. What they needed was guidance grounded in real experience, not vague reassurance. At Floyd Law Group, my approach is straightforward. I investigate the facts, not the assumptions I protect clients from insurance tactics I communicate clearly and honestly I focus on long term recovery, not quick settlements Because we work here in Kent, we understand the nuances of local properties, businesses, and community spaces. That local insight helps us see patterns others might miss and build cases with stronger context. Above all, my goal is simple. Make sure you are treated fairly and fully heard. FAQs How long do I have to file a claim in Washington? You generally have three years, but your case is stronger when evidence is collected early. What if no one witnessed my fall? Many strong cases have no witnesses. Evidence like photos, medical records, and past complaints can still support your claim. Can I file a claim if the injury happened at a friend’s house? Yes. Claims are handled through insurance, not your friend personally. Final Thoughts A property injury can shake your confidence as much as your body. Pain, uncertainty, and pressure from insurance companies create a perfect storm that leaves people second guessing everything. I have seen how overwhelming that feels, and I know how quickly circumstances can spiral if you do not protect yourself early. If something about your accident does not sit right with you, trust that feeling. Ask questions. Gather information. And remember, you do not have to navigate this alone. Your health, your future, and your peace of mind matter far more than rushing into a decision you cannot undo later. If you want a meta title, schema markup, or GBP optimized version, I can create that next.
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