Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident in Lubbock

Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident in Lubbock

A car accident — even a minor one — can throw your whole day (or week) off track. Between checking for injuries, calling insurance, and figuring out what to do next, it’s easy to miss a few key steps. But small mistakes made immediately after a crash can lead to big problems later on — from denied insurance claims to unsafe repairs.

At Moreno’s Elite Autoworks LLC, we’ve helped countless Lubbock drivers recover from accidents the right way. Whether you’re involved in a low-speed fender bender or a more serious collision, we want to make sure you avoid the missteps that could cost you time, money, and peace of mind.

Here are the top 5 most common mistakes we see after car accidents — and how you can steer clear of them.

Mistake #1: Leaving the Scene Without Documenting the Damage

Even if the crash seems minor and both parties agree it’s “no big deal,” you should never leave without:

• Taking photos of the damage
  
  
• Exchanging insurance and contact info
  
  
• Noting the make, model, and plate number of the other vehicle
  
  
• Calling law enforcement (when required)
  
  

Failing to document the scene means your side of the story becomes hearsay — and if the other driver changes their version later, you could be on the hook.

Pro Tip: Snap pictures of everything — vehicle damage, positions on the road, street signs, and even the other driver’s license and insurance card if they allow.

Mistake #2: Skipping Medical Evaluation

Many injuries — like whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue strains — don’t show up until hours or days later. If you skip a checkup or delay too long:

• Your injury claim may be challenged
  
  
• You risk long-term complications
  
  
• Your personal injury case could be weakened
  
  

Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, always visit a doctor or urgent care clinic within 24–48 hours after a crash. Keep your medical documentation in case it’s needed for a claim.

Mistake #3: Accepting the First Insurance Offer Without Review

Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but remember — they work for the insurance company, not you. Their job is to close the claim fast, often for less than full value.

What to Watch Out For:

• Offers that don’t include paint or blending
  
  
• Missing line items (e.g., glass, trim, sensors)
  
  
• Lowball estimates based on aftermarket parts
  
  
• “Final offers” that discourage second opinions
  
  

You don’t have to accept the first offer. You’re entitled to get your own independent estimate from a trusted collision repair shop — like Moreno’s — and negotiate or challenge the valuation.

“James helped me through the insurance process and got everything covered. Honest service and quick turnaround.”
— Amy Salazar, Real Review

Mistake #4: Choosing a Shop Based on Price Alone

We get it — car repairs can be expensive. But going with the cheapest shop can result in:

• Subpar paintwork
  
  
• Parts that don’t fit right
  
  
• Incomplete diagnostics
  
  
• Zero warranty
  
  

A low estimate usually means corners will be cut — and you may end up paying twice when you have to redo the work later.

At Moreno’s, we combine fair pricing with elite-level craftsmanship, backed by a real warranty and reputation you can verify.

“The best there is in Lubbock! Honest, trustworthy, professional, and warranties his work.”
— Becky Berger, Verified Customer

Mistake #5: Ignoring Hidden Structural Damage

Not all damage is visible to the untrained eye. Today’s vehicles have:

• Crumple zones
  
  
• Advanced sensors
  
  
• Hidden frames
  
  
• Subframes and unibody construction
  
  

A bent frame, misaligned suspension, or damaged ADAS sensors can go unnoticed if your repair shop doesn’t inspect them properly — which could compromise your safety the next time you’re on the road.

At Moreno’s Elite Autoworks, we use:

• Digital frame measuring
  
  
• Diagnostic scan tools
  
  
• Structural integrity checks
  
  
• Camera and sensor recalibration systems
  
  

We don’t just fix the visible damage — we repair everything that’s been compromised.

Additional Mistake: Waiting Too Long to Get Repairs

Many drivers delay repairs because:

• They’re waiting on a paycheck
  
  
• They don’t want to deal with insurance
  
  
• The car still “drives fine”
  
  

But waiting comes with real risks:

• Rust forms where paint is chipped
  
  
• Leaks develop around seals or glass
  
  
• Safety systems can malfunction
  
  
• Insurance deadlines can expire
  
  
• You may get less if you trade in or sell the vehicle later
  
  

Even minor dents or scratches should be assessed by a professional — not ignored.

How Moreno’s Helps You Avoid These Mistakes

At Moreno’s Elite Autoworks LLC, we go beyond basic collision repair. We help Lubbock drivers:

• Navigate insurance claims
  
  
• Understand repair estimates
  
  
• Prioritize safety and value
  
  
• Make informed decisions about parts, paint, and timing
  
  

From the moment you walk in, we provide:

• Honest, pressure-free guidance
  
  
• Fast, detailed quotes
  
  
• Paint matching and blending expertise
  
  
• Frame and structural repair
  
  
• Lifetime warranties on many services
  
  

FAQs About What to Do After an Accident

How soon should I file an insurance claim?
As soon as possible. Most policies require you to report the accident within a few days. Delays can hurt your claim.

Can I use any body shop I want?
Yes. You are legally allowed to choose your own repair shop — regardless of what your insurer “recommends.”

What if the other driver was at fault and uninsured?
You may be covered under uninsured motorist protection. We’ll help you file the claim and get documentation to support it.

Will the repair be noticeable afterward?
Not when it’s done by professionals. Our color-matching, blending, and finishing process makes repairs virtually invisible.

Need Help After a Collision in Lubbock?

Let Moreno’s Elite Autoworks take the stress out of your accident repair. We’ll guide you every step of the way — from the first estimate to final delivery — with clear communication, honest pricing, and elite-level workmanship.