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A car accident in Georgia can be overwhelming. In just seconds, you may be facing injuries, mounting medical bills, and confusion about what to do next. Unfortunately, many accident victims make avoidable mistakes that weaken their personal injury claims and reduce their chances of recovering fair compensation.
At Kevin Patrick Law, we’ve seen these pitfalls time and time again. The good news is that by learning what to avoid, you can protect your health, your case, and your financial future. Below are the top mistakes after a Georgia car accident — and how to make sure they don’t cost you your rights.
Some drivers try to handle accidents privately, exchanging phone numbers and moving on. This is a serious mistake.
Without a police report, there’s no official record of the crash.
Insurance companies may dispute your version of events.
Fault may be harder to prove later.
👉 Always call 911 and request that an officer document the accident. This report often becomes one of the most important pieces of evidence in your case.
Many victims try to “tough it out,” hoping their pain will go away. This delay can harm both your health and your claim.
Injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding may not show symptoms immediately.
Insurance companies argue that if you waited to see a doctor, your injuries must not have been serious.
Gaps in medical treatment weaken your case.
👉 Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Early documentation links your injuries directly to the accident.
It’s natural to feel shaken and apologetic after a crash, but even a simple “I’m sorry” can be twisted into an admission of liability.
Fault is a legal determination, not something to decide on the roadside.
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33). If you’re found 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover compensation.
Casual comments can be used by insurers to reduce or deny your claim.
👉 Stick to the facts when speaking to police. Avoid speculation or apologies.
Soon after an accident, insurance adjusters may call you asking for a statement. They may sound friendly, but their job is to protect the insurance company — not you.
Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts.
They may ask leading questions designed to get you to admit partial fault.
Recorded statements can later be used against you.
👉 Never give a detailed statement or sign paperwork without consulting an attorney. Kevin Patrick Law can handle communications to ensure your rights are protected.
Insurance companies often make quick settlement offers after a crash. While the money may seem tempting, these offers are usually far below the true value of your claim.
Initial offers rarely cover future medical costs, rehabilitation, or lost earning capacity.
Once you accept, you cannot go back for more — even if your injuries worsen.
👉 Always have a lawyer review any settlement offer. Kevin Patrick Law carefully calculates the full value of your damages before negotiating.
In today’s world, it’s natural to update friends and family online. But after an accident, social media posts can backfire.
Insurance companies may monitor your accounts.
A smiling photo or post about weekend activities could be used to argue that you aren’t seriously injured.
Privacy settings don’t always keep insurers from accessing your posts.
👉 Avoid posting about your accident, injuries, or recovery. Better yet, stay off social media until your case is resolved.
Some victims try to handle claims on their own, only contacting a lawyer if things go wrong. This delay can weaken your case.
Important evidence may be lost.
Insurance companies may drag out negotiations.
You may risk missing Georgia’s two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33).
👉 The earlier you involve an attorney, the stronger your case will be. At Kevin Patrick Law, we begin building trial-ready cases from day one.
When you work with Kevin Patrick Law after a Georgia car accident, you don’t have to worry about these pitfalls. Our team:
Guides you from the start with clear advice on what to do (and what not to do).
Protects you from insurance tactics designed to reduce your compensation.
Handles paperwork and deadlines so you never risk missing critical dates.
Prepares cases for trial, ensuring insurance companies take your claim seriously.
This proactive approach gives our clients peace of mind and often leads to stronger settlements.
Car accidents are stressful, and it’s easy to make mistakes in the aftermath. But avoiding these errors — from delaying medical care to speaking with insurers unprotected — can make a huge difference in the outcome of your claim.
At Kevin Patrick Law, we’ve built our practice on helping Georgia accident victims avoid these pitfalls and fight for the compensation they deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a Georgia car accident, don’t take chances. Call Kevin Patrick Law today for a free consultation and let us protect your rights every step of the way.
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