Mistakes to Avoid When Pursuing a Car Accident Claim in California
Car accidents occur daily on California’s roads, which result in injuries to the victims that can be minor or severe. Nevertheless, a person that is found to be at-fault is liable for the damages that they caused, but the process of filing a claim from start to finish is daunting and burdensome. Undoubtedly, having representation and support during this process is essential.
When filing a claim, it is vital to know the best practices and mistakes to avoid when pursuing a claim. At NK Law Group, our skilled attorney, Naseer Khan, Esq., has years of experience in ensuring that an injured individual’s rights are protected. We are dedicated to guiding you through the personal injury claim process to avoid any errors or deceitful tactics of the liable party’s representatives.
Avoid Making These Mistakes While Pursuing a Car Accident Claim
Car accident claims are always different because the facts surrounding the collision, the insurance coverage and the resulting injuries. Despite this, there are particular mistakes you want to avoid, and certain insurance company tactics to be aware of.
Avoid these common mistakes when pursuing a car accident claim:
Failing to Take Pictures or Gather Evidence
Gathering evidence, such as pictures, video, security or surveillance footage and witness testimony is essential in car accident cases. Witnesses are not easy to locate, so it is a good idea to get their information right there. Surveillance footage is not always stored for long, so it is best to act quickly. Partnering with an attorney as soon as possible can help you avoid these pitfalls.
Relaying Unnecessary Information to Insurance Companies
The job of many insurance adjusters and representatives is to contact injured individuals to discuss their claims and attempt to gather as much information as possible. Sometimes, people give away too much information or consent to giving access to their entire medical records.
Insurance companies are entitled to certain information and records, but not everything that they ask for. Only an experienced attorney will know what to say and provide, while still making a strong case for compensation. Disclosing too much unnecessary information may hurt your case and make it harder to settle.
Accepting an Initial Settlement Offer
After a car accident, you may be contacted by the insurance companies of the liable driver. Often, they are aware of your claim’s value or that their party is at fault. It’s essential to avoid the mistake of accepting an initial settlement offer. This common tactic offers a seemingly helpful solution to your injuries, but it likely shortchanges you in the long run.
Insurance companies are not on your side and typically do not offer you what you deserve. Their goal is to pay you the least amount possible. Your attorney in these cases works diligently to ensure all compensatory damages are taken into consideration and that your case is handled justly.
Avoiding Medical Care or Follow-up Appointments
You should not avoid seeking medical care and consulting a medical professional to evaluate your condition after a car crash. Many people attempt to avoid expenses for fear of being unable to recover compensation and accepting responsibility for the accumulated bills. If you have suffered injuries, you should not avoid seeking medical care after a car accident, as this can negatively impact your well-being.
Delaying or postponing medical care may also impact the compensation you are eligible to receive because the adjuster may state that your injuries are not related to the accident. A skilled legal team can guide you towards any resources that can help find you medical care and negotiate the expenses for that care.
Posting Details About Your Case on Social Media
Social media is a part of daily life for many people. It is very common for people to post online stories about a traumatic experience. Anything you post online can easily be manipulated against you.
Social media sites are easily accessible to anyone on the internet, and you should avoid posting any pertinent details of your life or any events throughout your recovery. This may lead to evidence against your claim or lawsuit and, in turn, affect your claim’s value.
Entrust NK Law Group With Navigating Your California Car Accident Case
Making common mistakes like admitting fault or speaking to the liable party’s insurance company can impact the recovery of the compensation you deserve. In many ways, an experienced attorney can aid you in the process of proving the other party’s liability and negligence. Insurance adjusters and representatives are experienced in evaluating and discrediting the injuries, statements, and pertinent evidence that lead to a payout in a settlement.
Regardless of what you are offered or mistakingly advised on, consulting with a skilled attorney at NK Law Group may help you ensure your best interests are kept in mind. Our attorney is available to evaluate your case. Complete a contact form or give us a call at (510) 519-9497 to schedule a free consultation with our legal team.
EXPERTLY REVIEWED BY
Naseer Khan, Esq.
November 3 2022
Top-rated personal injury attorney Naseer Khan, Esq. has over a decade of experience advocating for injury victims in California. As an award-winning attorney and a member of the American Association for Justice, Khan has a stellar track record of success and devotion to justice for his clients.