Common Personal Injury Mistakes in Idaho

The moments following an accident don’t just shape your physical recovery–they define your financial future. While you’re reeling from shock and pain after a personal injury in Idaho’s Treasure Valley or Magic Valley, the clock is already ticking on crucial decisions that could make or break your claim.

Across Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Ontario, and Twin Falls, accident victims unwittingly sabotage their own cases every day, leaving thousands of dollars in rightful compensation forever out of reach. The truth is harsh but necessary: the same injury can lead to a life-changing settlement or absolutely nothing, depending entirely on the actions you take when you’re at your most vulnerable.

At Johnson & Lundgreen, we’ve seen how avoidable errors can cost accident victims time and money. This guide will highlight some of the most common mistakes people make after a personal injury in Idaho—and how you can avoid them.

Failing to Seek Medical Attention Right Away

One of the biggest mistakes personal injury victims make is not seeking medical care immediately after an accident. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. Even if you feel fine, delaying medical treatment can harm both your health and your claim. Gaps in treatment also invite the insurer to deny a claim and can make proving the injury was caused by the accident difficult.

Insurance companies often argue that a delay or gap in medical treatment means:

Your injuries weren’t serious, or
They weren’t caused by the accident.

To protect yourself, always see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident—even if you think your injuries are minor. Keep following up with medical providers until you have recovered.

Not Calling the Police or Reporting the Accident

Whether you’re in a car accident, slip and fall, or workplace incident, official documentation is crucial. Failing to call the police or report the accident can make it harder to prove what happened.

In car accidents, a police report provides an official record of the crash, including important details like who was at fault.
In slip-and-fall cases, reporting the incident to the property owner or manager ensures a record of the hazardous condition.

Always get a copy of the accident report, as it will be valuable evidence in your personal injury case.

Admitting Fault or Apologizing

After an accident, it’s natural to want to say, “I’m sorry.” However, even a simple apology can be used against you by insurance companies. Anything you say at the scene, or even later on social media, can be twisted into an admission of fault or full statement on your injuries.

Instead, stick to the facts when speaking with police, insurance adjusters, or the other party involved. Let your attorney handle all statements on your behalf.

Talking to Insurance Companies Without Legal Advice

Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their goal is to pay you as little as possible—or deny your claim altogether. A common mistake victims make is speaking to the insurance company without consulting a lawyer first.

Beware of these common tactics:

Asking for a recorded statement: Anything you say can be used against you.
Offering a quick settlement: Early offers are often much lower than what your claim is worth.
Pressuring you to accept blame: They may try to make you admit partial fault to reduce your payout.

Before talking to the insurance company, consult with a personal injury attorney to ensure you don’t say anything that could harm your case.

Accepting the First Settlement Offer

Insurance companies often make lowball offers shortly after an accident, hoping victims will accept before they realize the full extent of their injuries and damages. Once you accept a settlement, you can’t ask for more money later, even if your medical bills increase.

A lawyer can review the offer and negotiate for fair compensation that covers your:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Future rehabilitation costs

Never accept a settlement without understanding the full value of your case.

Posting About the Accident on Social Media

Social media can harm your case more than you think. Insurance companies monitor social media and can use your posts, pictures, or comments against you.

For example:

If you post a photo of yourself smiling at a family event, they may argue you aren’t seriously injured.
Discussion of photos showing you participating in activities indicates you were feeling well. Nobody ever posts follow-up photos of icing an injury, or going to bed early after overdoing it.
If you say something like “I didn’t see the car coming”, they may twist it to suggest you were not paying attention and therefore, at fault.

It’s best to avoid posting anything about your accident or injuries online until your case is resolved.

Not Gathering Evidence at the Scene

If you’re physically able, collecting evidence at the accident scene can strengthen your claim. Too many people rely solely on police reports, which may not capture all the details.

Important evidence includes:

Photos of the accident scene: Skid marks, vehicle damage, hazardous conditions, etc.
Witness contact information: Their statements can support your case.
Medical records and bills: Proof of your injuries and treatment.

The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.

Waiting Too Long to File a Claim

Idaho has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you wait too long, you lose your right to compensation.

In most personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
In cases against government entities, and a few other situations, the deadline is 180 days.

Don’t wait—contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed on time.

Trying to Handle the Case Alone

Many people believe they can handle their personal injury claim without legal representation, but insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize payouts. Without an experienced Idaho personal injury attorney, you risk:

Settling for far less than you deserve
Making legal mistakes that hurt your case
Struggling to gather the right evidence

An attorney levels the playing field and fights for your rights so you can focus on healing.

Injured in Idaho? Johnson & Lundgreen Can Help

If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, or Twin Falls, don’t make these costly mistakes. At Johnson & Lundgreen, we’ll guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.