Common Mistakes After a Car Accident on Long Island

Car accidents are always overwhelming, and victims are often confused and unsure of what steps you take next. Following a car accident, every decision will have an impact on any car accident claim. However, most people make mistakes after an accident, and these errors may weaken their ability to get a fair settlement.

The Law Office of Carl Maltese in Long Island works with people who have been in accidents and offers legal guidance to clients to ensure they get fair compensation.

As a personal injury lawyer, Carl Maltese sees people make common mistakes after a car accident all of the time, but also offers advice on how to avoid them and insight on common mistakes after a workplace injury.

Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention After an Auto Accident

One of the most common mistakes people make is that they do not seek medical attention following a car accident. Many victims brush off minor injuries or don't have symptoms at first. However, even in a minor accident, very serious injuries can develop over time like whiplash, internal injuries, or brain trauma.

Delaying medical care can be a big mistake, however. Insurance companies often use the lack of medical treatment as an excuse to not pay or state that the injury wasn't serious or related to the accident. However, if you get medical attention immediately, it creates a record that directly links the injury to the accident. Medical records are important pieces of evidence.

Admitting Fault at the Scene

Oftentimes, the accident scene is confusing and there is a lot going on. At this time, many drivers instinctively apologize or accept responsibility before the facts are all known. Even a simple "I'm sorry," or "I wasn't paying attention," may reduce or delay compensation.

Truly determining fault in a car accident often requires a very thorough investigation. This includes police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction. It's important to stay as quiet as possible and only share the facts of the accident. It's also very important to avoid making assumptions.

It's best to stay calm, exchange contact information, and allow investigators and attorneys to determine fault, because it's often not immediately apparent.

Failing to Call the Police

It's also common to neglect calling law enforcement after a car accident. Even when the accident is a minor one, getting the police involved is a good idea. A police report is the official documentation of the accident and a very important piece of evidence as you go through the process of an insurance claim.

Some of the information found in a police report include the location, weather conditions, vehicle conditions, and even who the at-fault driver may be based on evidence at the scene. This can make a significant difference when pursuing legal action.

Not Gathering Evidence and Exchanging Information

Evidence can quickly disappear following an accident. This makes it difficult to prove what happened. Many drivers fail to take photos, collect witness statements, exchange information with other drivers, or note critical information like road conditions.

Everyone has a smartphone, and this makes it was to take photos and videos of vehicle damage, physical evidence, skid marks, traffic signals, traffic signs, and visible injuries. All of this can strengthen a car crash claim and help to prove fault.

Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Too Soon

The other driver's insurance company is very likely to reach out very quickly following the accident.

Sometimes, it's within hours. Though many people think that this is a routine thing, it's important to keep in mind that a speaking to an adjuster too soon can have legal consequences. The goal of the adjuster is to minimize how much the insurance company has to pay.

Victims who offer recorded statements before they talk to a car accident lawyer may say something that can be taken out of context. An adjuster can pressure a victim to accept a settlement offer, but once they do, they cannot seek further compensation.

The best thing to do is to get in touch with a law firm like The Law Office of Carl Maltese to ensure you avoid mistakes and meet all legal deadlines.

Posting on Social Media

Another common issue after an accident is posting about it on social media. This is one of the most costly mistakes a person can make.

Insurance companies and defense attorneys often routinely review social media activity to find posts or photos that might undermine a claim. For instance, if you state that you got a neck injury from the accident, and then post images of you at a 5k the following weekend, it could be used as evidence that your injury isn't as serious as you claim.

It's best to not post on social media during this time, or only add posts that cannot be used against you. It's also best to adjust privacy settings.

Accepting a Quick Settlement Offer

After an accident, financial pressures can mount quickly due to medical bills and missed work. Insurance companies often exploit this situation by offering early settlements that seem appealing but rarely cover the full extent of damages.

Once a settlement is accepted, victims generally cannot pursue additional compensation—even if future medical complications arise. Before accepting any offer, it is essential to understand the true value of the claim, which may include long-term medical care, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and loss of earning capacity.

A personal injury attorney can review the details of the offer, negotiate with the insurer, and ensure that any settlement reflects the total impact of the accident.

Waiting Too Long to Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

Delaying contact with a personal injury attorney is another common mistake. Evidence can be lost, witnesses may become harder to locate, and strict deadlines apply to personal injury claims in New York.

In most cases, victims have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit under New York’s statute of limitations. However, specific circumstances—such as claims involving government entities—may require shorter filing periods.

By contacting this car accident attorney in Long Island early, victims gain immediate legal protection and guidance through the claims process. The Law Office of Carl Maltese assists clients from the initial investigation through settlement negotiations or trial, ensuring every legal detail is properly handled.

How The Law Office of Carl Maltese Can Help

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident is often complex, and even small missteps can jeopardize the outcome of a claim. The Law Office of Carl Maltese provides skilled representation to Long Island car accident victims, guiding them through each stage of the recovery process.

The firm helps clients by:

• Conducting thorough investigations into the cause of the crash.

• Gathering and preserving critical evidence.

• Communicating with insurance companies on the client’s behalf.

• Negotiating for fair and comprehensive settlements.

• Preparing strong litigation strategies when necessary.

With decades of experience in personal injury law, the firm is dedicated to helping accident victims secure the compensation they deserve while protecting their rights under New York law. Reach out today for a free consultation​.