Following a California car accident, there are some do’s and dont’s that you should be aware of to protect your interests. Our hope is that if you are aware of  some of the most common pitfalls following a car accident, you may be able to avoid falling into these traps.

Common Mistakes Made After Car Accidents

Here are some of the most common mistakes we see being made by folks who are involved in a car accident in California. While the moments following an accident can be chaotic, protect yourself, and don’t fall into these traps.

Mistake #1: Assigning and/or Accepting Blame at the Scene

Do not admit or assign fault at the accident scene.  Focus on collecting the facts, and call a California car accident lawyer before delving into legal responsibility for the accident.

Mistake #2: Forgetting to Take Pictures or Video

Taking photos or video of the scene, the placement of the vehicles, and the damage to the vehicles is critical evidence to preserve. This evidence is used to establish fault and damages, and if fault is contested by the other driver, this evidence is often provided to experts, such as an accident reconstruction expert, to scientifically establish legal responsibility for the accident. This evidence can also be used to support your injury claim if the other party were to question the mechanism for your claimed injuries.

Mistake #3: Not Calling the Police

Call the police and request that a report be taken at the scene of the accident. Do not trust that people will tell the truth later on. Protect yourself by having all statements, measurements, vehicles, etc., documented in a report at the scene.

Mistake #4: Failing to Get a Medical Check-Up

If it is not necessary to be taken from the scene via ambulance, go see a doctor as soon as possible after the collision. Even if you think you don’t need it, it is always a good idea to get checked out at the nearest medical facility following a car accident. Sometimes, the adrenaline from the accident may mask injuries from the collision. A check-up can show internal injuries, or other progressive injuries sustained in the car accident.

Mistake #5: Not Calling a Lawyer Right Away

Call a lawyer as soon as possible! Preferably, before you speak with any insurance companies. While you may believe that your own insurance company will protect you, this is not always the case! You should consult with an attorney before speaking with any insurance companies so that you are aware of your rights and obligations, and you can take action that protects your interest.

Consult With a Reputable California Car Accident Lawyer After a Collision

Even if you have fallen into some of the traps mentioned above after a California car accident, you may still be able to pursue a claim for fair compensation. Avoiding these pitfalls, of course, may make it easier for you to pursue a claim, a skilled car accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process Attorney Shaun Phillips and the rest of the Benchmark Injury Law team are here to help after you’ve been impacted by a California car accident.

Start with a free case review today. Call us at (949) 504-9031 or reach out online to learn how we may be able to help you.