Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve been injured. The decisions you make in the moments after the accident can significantly impact your ability to get the compensation you deserve. If you make the wrong choices, you may face challenges with your insurance claim, and it could even affect your financial recovery.
Nazaryan Law understands the complexities of car accident cases and is here to guide you through the legal process. Whether you’ve suffered minor accidents or serious injuries, our experienced team will help you avoid the common mistakes after a car accident. We are committed to helping you recover for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
One of the most important steps after an accident is to call the police and file an accident report. Even in minor accidents, it’s critical to have an official record of what happened. Without a police report, it becomes much harder to prove what occurred and who was at fault. Insurance companies rely on the police report to assess the situation and determine liability.
If you fail to call the police or file an accident report, it can be difficult to prove your version of events. This can lead to delays in your insurance claim or even the denial of your claim, especially if the other party involved disputes the facts. Always ensure that a police officer is called to the scene of the car accident.
After an accident, it can be tempting to apologize or take responsibility for the incident, but this can hurt your case. Even if you think you might be at fault, avoid apologizing or never admit guilt at the scene. Fault should be determined by the police officer and the insurance companies based on evidence, not by statements made at the accident scene.
Admitting fault at the scene can limit your ability to recover compensation. If you admit fault, the insurance provider may use that as evidence to reduce or deny your claim. Always wait for the police officer and insurance companies to investigate before making any statements about fault.
Even if you don’t feel hurt right after the accident, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. Many injuries, especially head injuries and spinal cord injuries, may not show symptoms right away. Seeking medical treatment right away also strengthens your car accident claim by creating a clear link between the accident and your injuries.
In some cases, injuries from a car crash may appear days or even weeks later. Delaying medical attention could mean that your injuries are harder to prove, and insurance companies may use the delay against you. Getting medical care right after an accident helps document your injuries and ensures that you receive proper treatment.
Insurance companies may try to use delays in medical treatment to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim. They might also argue that the injuries were caused by something other than the accident, which could reduce your compensation. Prompt medical treatment is crucial in protecting your case and ensuring you receive full compensation.
Speaking to an insurance adjuster without consulting a personal injury lawyer is one of the most common mistakes after a car accident. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s interests, not yours, and may try to get you to settle for much less than you deserve.
Insurance companies are often focused on minimizing payouts. Adjusters may offer you a quick settlement, but it’s typically far less than the amount you’re entitled to. Having legal representation ensures that you aren’t taken advantage of and that your financial recovery is maximized.
Before speaking to an insurance adjuster, it’s important to consult a skilled personal injury attorney. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, handle all communications with the insurance company, and fight for a fair settlement. Having legal experience can make all the difference in your case.
When you’re involved in an accident, gathering evidence is crucial to support your car accident claim. If possible, take pictures of the scene, including vehicle damage, license plate numbers, and the positions of the vehicles. Also, get the contact information of any witnesses.
Collecting evidence helps strengthen your case by providing a clear picture of what happened. Photos, witness statements, and police reports can support your version of events and increase the chances of a favorable outcome.
Many people want to resolve their accident claim quickly, but accepting the first settlement offer from an insurance company can be a mistake. Often, these offers are much lower than what you truly deserve, and they don’t account for long-term medical care or lost wages.
Settling too quickly may result in inadequate compensation for future medical expenses or ongoing pain. It’s essential to take the time to understand the full extent of your injuries and expenses before agreeing to any settlement.
Taking the time to fully assess your injuries, future medical needs, and lost income can ensure that you receive a settlement that truly covers all of your medical bills and expenses related to the accident. Patience can lead to a much larger financial recovery in the long run.
In California, there is a limited time to file a car accident claim. If you don’t file within the statute of limitations, you may lose the right to pursue compensation.
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the car accident to file a claim. However, if a public agency is involved (such as a city bus or government vehicle), you must file the claim within six months.
Filing a claim promptly ensures that evidence is preserved and that your car accident claim is processed without delays. It also prevents you from missing out on the opportunity to recover fair compensation for your injuries.
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
After a car accident, it's crucial to stay calm. First, check for injuries and call for medical help if necessary. Next, ensure your safety by turning on your hazard lights and exchanging information with the other driver, including names, policy numbers, and contact details. Always seek immediate medical attention even if you don’t feel injured, as delayed symptoms can appear later. Taking these steps helps protect your legal case and prevents making mistakes to avoid after a car accident.
Why is it important to seek immediate medical attention?
Seeking medical help right after an accident ensures that any injuries, including those with delayed symptoms, are diagnosed early. Delays in medical care can negatively impact your auto accident claim. Prompt treatment also helps build a stronger connection between the accident and your injuries, increasing your chances of getting full compensation for vehicle repairs, medical bills, and follow-up appointments.
Should I speak to the insurance company before consulting a lawyer?
It's best to consult legal counsel before speaking to the insurance provider. Insurance adjusters may try to settle quickly, offering less than you deserve. An experienced lawyer can help you make informed decisions and ensure you don’t agree to a settlement that could reduce your financial recovery. Having legal counsel ensures your rights are protected.
What information should I exchange at the accident scene?
Always exchange key details with the other driver, including names, contact information, policy numbers, and vehicle registration details. If possible, take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Collect witness statements if available. This information is vital for your auto accident claim and helps prevent any issues later in your legal case.
How can I avoid mistakes when handling my car accident claim?
To avoid mistakes, ensure you seek immediate medical attention, collect all relevant evidence, and don’t accept any settlement offers too quickly. Delays or lack of evidence can negatively impact your claim. Always consult a lawyer before making decisions regarding your auto accident claim to make sure you’re getting the maximum compensation for your injuries, vehicle repairs, and other expenses.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, taking the right steps afterward is crucial for your recovery and securing the compensation you deserve. Nazaryan Law offers a free consultation to discuss your auto accident claim and provide legal counsel. Whether you’re dealing with minor accidents or serious injuries, we can help guide you through the process and ensure you don’t make mistakes to avoid after a car accident.
Our experienced attorney will work to protect your rights, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation for medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and future medical treatment. We understand that getting through the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, but with Nazaryan Law by your side, you can feel confident in your ability to get the maximum financial recovery.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you make informed decisions and avoid mistakes that could negatively impact your legal case.
Nazaryan Law Car Accident & Injury Lawyers
601 S Brand Blvd, Suite 301, San Fernando, CA 91340
Phone: (818) 900-1888
Artin has a strong track record of securing substantial compensation for clients in motor vehicle accidents, catastrophic injuries, and complex homeowner insurance claims.
why choose Nazaryan Law
Car Accident & Injury Lawyers
"*" indicates required fields
