Introduction
A Car accident mistakes Los Angeles can be stressful and overwhelming, but what you do next can impact your compensation and legal rights.
Many accident victims unknowingly make mistakes that reduce their settlement or harm their injury claim. Don’t let that happen to you!
In this post, we’ll cover 5 costly mistakes to avoid after a Los Angeles car accident and how to protect your rights.
1. Not Calling the Police
Many drivers skip calling the police if the accident seems minor, but this can hurt your case.
📌 Why It’s a Mistake:
- A police report provides official evidence of the crash.
- Insurance companies often require a police report for claims.
- The at-fault driver may deny responsibility later without documentation.
📢 What to Do Instead:
- Call 911 and request a police report.
- If officers don’t respond, file a report yourself at the nearest police station.
- Request a copy of your police report for your records.
2. Failing to Seek Medical Attention
Many people don’t seek medical care right away, especially if they feel “fine” after the crash.
📌 Why It’s a Mistake:
- Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, don’t show symptoms immediately.
- Delaying treatment hurts your health and your injury claim.
- Insurance companies use gaps in treatment to argue your injuries weren’t serious.
📢 What to Do Instead:
- Get checked by a doctor immediately, even if you feel okay.
- Keep all medical records as proof of your injuries.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan to strengthen your claim.
3. Admitting Fault (Even Partially)
It’s natural to apologize after an accident, but even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you.
📌 Why It’s a Mistake:
- California is a comparative negligence state, meaning fault is divided.
- Even if you’re only 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.
- Anything you say can be used against you by insurance adjusters.
📢 What to Do Instead:
- Stick to facts only when talking to police or insurance companies.
- Let an attorney handle communication with insurers.
- Never admit fault—even casually!
🔗 Learn more about comparative negligence in California.
4. Accepting the First Insurance Offer
Insurance companies often offer quick settlements, but they are usually far less than your claim is worth.
📌 Why It’s a Mistake:
- The first offer won’t cover future medical bills or lost wages.
- Once you accept, you can’t ask for more money later.
- Adjusters pressure victims to settle quickly before they hire an attorney.
📢 What to Do Instead:
- Do NOT accept the first offer without speaking to a lawyer.
- Calculate your full damages, including future expenses.
- Let an attorney negotiate for maximum compensation.
💬 Need help with an insurance claim? Get a free consultation today.
5. Not Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
Many victims try to handle their claims alone, but insurance companies have legal teams working against you.
📌 Why It’s a Mistake:
- Victims who hire attorneys recover 3x more compensation than those who don’t.
- Lawyers handle all negotiations, legal deadlines, and paperwork.
- If your case goes to trial, an attorney ensures you’re not taken advantage of.
📢 What to Do Instead:
- Consult a Los Angeles car accident attorney ASAP.
- Most lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront.
- Protect your rights and maximize your settlement with experienced legal help.
📢 Don’t risk your claim— speak with an attorney today.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these 5 mistakes after a Los Angeles car accident can protect your health, rights, and compensation.
- Always call the police and seek medical care.
- Never admit fault or accept lowball insurance offers.
- Consult an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer to maximize your claim.
🚗 Injured in a crash? Get legal guidance from a trusted attorney today.