Since you pay for car insurance, you’ll be taken care of in the event of an auto injury, right? Not entirely. Since car insurance companies are for profit corporations, they pinch and squeeze where they can to maximize their income, even at the expense of your health. But you can stay a step ahead of them and maximize your injury claim by avoiding the following:

1. Failing to see a medical professional immediately after the accident. This is a no brainer for serious injury, but what about minor injuries? Soreness in your neck or back will go away, right? Headaches too, no? They might. They might not. Whatever the case, you lose if you don’t see a medical professional right away. This isn’t a cold you can treat on your own. It’s an injury that could worsen into something more serious over time. So see a doctor within 24 hours if you feel pain.

2. Exaggerating your pain to a medical provider. Remember, this is an auto accident not the lottery. If you’re in this hoping for a free ride, you’ll be disappointed with the results. If you’re hoping to get compensated for your treatment and the inconvenience associated with an injury, you’ll have a better chance in doing so by being up front and honest with your medical provider about your injury.

3. Talking with your doctor about filing an insurance claim or lawsuit. The doctor’s job is to treat your injury. Your job (or your lawyer’s job) is to ensure you get fair settlement from a stingy insurance company. Talking with your medical provider about your altercation with your insurance company only complicates the issue. And as soon as you file a personal injury claim, doctor confidentiality is out the window.

4. Missing your medical appointments. Defaulting on scheduled visits with your medical provider(s) suggests you may not as injured as you say you are. Don’t do it unless you want to jeopardize your claim.

5. Failing to update your medical records. Everyone knows you’re suppose to share physical ailments with your doctor. What you may not know is to share your emotional ailments with your doctor as well in the event of an auto injury. Losing sleep due to headaches and pain? Tell your doctor. Feeling depressed due to the injury? Tell your doctor. And don’t forget to maintain a personal journal as well to keep track of your medical care.

6. Failing to inform your doctor and employer when an injury is affecting your work. If you want to get compensated for wage loss or additional pain and suffering, notify the authorities. You paid for the insurance. As claimant, you’re entitled to the legitimate benefits.

7. Failing to follow or complete your treatment plan. As with reason No. 4, insurance companies will argue you aren’t as injured as you say you are if you fail to follow the treatment plan as directed by a medical professional. Hopefully you recover from an injury faster than expected. If you feel this is the case, tell your doctor and let him update the treatment plan if he chooses. But always do as prescribed. Otherwise you’ll suffer the physical and financial strains.

8. Negotiating or accepting settlement before finishing treatment. In the case of an claim, which you should open within 24 hours of your accident, the at-fault insurance company will offer fast cash to get you to sign a preemptive agreement, releasing them from further liability. This is an attempt by them to, again, maximize profits. When this happens, simply tell the adjuster your working with, “No, thank you. I’m not going to negotiate a settlement until I’ve finished my treatment, so I can be fully compensated for any unforeseen injury.”

Click here to download a free sample from our Personal Injury Settlement Booklet™ discussing medical treatment and how it affects your claim.