You’ve just been in a car crash. Your heart is racing. You’re not sure what to do next. Before you talk to anyone (or agree to anything) there are three big mistakes you need to avoid. These mistakes can cost you thousands of dollars and seriously damage your ability to recover compensation for your injuries.
Whether you’re on I-465, heading through downtown Indianapolis, or cruising the backroads of Johnson County, this advice applies to anyone involved in a crash. Here’s what every Indiana injury victim should know about what to do after a car crash. And most importantly, what not to do.
Mistake #1: Not Talking to an Injury Attorney
Let’s get this out of the way: Insurance companies are not your friend. They are not on your side. And they’re not looking out for your best interest no matter how friendly they sound.
Insurance adjusters are trained to act concerned. They’ll call you up, ask how you’re doing, and sound genuinely sympathetic. But make no mistake, their goal is to settle your claim as quickly and cheaply as possible. And that often means paying you far less than you deserve.
In Indiana, many people try to handle car crash claims on their own. Sometimes that works out, like when there’s only property damage or a single visit to the doctor to get checked out. But if there’s an ambulance ride, an emergency room bill, or anything beyond the most minor of injuries, trying to settle on your own is risky business.
The first few days and weeks after a crash are critical. It’s when key evidence gets lost. It’s when your injuries need to be documented. And it’s when insurance companies are at their most persuasive. They’ll offer you quick money to sign away your rights before you even know how badly you’re hurt, maybe $2,000 or $5,000. But that’s not compassion. It’s strategy.
Even if you’re not sure you need legal representation, a quick call to an Indiana injury attorney can give you clarity. A short conversation can help you understand whether you have a strong case, and whether the insurance company is playing games.
Mistake #2: Giving a Recorded Statement
One of the biggest traps in any Indiana injury case is the “recorded statement.” It sounds harmless enough. An adjuster might say, “Hey, I just need to ask you a few questions for our records.” But what they’re really trying to do is get you to say something that weakens your case.
They’ll ask things like:
- “Is there anything you could have done differently to avoid the crash?”
- “Weren’t you dealing with some back pain a few years ago?”
- “Wouldn’t you agree this wasn’t that serious?”
Their job is to get you on record saying things that can be used against you later. In Indiana, it’s legal to record a conversation with only one-party consent. That means the insurance company can be recording your call even if you don’t know it. Often, they’ll ask for your permission directly, but once you agree, the questions start flowing and they’re rarely in your favor.
Remember: You are under no legal obligation to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Before you speak to anyone, talk to a personal injury attorney in Indiana. We can help you avoid landmines and protect your rights.
Mistake #3: Believing the Insurance Company Is on Your Side
If you take only one thing away from this blog, let it be this: Insurance companies are not your ally.
The adjuster’s job isn’t to be fair, it’s to save their company money. Their bonuses, evaluations, and promotions often depend on how little they pay on claims. This isn’t speculation. It’s reality. In fact, insurance adjusters attend conferences and training sessions on how to settle injury claims for less.
Think about that for a second: While you’re dealing with pain, lost work, medical bills, and the stress of getting your life back on track, they’re in a resort learning how to pay you less.
And the best way for them to minimize your payout? Convince you they’re here to help. Make you feel like there’s no need to get an attorney involved. Reassure you that they’ll take care of everything. Just as long as you sign the dotted line.
Don’t fall for it. If you’ve been injured, and someone is pressuring you to settle fast, that’s a huge red flag. You need someone who’s actually on your side. That’s what an Indiana injury lawyer does: fights for you, not against you.
What You Should Do After a Car Crash in Indiana
Now that we’ve covered what not to do, let’s take a look at the steps you should take if you’re involved in a crash:
1. Get Medical Attention Right Away
Even if you feel “mostly okay,” it’s important to get checked out. Injuries like whiplash, soft tissue damage, and concussions can take time to show up. In Indiana, waiting too long to see a doctor can hurt your case and your health. Aim to be seen within 14 days of the crash, even if it’s through a telehealth appointment.
2. File a Police Report
Always make sure there’s an official record. A police report can serve as vital evidence down the road, especially if the other driver later changes their story or the insurance company disputes fault.
3. Document Everything
Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, and any visible injuries. If you go to the ER or visit a chiropractor, save all the paperwork. Keep a journal of your symptoms. The more documentation you have, the better.
4. Don’t Post on Social Media
That innocent picture of you at a family cookout can be twisted to argue that you’re “not really hurt.” Insurance companies love to snoop, and social media is their favorite playground.
5. Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney Before You Talk to Insurance
Not sure if you have a case? Not sure what your injury is worth? That’s what an attorney is for. A free consultation with an injury attorney in Indiana can give you peace of mind and keep you from making a costly mistake.
Indiana Injury Victims Deserve Better
A car crash can turn your life upside down. You’ve got medical bills, missed work, and pain that doesn’t go away just because the car is fixed. Don’t let an insurance company take advantage of you while you’re vulnerable.
If you’ve been injured in a car crash, make the right call. Speak to a trusted Indiana injury attorney who knows how the system works to help you get fair compensation.
At the Marc Lopez Law Firm, we’re here to guide you through the chaos and give you the tools to fight back. Let us handle the paperwork, the insurance calls, and the negotiations. You focus on healing. We’ll focus on holding the responsible party accountable.
Call us today at 463-238-4579 and let us turn your frustration into compensation.
