15 Dec End-of-Year Insurance Deadlines and Claim Mistakes to Avoid After an Injury
The end of the year can feel like a blur. Between holidays, travel, and wrapping up work responsibilities, it’s easy to put an injury on the back burner. But when an accident happens, timing and documentation matter. Insurance companies keep moving, even when your schedule is packed, and waiting too long can make a claim harder to prove.
If you were injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or another incident caused by someone else’s negligence, here are some of the most common end-of-year mistakes to avoid.
Mistake #1: Delaying Medical Treatment
One of the biggest issues we see is people trying to “push through” pain until things slow down. Unfortunately, delaying treatment can give insurers an opening to argue that you weren’t really hurt, that something else caused your symptoms, or that your injuries are not as serious as you claim.
Even if you feel mostly okay, it’s smart to get evaluated quickly. Some injuries take time to show up, and early medical records often become a key part of proving what happened and how it affected you.
Mistake #2: Giving a Recorded Statement Without Guidance
After an accident, insurance adjusters may sound friendly and helpful, especially when they request a recorded statement. But their questions are often designed to lock you into a version of events that minimizes the claim.
Something as simple as saying “I’m fine” or guessing about what happened can be used against you later. Before providing recorded statements or signing anything, it’s wise to understand what’s being asked and why.
Mistake #3: Accepting a Quick Settlement
End-of-year pressure can make fast money tempting. Insurance companies know that many people want to “close the loop” before the new year, and they may offer a quick settlement early.
The problem is that early offers are often made before the full cost of your injuries is clear. Once you settle, you typically give up the right to seek additional compensation later, even if symptoms worsen, treatment expands, or you miss more work than expected.
Mistake #4: Missing Key Documentation (or Not Tracking It)
Claims are built on details. When the year is busy, paperwork gets lost and timelines get fuzzy. Missing documentation can slow a claim down and reduce leverage during negotiations.
Helpful items to keep organized include:
- Accident or incident reports
- Photos or videos of the scene and visible injuries
- Names and contact information for witnesses
- Medical records, discharge paperwork, prescriptions, and referrals
- Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses (medications, equipment, travel)
- Proof of missed work and wage loss
Even a simple folder on your phone and a dedicated email label can make a big difference.
Mistake #5: Waiting Too Long to Get Legal Advice
Every case is different. Deadlines can depend on the type of claim, the parties involved, and the facts of the incident. The sooner you speak with a personal injury lawyer, the sooner you can understand your options, protect evidence, and avoid missteps that insurers may try to use against you.
Talk to Gruenberg Kelly Della Early
If you were injured and you’re unsure what to do next, the safest move is to get reliable guidance sooner rather than later. The team at Gruenberg Kelly Della can help you understand the claims process, communicate with insurers, and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to based on the specific facts of your case.
Contact Gruenberg Kelly Della today to discuss your situation and learn your options.