How An Accident Lawyer Can Help If You've Made These Mistakes (Part 1)
A Los Angeles auto accident can result in serious injury or death. Some accidents are not catastrophic, but the victims still require substantial medical attention.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a Los Angeles car accident, especially if you've made any of the following mistakes after being involved in an accident, you will want to hire an experienced auto accident lawyer as soon as possible. The best injury attorney will be an advocate for you and fight to obtain maximum compensation for your damages
The right attorney can help if you've made these common mistakes after a car accident.
1. Forgetting to Call 911
Regardless of the size of the accident, you will want to call 911 or the local non-emergency line, to report your car accident. Unfortunately, many accident victims do not call the police to respond to an accident. Not only will the police report serve as proof that the accident occurred, the insurance company may take the fact that you did not call 911 as a sign the accident was not serious.
2. Leaving the Scene
Fleeing the scene of a car accident, even one you didn't cause, is against the law in California. Leaving the scene of an accident when injury or death occurs can result in fines and prison time.
3. Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
Insurance companies often use an accident victim's lack of medical care as proof the injuries were not severe. In order to avoid a denial or reduction in the value of your claim, you will want to seek out prompt medical attention. If a doctor examines you after a crash, he will include any pain, discomfort, or physical injuries as part of your medical record. This proof of your injuries makes it far more difficult for insurance companies to dispute your claim.
Additionally, some car accident injuries do not immediately show symptoms. For example, whiplash and traumatic brain injury victims often do not show symptoms for days. By delaying medical treatment, you could be putting yourself at risk.
4. Admitting Fault
Under California law, the driver who caused the accident is financially liable for related damages. However, insurance companies routinely try to shift some blame. As soon as a driver admits fault, they help the other side.
Never admit fault, even accidentally, and be thoughtful about what you say, including to law enforcement.
5. Not Gathering Evidence
If you are able to, it is important to gather certain evidence at the scene of the accident. This includes contact information for the driver and any witnesses, photos, and witness statements if possible. By neglecting to do so, you could be hurting your ability to recover your full financial compensation owed to you.
For more information about what to do and what not to do after an accident, or to discuss your potential for monetary compensation, contact the experienced accident lawyers at Ghozland Law Firm for a free consultation.
