After getting into an accident in Ohio, your focus is likely on recovering from your injuries. However, some actions you do during this time could unintentionally reduce the compensation you may receive. Knowing what insurance companies look for can help prevent this from happening.
Waiting too long to seek medical care
Delays in medical treatment can create problems for your health and your case for several reasons:
- Insurance adjusters may claim another event or activity caused your injuries instead of the accident
- Doctors have a harder time documenting how serious your condition is without early exams or imaging
- Defense attorneys may argue that serious injuries would have led you to seek care right away
- Your memory of the accident and your symptoms may fade, which can lead to inconsistent testimony
Swift medical care helps create a clear medical record that links your injuries to the accident. Even if you feel fine, an exam can discover injuries that have yet to show symptoms, protecting both your health and your legal interests.
Posting on social media after your accident
Social media has become a powerful investigative tool for insurers evaluating injury claims. While your case is still pending, you might want to consider:
- Avoiding discussions of your accident, injuries, recovery progress or legal proceedings on any platform
- Asking friends and family not to tag you in posts, photos or location check-ins
- Reviewing your privacy settings and limiting who can view your content, though this does not guarantee protection from legal discovery
- Resisting the urge to respond to comments or messages about your condition
Insurance companies look closely at posts that conflict with what you report in your claim. If you say that you cannot lift objects due to a back injury, a photo of you holding a child or carrying groceries might raise questions about your current condition. The context might not matter during the evaluation process.
Giving recorded statements without legal guidance
The Insurance Information Institute reports that the average auto liability claim for bodily injury reached $28,278 in 2024. Given the significant value of these payouts, insurers investigate them meticulously.
The process typically begins when an insurance adjuster contacts you to request a recorded statement shortly after the accident. They use this opportunity to gather facts, evaluate the liability and determine a potential settlement based on the evidence.
While these conversations are routine for adjusters, they can be unfamiliar territory for most people. Without preparation, you may forget to mention certain symptoms or refer to a prior injury without explaining how it differs from your current condition. The insurer records and transcribes your statement and places it in your case file for future review.
For this reason, speaking with an attorney before giving a recorded statement can help protect your claim. Legal counsel can explain what to expect, help you prepare for common questions and point out topics that could create issues. If you have already spoken to an adjuster, an attorney can review the transcript, clarify any mistakes and manage future communications with the insurer.