The Biggest Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident on Long Island

It’s entirely normal to feel overwhelmed right after a car accident. From dealing with injuries to assessing vehicle damage and figuring out what to do next, many victims are simply trying to get through a stressful and unfamiliar situation as quickly as possible.

But what many people don’t realize is that the decisions you make immediately after a crash can have a lasting impact on your ability to recover compensation.

And on Long Island, these situations present themselves far more often than you might expect. With heavily congested roadways across Suffolk and Nassau Counties, accidents are unfortunately a harsh risk of being a Long Island resident.

According to the NYS DMV Open Data Portal, Suffolk County saw a total of 40,799 crashes in 2024, 10,902 of which resulted in injuries, and 109 of which were fatal. Meanwhile, Nassau County followed closely behind, with 39,177 crashes in 2024. Of these accidents, 10,775 resulted in injuries, and 65 were fatal.

With so many accidents occurring throughout Long Island each year, knowing what to do (and what to avoid) is crucial. Yet, despite how common crashes are, we routinely see victims make the following preventable mistakes that ultimately complicate their personal injury claims and cost them in the long run.

1. Failing To Call 911 

Calling the police might seem like an obvious first step after you get into an accident. But if the vehicle damage initially seems minor, some victims may opt not to dial 911, which is a huge mistake right off the bat.

First, contacting the authorities ensures that an official report of your accident is created. This report can become a key piece of evidence should you choose to pursue a personal injury claim later. And without it, proving what happened, as well as who was at fault, could become more challenging.

Secondly, remember that certain injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue damage, can take time to develop. Moreover, the rush of adrenaline after an accident can temporarily mask pain. Calling first responders to the scene ensures that medical help can be dispatched if necessary.

2. Delaying Medical Attention

Similarly, some victims may call 911 to the scene of their accident but still decline to get evaluated by first responders or taken to the hospital. Again, they may believe they feel “fine” due to the shock of the situation, only to begin experiencing accident-related pain hours or days later.

Delaying medical treatment is a major error because not only can it potentially worsen your condition, but it also gives insurance companies reason to question whether your injuries were actually caused by the accident. Because the more time that elapses between your crash and the time you visit the doctor, the more insurance adjusters will try to argue it happened elsewhere.

That’s why seeking prompt medical care is key. No matter how “fine” you feel, visit the doctor to create clear documentation of your injuries. It will protect both your health and your claim.

3. Failing to Gather Evidence at the Scene

Now, if you are physically able to gather evidence at the scene of your car accident, doing so can make a big difference in the strength of your case.

Some of the most important pictures you should take include photos of any vehicle damage, debris, visible injuries, road conditions, and nearby traffic signals. Additionally, collect the contact information of any witnesses.

The more documentation you're able to gather from the scene, the stronger your claim will be from the start.

4. Assuming No-Fault Insurance Covers Everything

New York State does operate under a no-fault insurance system, which means your own insurance policy typically covers crash-related medical expenses and a portion of lost wages after an accident, regardless of who caused the crash.

But while this system provides Long Island residents with an important safety net, it’s still limited. For instance, under standard no-fault coverage, victims may be eligible to receive $50,000 in reimbursement for crash-related medical and rehabilitation costs, as well as 80% of lost wages. Lost wage reimbursement is also capped at $2,000 per month and may be received for up to three years.

So, it’s important to recognize that no-fault benefits are restricted and do not include compensation for other damages, like pain and suffering. Understanding these limitations is critical for deciding whether you should step outside the no-fault system, file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver, and pursue additional compensation.

5. Not Understanding Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

Another commonly overlooked issue involves uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM).

According to the Insurance Information Institute, an estimated 8.6% of New York State motorists were uninsured in 2023. And we’ve watched many Long Islanders find themselves in difficult situations after being hit by someone with little or no insurance, simply because they didn’t fully understand how their own UM/UIM coverage works.

Numerous drivers assume that just having this coverage listed on their policy is enough. However, one of the biggest misconceptions is that the $25,000 minimum coverage required in New York State is sufficient. In reality, this minimum often provides little to no meaningful protection in serious accidents.

For example, if the at-fault driver only carries the $25,000 minimum, your underinsured motorist coverage may not even be triggered unless your own policy limits exceed that amount. In other words, you may technically have coverage, but not enough for it to actually apply when you need it most.

Another misconception is that increasing UM/UIM coverage is very expensive. The truth? Raising your limits usually only costs an additional $10-$15 per month, and it can make a significant difference in your ability to recover compensation after a serious accident.

Finally, it’s crucial to make sure this coverage is in place before an accident occurs. Because adding or increasing UM/UIM coverage after will not apply retroactively to a prior crash.

6. Providing Recorded Statements to Insurance Companies

It’s not unusual for insurance adjusters to reach out quickly after an accident. Plus, they might even request a recorded statement from you.

This may seem like a routine step, but it can pose real risks to your personal injury claim. Adjusters might ask leading questions or, later in the claims process, take your statements out of context and try to use your own words against you.

Most of the time, you aren’t required to provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company, either. So, err on the side of caution and always speak to an attorney before providing any statements to insurers.

7. Accepting a Quick Settlement Offer 

On a similar note, insurance companies may rush to offer you a compensation package shortly after your accident. Some victims might view this as a positive thing, too, and it can be tempting to accept the offer in order to resolve the situation.

However, early offers are typically much lower than what your true claim may actually be worth, especially if the full extent of your injuries isn’t known yet.

It’s crucial to understand that once you accept a settlement, you cannot ask for additional compensation later, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than you thought. That’s why it’s a top priority to seek medical treatment early, get your injuries documented, and consult an experienced personal injury attorney who can help forecast both immediate and long-term expenses.

8. Posting on Social Media 

In 2026, it’s hard to find anyone who hasn’t shared at least some life updates online. Maybe you regularly post about career milestones on your LinkedIn, upload family photos to Facebook, or snap Instagram-worthy pictures of your morning walks for your story.

But no matter how mundane or innocent you think your posts might be, it’s important to refrain from social media following any accident.

“Social media posts that are public are low-hanging fruit for these insurance companies. It’s easy for them to find, and it’s already out there. So, you want to be super careful of what you put online,” shared Partner Lindsay Langella on her Instagram account, @TheLongIslandLawyeress.

Even something as simple as a photo of you walking your dog or attending a gathering could potentially be taken out of context and used to dispute your injuries. So, we highly recommend limiting social media activity until your case is resolved.

9. Waiting Too Long To Act 

Under New York State law, victims usually have three years from the date of their car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. But just because you have that much time doesn’t mean you should delay the process.

The truth is that waiting too long will make it harder to construct a strong case. Evidence from the scene may disappear, witness memories can fade, and important details might become more challenging to verify. Other delays, such as putting off medical treatment, can also raise questions about the cause or severity of your injuries. But perhaps the most detrimental mistake is waiting to consult a personal injury attorney. By involving an experienced attorney sooner rather than later, you can rest assured that evidence is preserved, deadlines are met, and communication with insurance companies is carefully handled.

Contact Langella & Langella, Long Island Personal Injury Attorneys

After spending over four decades helping car accident victims across Suffolk and Nassau Counties, our personal injury attorneys are experienced in avoiding these common mistakes. We’ll guide you through the personal injury process with confidence and ensure your claim is protected from the beginning.

If you or a loved one gets injured in a Long Island car accident, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Contact us today for a Free Consultation at (631) 348-9500.