Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Car Accident Claim in California
If you were injured in a car accident caused by someone’s negligence, you likely have the right to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit in Roseville to recover compensation from the responsible party and/or their insurance company. Most people want to know what steps to take to give them the best chance of success. This is important, but it’s just as important to know what not to do after an accident. Some of the common mistakes that could ruin your car accident claim in California include the following:
Not Calling the Police or Getting an Official Accident Report
After a car crash, always contact the police, even if the accident seems small. Failure to get an official police report can seriously weaken your claim later. This document is important because it gives an objective overview of what happened. If the other party received a traffic citation, this should be in the report, which can be incredibly helpful for your Roseville accident case.
Failing to Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Sometimes people try to tough it out and avoid going to the hospital. Failing to get emergency attention or at least see a doctor as soon as possible allows insurers to say that you weren’t actually that injured. This means you likely won’t be able to collect any compensation. When you visit a doctor right away, you get the treatment you need and also the documentation necessary to connect your injuries to the accident.
Not Following Up With Treatment
Neglecting recommended care or skipping follow-up appointments is another mistake some people make. Gaps in treatment give the insurance company a powerful reason to argue you weren’t hurt as badly as you claim. Even if you’re starting to feel better, you should always complete your treatment plan. Keep records of all of your visits as well.
Admitting Fault or Apologizing at the Scene
An apology at the scene may be taken as admitting fault, even if you just meant to be polite. Talking too much about what happened or claiming responsibility can severely weaken your claim, as insurance adjusters will try to use your words against you. You can give the police a brief overview of what happened, but don’t go into too much detail.
Posting About the Accident on Social Media
It can be tempting to post updates about your crash and recovery online, but this is often a damaging move. Insurance companies may monitor your accounts and try to twist anything you share into something that it’s not. For example, pictures, comments, or even location check-ins can lead to the argument that you’re doing fine and aren’t really that hurt.
Accepting the First Settlement Offer
The insurance company’s first settlement offer usually isn’t their best offer, and may not even cover your costs. These offers usually come quickly. Accepting this first offer means you can no longer negotiate with the insurance company and could be left with future medical bills that you weren’t yet aware of.
Waiting Too Long to File a Claim
Every car accident lawsuit must be filed within a certain deadline. In California, that’s usually two years. However, there are exceptions – if you’re filing against a government entity, the deadline is significantly shorter, usually 6 months.
If you wait too long, you could lose your right to compensation permanently. Evidence may also disappear, and witnesses become harder to reach over time, so filing sooner rather than later is often a good call.
Not Getting a Lawyer After a Serious Crash
Trying to handle a serious claim on your own adds stress and gives experienced insurance teams an advantage over you. They fight claims for a living – you need someone on your side who fights for you, too. Contact an experienced California car accident lawyer soon after the accident to make sure you get the help you deserve.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation, and we can go over your options with you and explain what needs to happen next.