After a minor car accident, the aftermath often feels overwhelming—even when there’s no major damage or injuries. You might be shaken up, unsure what steps to take, and worried about insurance or repair costs.
At The Tourigny Law Firm, I see clients across Kansas and Missouri who make well-meaning decisions that cause trouble later. Having a motor vehicle accident attorney guiding you can make a real difference in preserving your rights and options.
Let’s walk you through five common mistakes people make after a minor car accident. I’ll show you how working with a motor vehicle accident attorney helps you avoid these pitfalls and protects your interests. Whether your accident was in Kansas City, MO, or somewhere else in Missouri or Kansas, reach out to me, Greg Tourigny, Attorney at Law, for legal guidance today.
1. Not Calling a Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Early On
One of the biggest errors is waiting too long to contact legal help. Many people think if the accident is “minor,” they can handle things themselves. But small accidents often conceal hidden costs or injuries that emerge later.
If you call a motor vehicle accident attorney right after the collision, I can:
Advise you on how to talk to insurance companies without jeopardizing your rights
Preserve evidence before it disappears
Help prevent you from accepting a low-ball settlement
Monitor statute of limitations so you don’t lose your chance to claim
By delaying, someone might pressure you into signing away future claims or accepting settlements that don’t cover everything. At The Tourigny Law Firm, I often step in to correct rushed decisions clients made before they talked to me. Don’t wait—reach out to my Kansas City, MO office and let me help you.
2. Admitting Fault or Over-Apologizing
It’s human nature to say “I’m sorry” after a collision, even when you’re not at fault. But those kinds of statements can be used against you.
Before you speak to insurers or other drivers, you need solid advice from a motor vehicle accident attorney. Here are dangers in admitting fault or over-apologizing:
Statements can be recorded: Insurance adjusters may use any admission as leverage.
It might affect liability: A casual “I’m sorry” may be twisted into an admission of legal responsibility.
It reduces your bargaining power: Once fault is acknowledged, you have less room to claim additional damages.
Instead, I tell my clients to keep things simple: exchange required information, take pictures, get witness names, and avoid making statements about fault. Let a lawyer do the talking from then on. A motor vehicle accident attorney can write to insurers and preserve your rights.
After the initial shock, resisting the urge to apologize or comment helps hold your position strong. That’s one thing I stress at The Tourigny Law Firm—stay quiet, gather evidence, reach out, and let your motor vehicle accident attorney deal with demands.
3. Failing to Document Everything
You’ll regret it if you don’t capture all the details right after the incident. Many people assume their memory or basic notes will suffice—and later find vital evidence is lost. A motor vehicle accident attorney can guide you on precisely what to record.
Here’s what you should document:
Vehicle damage photos: All angles—front, back, sides, interior, and license plates
Scene photos: Road conditions, skid marks, nearby signs, traffic control devices
Injuries and medical observations: Any pain, swelling, or bruises—even if minor
Weather and lighting: Could affect fault or visibility
Statements from witnesses: Names, contact information, what they saw
You want a clear timeline and a visual record. In my Kansas City, MO office, I’ve seen clients miss key shots of road debris or skid marks and later lose critical leverage. A motor vehicle accident attorney working with you early can help you gather these building blocks so your claim is solid.
Don’t let time fade the proof. When you report to insurers or make a claim, documentation is strength—and having me assist assures you preserve what counts before it disappears.
4. Communicating Poorly With Insurers
Insurers can be friendly at first—but their bottom line is to minimize payouts. Mistakes in communicating or handling your claim can sabotage your recovery. Using a motor vehicle accident attorney helps keep things appropriate and strategic from day one.
Some common communication errors include:
Accepting early offers too quickly: Insurance may float a low amount hoping you’ll accept.
Providing unnecessary details: Over-sharing your medical history, unrelated prior injuries, or full recorded statements can hurt.
Missing deadlines or paperwork: Insurance companies often require forms or responses in strict timeframes.
Posting on social media: Statements or photos could be twisted and used against you.
When clients hire me, I take over the interactions, correspondences, and demands. A motor vehicle accident attorney monitors insurer behavior, pushes back when needed, and holds them accountable. I protect you from traps you didn’t even see coming.
Even a single misstep in communication can have long-term consequences for your claim. Something as simple as answering a casual question from an adjuster or sharing a photo online can be taken out of context and used to diminish your credibility.
Insurers often look for inconsistencies between what you say and what’s in their records, so remaining cautious is vital. Keeping written copies of all correspondence, notes from phone calls, and claim numbers helps maintain transparency and organization.
Having a motor vehicle accident attorney handle these exchanges not only prevents misunderstandings but also strengthens your overall position during negotiations.
Before sending anything or agreeing to meet with insurers, talk with me. I’ll review what’s fair, draft responses, and make sure your rights aren’t undercut.
5. Settling Too Early or Without Full Information
One of the worst mistakes is accepting a settlement before you've assessed all your losses—especially medical ones. A “minor” whiplash injury or concussion could show up days or weeks later. Settling too soon may leave you stuck with leftover costs.
Here are common pitfalls of premature settlements:
You haven’t gotten all doctor or therapy bills
You don’t yet know the full extent of injuries or chronic effects
You lack future costs like rehabilitation, pain and suffering, lost wages
You’re pressured by adjusters to sign waivers for additional claims
A motor vehicle accident attorney helps you delay settlement until you've collected all necessary medical records and projected future costs.
A premature settlement can also prevent you from accurately measuring how the accident has affected your daily life. You might think the inconvenience or pain will fade quickly, only to realize weeks later that tasks like driving, working, or sleeping are still difficult.
Once a settlement is signed, reopening a claim is nearly impossible, even if new symptoms appear or expenses increase. Waiting allows time for medical professionals to provide a full diagnosis and for you to understand the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the accident.
Patience and proper legal guidance can make the difference between fair recovery and lasting regret.
Contact a Skilled Attorney Today
You don’t have to face this alone. Reach out to The Tourigny Law Firm LLC in Kansas City, Missouri, today. As an experienced personal injury attorney, I can review your case, protect your rights, and guide your next steps. If you’re based anywhere in Missouri or Kansas and need legal guidance, contact me today to get started.
