Article source: Singleton Schreiber Injury Attorneys
Getting hurt in an accident can turn your life upside down. One moment everything feels normal, and the next you’re dealing with pain, doctor visits, missed work, and stress about money. When you decide to file a personal injury claim, you might think the hardest part is over. But the truth is, small mistakes can quietly damage your case before you even realize it. Some of these slip-ups seem harmless at first, yet they can cost you time, support, and fair compensation.
In a place like Rio Rancho, where busy roads, growing neighborhoods, and everyday activities bring people together, accidents can happen more often than we expect. Knowing how to protect your claim early on can make a huge difference. That’s where a Rio Rancho personal injury lawyer from Singleton Schreiber can help guide you through the process and point out risks you may not even see.
This article breaks down five common mistakes that can hurt your personal injury claim. No legal jargon. No scare tactics. Just clear, practical advice to help you avoid trouble and stay in control of your case from the start.
1. Waiting Too Long to Get Medical Care
Pain can hide at first. Adrenaline does that. But delays hurt your claim.
Insurance companies look for gaps in your claim. If you wait days or weeks, they may argue your injury came from something else.
New Mexico law also sets limits on timing. Under NMSA § 37-1-8, you usually have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss that window, and your case can be thrown out.
Protect yourself:
- See a doctor the same day if you can
- Follow the treatment plan
- Keep copies of records
Small delays become big problems later.
2. Talking Too Freely with Insurance Adjusters
Adjusters sound friendly. They are trained to be. Their job is to lower payouts.
They may ask for a recorded statement. You do not have to give one. Anything you say can be used to weaken your claim.
Watch for questions like:
- “How are you feeling today?”
- “Do you think you’re partly at fault?”
- “You seem to be recovering fast, right?”
Short answers help. Guessing hurts.
3. Posting About the Accident on Social Media
One photo can undo months of work. A picture of you smiling at a birthday party may be used to say you are not injured. Even if you were in pain the whole time. Insurance teams check public posts.
Play it safe:
- Do not post about the accident
- Avoid sharing health updates
- Ask friends not to tag you
Silence online protects your case.
4. Skipping Follow-Up Appointments
Gaps in treatment raise doubts. If you miss visits, insurers may argue:
- You healed
- You were never badly hurt
- You made the injury worse yourself
New Mexico follows pure comparative negligence under NMSA § 41-3A-1. If they prove you added to your harm, your compensation can drop.
Even a 20% fault finding cuts your payout by 20%.
5. Taking the First Settlement Offer
Early offers save insurers money. They often arrive before you know the full cost of:
- Future care
- Lost income
- Long-term pain
Once you accept, you cannot ask for more. That check may look helpful now. It often costs you later.
Key Takeaways
- Get medical care right away and keep all records.
- Be careful when speaking with insurance adjusters. Short answers only.
- Stay off social media and avoid posting about your injury or recovery.
- Go to every follow-up appointment and stick to your treatment plan.
- Do not rush into accepting the first settlement offer.
