Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subsrcibe Where You Get Your Podcasts Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Youtube Music | RSS
Hi everyone! Kelly McCue here, owner of The Law Office of Kelly McCue based in St. Petersburg. If you’ve ever been involved in a sudden crash at a busy intersection like 66th Street North and Tyrone Boulevard, you know how quickly adrenaline takes over. Your heart is pounding, your hands are shaking, and your mind is racing to figure out what just happened. In those intense moments right after a collision, it is completely normal to feel confused and unsure of what to do next. However, the choices you make in the hours and days following a wreck can either protect your health and your rights, or completely derail your ability to recover money for your damages. Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do.
One of the most common mistakes people make at the crash site is simply trying to be polite. It is human nature to walk up to the other driver and say “I’m so sorry” or “I didn’t see you coming.” While you might just be trying to calm the situation down, an insurance adjuster will view those words as a direct confession of fault. The same thing goes for telling the investigating officer or the other driver that you are “doing fine.” In the immediate aftermath of a wreck, shock masks physical pain. Claiming you are unhurt before a medical professional actually examines you gives the insurance company an easy reason to deny that the crash caused your injuries later on.
Another serious error is agreeing to handle things “off the record” without calling law enforcement. The other driver might try to persuade you not to call the police, promising to pay for your repairs out of pocket. But once they drive away from the scene, people frequently change their stories, turn off their phones, or deny they were ever there. Always call the police so an official crash report is created. While waiting for officers to arrive, use your phone to capture clear photos of vehicle positions, road conditions, and damage. Without an official police report and scene pictures, proving what actually happened becomes an uphill battle.
In the days following the crash, you can expect a phone call from the other driver’s insurance adjuster asking for a recorded statement. They often sound friendly, helpful, and concerned about your well-being. But remember, their primary goal is to protect their company’s bank account, not to help you. Giving a recorded statement without legal advice allows them to ask tricky questions designed to twist your words. Similarly, avoid posting anything about the accident, your injuries, or your daily activities on social media. Insurance companies routinely monitor Facebook and Instagram accounts, looking for photos of you smiling or out with friends to argue that your injuries are not actually serious.
Finally, stopping your medical care too early or missing recommended therapy appointments can severely harm your recovery. If you skip doctor visits or stop going to treatment before your physician clears you, the insurance adjuster will claim that your injuries have fully healed or that you simply do not care about getting better. Following your doctor’s instructions closely creates a clear, undeniable record of your healing journey.
Avoiding these common traps gives you the best possible chance at moving forward with confidence. If you have questions about how to handle the insurance company after a wreck, having a dedicated professional in your corner helps ensure you do not fall into their traps.
Until next time, this is Kelly McCue reminding you, if you’re dealing with this right now, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Call me at 727-873-0910 and get clear answers today.
