After an auto accident in California, you’ll get all sorts of advice on what to do next. Some people will advise you to contact the police, exchange driver information, talk witnesses into giving their statement, call 911, and many other tips.
While they’re all looking out for you, rarely does anyone tell you what not to do. That is why discussed herein are the top five things you should not do after a car accident.
After a car accident in California, it’s human nature to apologize to the other party immediately and see what you can do to make the situation better. While your intentions are pure and innocent, never apologize after a car accident. This might be perceived as admitting liability when, in reality, you are the victim. An apology could hurt your claim or even have you made responsible for the damages. In that light, avoid apologizing. Stay calm and polite but don’t say sorry. Say as little as possible so you don’t say anything the other driver might use against you.
After a minor accident, you and the other driver involved might review the scene and decide to leave things that way as the damage is pretty minor. The decision might be mutual, but it may land you in trouble. Why? Well, in most states, you’re required by the law to stop, check the parties involved to see if they’re okay, exchange insurance info, and even call the police. Driving away means the other driver might secretly take your details and sue you for failing to render aid. So, even if the other motorist says it’s okay, stick around until law enforcement officers arrive at the scene.
After an auto accident, witnesses and first responders may try to ask you what happened. Avoid recounting the incident to anyone. The other driver’s insurance company might coerce these witnesses into saying what you told them, and unfortunately, your words might be used against you. Don’t talk to anyone on your own unless it’s your insurer, the police, or a car accident attorney in California.
For instance, if you had an injury, a broken arm, don’t try to blame it on the accident. Although this might strengthen your case, keep in mind insurance companies try to pay as little as possible when accidents happen. They won’t just compensate you because you claim you broke your arm in the accident. They may subpoena your health records, and if they find out you had broken your arm before the accident, they’ll use the information against you. Always come clean about any preexisting injuries you had, which might have been aggravated by the accident.
After an accident occurs in California, the at-fault driver’s insurer may try to compensate you for the damages incurred. Don’t accept any offer without consulting an experienced auto accident attorney. Why? Well, you don’t know how extensive the damages on your car are yet, and how much the medical bills will cost you. If you accept an offer beforehand, it means you cannot claim more in the future, should the damages and injuries cost you more than you accepted.
Speak to a Car Accident Attorney Today
After an auto accident, the best thing you can do is speak to an experienced car accident attorney in California. Attorneys at RS Law Offices always have the best interests at heart for you and will fight to protect your legal rights and ensure you get the right compensation.
Contact us today speak to one of our attorneys about your auto accident case.
blogs
Four Surprising Myths about Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries
Motorcycles have become a pretty popular way to get around in the country. In California alone, there are over 790,000 registered motorcycles. This number is set to increase as more people choose the convenience and the fun that comes with getting around on a motorcycle. But despite these increasing numbers, there are countless myths and […]
Do Lemon Laws Apply in Auto Dealer Frauds
Most state and federal laws penalize fraudulent marketing, sales, and financing schemes. Knowing your rights and if the state’s lemon laws apply is critical to getting compensated. We explain more about auto dealer frauds, the different types, and the best time to hire an attorney. What is an Auto Dealer Fraud? It’s an unlawful and […]
Mold and LA Renters — Know Your Rights
You may have heard of “mold growth” in passing. Depending on the situation, the story you heard may have been about a simple annoyance, a house deal that fell through, or a sneezing fit. However, there are a lot worse stories than that out there; mold can cause severe allergies, incapacitation, and even worse health […]
Five Apps for Increased Road Safety
Staying safe on the road is more important as more and more cities become increasingly dependent on automobile transportation. Increasedroad safety is about diligence and attentive driving, but there are also ways to “gamify” or in other ways incentivize safe driving, through smartphone apps. Here are five apps designed to keep you less distracted and […]
Cell Phones and Accidents on the Road
We have all done it. Even with the headsets, the hands-free devices, and the ability to connect your phone to your car, all of us have reached for the phone while driving. Whether it’s checking a quick text at a stoplight or messing around with your maps app while driving in a new place, the […]
Five Things to Know About Bike Accidents in Arizona
Bicycling may be the way to go for sustainable transportation, but that’s all the more reason why anyone in Arizona should make sure to practice basic bicycle safety. Over 47 million people in the United States ride bicycles, and that number will likely increase as some urban centers move away from fossil fuels and even […]
Bicycle Safety Tips
Bicycling might be the true essence of freedom in transportation. No dependence on anyone to get around except yourself, no motor to make you drive out of control, and you can park your bike just about anywhere. Still, safety while riding a bicycle is just as important as with any other mode of transportation, especially […]
Slip and Falls in Private Homes
Slips and falls are serious anywhere, but if you concentrate just on occurrences in private homes, an arresting statistic jumps out right away- falls are responsible for 50% of all accidental deaths in the home. Let’s take a look at two of the top causes of a slip and fall in a private home. We […]
Hotels and Personal Injuries
Everyone is looking to travel right about now. Summer is getting into full swing, and whether you are looking to see a distant land or reacquaint yourself with familiar faces, you’re probably planning your next big adventure, too. Besides the normal precautions, like ensuring home security while you’re away, or booking some travel insurance, you […]
More Apps for Increased Rideshare Safety
If every ride you take is just you and an unknown driver, it doesn’t hurt to look into your safety options. And while any unsure situation could potentially turn dangerous, you can do yourself a favor by finding helpful methods for letting people know where you are and where you’re going to be, and generally […]
contact form
