The 6 most common mistakes made by car accident victims – Los Angeles

Car accident victims frequently make the mistake of believing that the insurance companies are on their side and have their best interests at heart.  After all, that’s what all the TV commercials from the insurance company say, right?  The reality is a lot different.

Insurance companies are focused on maximizing their profitability and defending their own interests.   If you are involved in an accident, be confident that the insurance companies will do their best to postpone, hinder or reject your claim or complaint.   Their only target is to pay out as little as possible for each allegation they face.

Our expert California car accident lawyers for are always ready to develop injury claims for accident survivors like you. And while we try to take over every aspect of litigation so that our clients can focus on their recoveries and spend time with their families, we also know that the things that victims do in the minutes, hours, and days after their accidents can impact their chances of recovery. Preventing a few common post-accident mistakes can make a big difference in the strength of your argument.

Here are the 6 most common mistakes car accident victims make and how to protect yourself from falling victim to them  in the future:

1. Admitting your fault.

Whether you’re speaking to a police officer at the scene of an accident, the other driver, an insurance adjuster, or even posting on social media, your right to seek damages may be jeopardized by admitting fault. Even if later evidence shows that you were not to blame for the accident, you may still be unable to obtain the compensation to which you are rightly entitled if you have made statements about your blameworthiness in the cause of the accident.

2. Delay in seeking medical help

You should seek attention from a doctor immediately after an auto accident and prudence even dictates making a trip directly to the hospital. While seeking medical attention to treat your wounds and prevent serious complications, your visit will also establish a medical record that can serve as useful evidence in support of your claim. Remember, you should never exaggerate or underplay your injuries or wait too long to approach an established law firm because there is a  statute of limitations on filing a claim.

3. Not informing the Police

It is highly recommended that you file a police report at the earliest possible opportunity following an accident. The police are going to trace suspects, take pictures, and examine the roadside scene. At the site of the accident, the police can gather evidence that nobody else will be capable of and they will only be able to do it in the time period immediately following the accident. The police will compile a report of the incident that will contain all the critical information about what took place.

4. Giving a statement to an insurance company without your attorney’s assistance

If you are asked for a statement by the insurance provider of the at-fault party, you should not send it to them without consulting an experienced car accident attorney. The other party’s insurance provider is required to look after their best interests, and it is critical to remember that they are not on your side no matter how friendly they might be on the phone. Provide them with the most basic information when it comes to your auto insurance policy and try to avoid going into too much depth.  In fact, it is always best to have your attorney handle all communication with insurance companies.

5. Not gathering evidence

Taking pictures of the accident scene, your vehicle’s damage and your injuries immediately after the accident will give you the evidence you need to argue your case. Without evidence, it will become hard to prove the elements of your claim.

6. Not hiring an experienced car accident attorney

Car accident personal injury lawyers such as those at Rahman Law dedicate their work to helping injured victims. They know the ins and outs of an injury claim, the operation of insurance companies, and how adjusters will attempt to cheat you out of money or deny your claim.  Failing to consult an expert in the field could cause you mental anguish and cheat you out of your future financial security.

If you are involved in a car accident in California, avoid the above mistakes and get in touch with our Law Firm to assist you with your case and receive the compensation you deserve.