After an injury, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Whether you were hurt in a car wreck, a fall, or another accident, your focus is likely on pain, recovery, and figuring out what comes next. Unfortunately, some of your decisions in those first few days and weeks can have long-term consequences, especially if you plan to pursue a personal injury claim.

At Vickers and White, we’ve helped injury victims across Alabama protect their rights and pursue fair compensation. Here are some of the most common mistakes we see—and how you can avoid them.

Failing to Seek Medical Attention Right Away

Even if you “feel fine” after an accident, skipping medical care is a big mistake. Some injuries—like concussions, soft tissue damage, or internal bleeding—aren’t immediately apparent.

Why it matters:
Insurance companies will use gaps in treatment to argue that you weren’t hurt or that something else caused your pain.

What to do instead:
Get evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. Follow up, follow their treatment plan, and keep documentation.

Talking to the Insurance Company Without Legal Advice

You may get a call from the other party’s insurance adjuster within days. They may sound polite, but their job is to protect the company’s bottom line.

Why it matters:
Anything you say can be twisted and used against you later. Even a simple “I’m feeling better” can harm your claim.

What to do instead:
Please decline to give a recorded statement and refer the matter to your attorney. Let us speak on your behalf.

Posting on Social Media About the Accident

You’d be surprised how often social media posts come back to hurt personal injury cases. A photo of you smiling at a family event can be taken out of context, even if you were still in pain.

Why it matters:
Insurance companies and defense lawyers will look at your public activity for evidence to dispute your injuries.

What to do instead:
Stay off social media while your case is active—or at least keep it private and avoid discussing anything accident-related.

Waiting Too Long to Contact a Lawyer

The clock is ticking the moment your injury occurs. Alabama has strict deadlines (statute of limitations) for filing a personal injury claim.

Why it matters:
If you wait too long, you may lose your chance to recover anything, no matter how strong your case is.

What to do instead:
Call us as soon as possible so we can begin protecting your rights and preserving evidence.

Accepting a Quick Settlement Offer

You may be offered a check just days or weeks after your injury, before you know the full recovery cost.

Why it matters:
Once you sign a release, your case is over. You can’t go back later if your injuries are worse than expected.

What to do instead:
Have an attorney review any offer before accepting it. We’ll help you understand what your case is worth.

Protect Yourself. Protect Your Future.

Don’t make these common mistakes if you’ve been injured in an accident. The right decisions today can make all the difference tomorrow.

At Vickers and White, we’re here to help you confidently navigate the legal process. We’ll take on the insurance companies, fight for the compensation you deserve, and help you move forward.

Call us today at (334) 245-6978.