If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Anna, Texas, the actions you take immediately after the crash can significantly impact your physical recovery and your legal claim. At David K. Wilson & Associates, we’ve spent over 40 years helping injury victims in North Texas, and we’ve seen firsthand how easily mistakes are often made in the confusion and stress of an accident can cost people the compensation they deserve. Below are some of the most common (and costly) mistakes to avoid after an accident, along with how our firm helps you protect your rights from day one. 

Delaying Medical Attention 

One of the biggest mistakes accident victims make is not seeking medical attention immediately. Whether due to shock, adrenaline, or concerns over cost, many people “tough it out” or assume minor pain will go away. However, injuries like concussions, internal trauma, or soft tissue damage can worsen over time. According to 2022 crash reports, Anna saw 259 crashes, with six serious injury accidents and five fatalities. Even in seemingly minor accidents, medical documentation is critical not only for your health but also for proving your injury in a legal claim. Delaying care gives insurance companies an excuse to argue your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the crash. 

Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Too Soon 

After an accident, you may get a call from the other driver’s insurance adjuster, sometimes within hours. They may sound helpful or concerned, but their job is to protect the insurance company’s interests, not yours. These adjusters are trained to ask questions that lead you to admit fault, minimize your injuries, or accept a quick, lowball settlement. That’s why you should never speak to an insurance company before contacting our office. At David K. Wilson & Associates, we handle all communication with adjusters to ensure your words aren’t twisted or used against you. 

Accepting the First Settlement Offer 

In many cases, insurance companies will offer a quick settlement soon after the accident, hoping you’ll take the money before fully understanding the extent of your injuries or losses. These initial offers rarely cover long-term needs such as future surgeries, physical therapy, lost income, or emotional trauma. Especially in cases involving serious injuries or wrongful death, these damages can be significant. With a 51% increase in traffic-related deaths in Collin County in 2022, many local crashes result in life-altering consequences. Our firm ensures that any settlement fully accounts for both current and future expenses, not just what’s immediately apparent. 

Failing to Preserve Evidence 

In the aftermath of an accident, many victims overlook the importance of collecting and preserving evidence. If you’re physically able, it’s essential to take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, injuries, and anything else that may support your case. Collect contact information from witnesses and ensure you get a copy of the police report. If you don’t have this documentation, we can still help; however, early evidence often makes a significant difference in proving fault and securing maximum compensation. 

Not Documenting Your Recovery 

Another mistake we frequently see is the failure to track how the injury impacts your life. Medical records are important, but they don’t tell the whole story. We recommend keeping a "pain journal" where you record your symptoms, how they affect your daily activities, missed workdays, and emotional struggles. This type of record helps support claims for pain and suffering, which insurance companies often ignore or undervalue. 

Waiting Too Long to File a Claim 

Texas has a strict two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but you shouldn’t wait that long to take action. The sooner we get involved, the more effectively we can collect evidence, speak with witnesses, and build your case. In serious injury or wrongful death cases, acting quickly is even more critical. If you miss the deadline, you lose your right to seek compensation, no matter how valid your claim is. 

Overlooking Hidden Damages 

Accident victims often focus on visible costs, such as emergency care or car repairs, but long-term effects are frequently overlooked. Hidden damages might include future medical treatments, reduced earning capacity, counseling for trauma or PTSD, and diminished quality of life. At David K. Wilson & Associates, we dig deep to uncover the full scope of your losses and ensure every dollar you’re owed is included in your claim. 

Why Choose David K. Wilson & Associates? 

With over four decades of experience handling personal injury cases in Anna and throughout North Texas, David K. Wilson brings a combination of local knowledge, proven legal skill, and a commitment to personal service. He has built a reputation for standing up to insurance companies and holding negligent parties accountable. Unlike large firms where you’re just another file number, we treat every client like a neighbor, because we are part of this community. 

What You Should Do Now 

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in Anna, don’t let avoidable mistakes derail your case. Seek medical attention immediately, avoid speaking with insurance adjusters, and reach out to our team before making any decisions about settlements or legal action. 

Contact David K. Wilson & Associates today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here to protect your rights and fight for the full compensation you need to move forward.