The #1 Mistake Victims Make After a Crash (And How to Avoid It)

The #1 Mistake: Talking to the Insurance Company Without a Lawyer

It sounds harmless enough. You just got rear-ended. The other driver’s insurance calls and asks for “your side of the story.”

They might say:

• “We just need to confirm a few details.”
  
• “This is just a routine investigation.”
  
• “This won’t affect your claim, it’s just a formality.”

But here’s the truth: that adjuster is trained to save their company money, not to help you.

What you say to them can and will be used against you to:

• Reduce your payout
• Shift blame onto you
• Claim your injuries aren’t that serious
• Pressure you into a lowball settlement

At Big Auto, we’ve seen it all, and we’ve cleaned up the mess when victims called too late.

Real-World Example: A Minor Crash with Major Consequences

One of our clients was in a “minor” fender bender near Houston. The damage looked small, so they told the insurance adjuster: “I’m fine, just shaken up.”

Within 48 hours, they were in the ER with debilitating neck and back pain. But the insurance company denied the claim, pointing to the recorded call as proof the injury wasn’t serious.

That’s how they operate.

Fortunately, Big Auto stepped in, gathered medical evidence, interviewed witnesses, and forced a fair settlement, but it took time and legal firepower.

Don’t let this happen to you.

Don’t talk to insurance. Talk to us first.

Why This Mistake Is So Common

After a crash, you want to do the right thing. You want to be honest, cooperative, and efficient. But that instinct can work against you when dealing with billion-dollar insurance companies.

Here’s what most people don’t realize:

• Insurance adjusters are not neutral. They’re trained to ask leading questions and record answers that help them close your case, cheaply.
  
• Even saying “I’m okay” can hurt you. It downplays your injuries and gives them ammunition to deny medical claims.
  
• They’ll pressure you to settle early. Once you accept a check, you usually can’t go back, even if your injuries get worse.

Injured in Atlanta, Phoenix, Orlando, or Detroit? Big Auto knows how local insurers operate, and how to shut their games down before they start.

How to Avoid the #1 Mistake After a Crash

Here’s what you should do instead:

1. Get Medical Attention First

Even if you feel “fine,” see a doctor within 24–48 hours. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, and spinal trauma can take time to appear.

Medical records are your best defense.

2. Report the Crash to Authorities

File a police report, especially if you're in a high-traffic crash zone like I-285 in Georgia or I-75 in Florida. It adds credibility and gives your attorney something solid to work with.

3. Collect Evidence at the Scene

Take photos, get witness names, and jot down your version of events. Don’t rely on memory, facts fade fast.

4. Politely Decline Insurance Interviews

You can notify your insurance company about the crash, but if they want a recorded statement, say:
“I’m consulting legal counsel first.”

That one sentence could save your case.

5. Call Big Auto Before Anyone Else

We’ll deal with the insurance company so you don’t have to. We’ll also:

• Preserve crucial evidence
  
• Coordinate your medical care
  
• Handle all negotiations and paperwork
  
• Fight for full and fair compensation

What the Insurance Company Doesn’t Want You to Know

Here’s what they won’t tell you, but we will:

• You’re entitled to compensation for more than just medical bills. This includes lost income, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and future care.
  
• They may spy on your social media or hire investigators to catch you doing “normal” things to downplay your injury.
  
• Once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back for more, even if your condition worsens.

You get one shot at full recovery. Make it count.

Big Auto Fights Back, So You Don’t Have To

When Big Auto takes your case, the insurance companies know they’re dealing with a serious contender.

We’ve fought, and won, cases involving:

• Catastrophic injuries
  
• Multi-vehicle crashes
  
• Rideshare and commercial vehicle collisions
  
• Wrongful death claims
  
• Denied or delayed insurance benefits

Our teams across Arizona, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan are built to move fast, hit hard, and get results, in or out of court.

We don’t just file claims.
We build powerful cases backed by medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and insider knowledge of how these insurers work.

Call Big Auto Before It’s Too Late

If you've been in a crash, even a “minor” one, don’t wait. Don’t talk to insurance. And whatever you do, don’t go it alone.

Call Big Auto now for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll:

• Review your case
  
• Explain your rights
  
• Step in and take over the fight

There’s no cost to you unless we win, and we don’t back down from a challenge.

Don’t let one mistake cost you everything. Let Big Auto fight for your recovery, your future, and your peace of mind.