JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers | June 16, 2025 | Personal Injury
Car accidents can be extremely expensive in terms of medical expenses, property damage, and loss of income. An auto accident can also cause overwhelming physical pain and emotional trauma. You deserve compensation for all the damages. However, the insurance company does not want you to know how to maximize compensation for a car accident claim.
Here’s what you should do after an accident to make sure you recover what you deserve:
Report the Car Accident to the Police
California law requires drivers to report car accidents involving injuries. It is always in your best interest to report a car accident immediately, regardless of whether you believe you are injured. Failing to report a car accident can result in a “he said, she said” situation without any evidence to support your accusations.
Never admit fault or apologize for the accident, even if saying you are sorry the accident happened seems polite. Tell the police officer the facts about the crash without making presumptions about fault.
Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene
Preserving evidence helps support your claim. If your injuries permit you to do so, document the accident scene by taking photographs of the vehicles from multiple angles. Making a video of the entire scene captures broken glass, skid marks, traffic signals, road conditions, and other evidence.
Statements from eyewitnesses can be important in a car accident case. Ask witnesses for their names, phone numbers, and contact details.
As soon as possible after leaving the accident scene, write down information about the collision. Include details about what happened before, during, and after the accident.
Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
Do not decline medical care at the accident scene. Saying you are “okay” could be interpreted as admitting you are not injured. It is best to see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident.
Delays in medical care give insurance companies a reason to dispute that the accident caused your injuries. Medical records are an essential part of your auto accident claim.
Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan
Your physician notes missed appointments, refusing treatment, and stopping treatments in your medical records. Failing to follow your doctor’s instructions could hurt your case. You may be accused of failing to mitigate damages, which could lower your compensation.
If you disagree with your doctor’s treatment plan, seek a second opinion. Consistent treatment following a car accident strengthens the case.
Hire an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
Individuals who hire accident lawyers have a better chance of maximizing compensation. A Sherman Oaks personal injury lawyer helps you avoid mistakes that could hurt your case. They have the resources to gather evidence, including hiring expert witnesses when necessary.
Injury lawyers know the tactics insurance companies and defense lawyers use and how to fight back. Hiring an attorney shows the insurance company you are serious about recovering the money you deserve.
Record All Financial Losses
Accident victims can seek economic damages for their monetary losses and expenses. However, you need proof of the amount you lost. Track all medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses. Out-of-pocket expenses that are often overlooked include:
- Medical supplies and devices, including bandages, crutches, wheelchairs, etc.
- Travel expenses to and from medical appointments
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- The cost of personal care, including someone to help you with child care and household chores
Keep copies of all bills, receipts, and invoices. Gather proof of your income to help establish lost wages, including a statement from your employer if possible. Your attorney can help you identify other expenses and losses to maximize compensation.
Record Your Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages can add a significant amount to a personal injury settlement or verdict. Write down the details of your recovery in a journal. Things to note include, but are not limited to:
- Your pain levels throughout your recovery
- Trouble sleeping or resting
- Problems with anxiety or depression
- Issues with mobility, including caring for your personal needs
- Time away from your family and friends, including events you could not attend
Specific details help prove the impact your injuries have on your daily activities. It paints a picture of the trauma and suffering you experienced because of the car crash.
Don’t Talk to the Insurance Adjuster or Sign Documents Without Legal Advice
The insurance company for the other driver may call you. The adjuster might ask you to make a statement or answer questions on a recorded call. It is not in your best interest to communicate with the insurance company without an attorney.
Your comments could be twisted to imply you caused the accident. Insurance adjusters are trained to get people to say things that can be misinterpreted.
You may be asked to sign medical release forms after an accident. Some releases may give the insurance company access to your complete medical history. The insurance company may make a settlement offer to get you to sign a waiver and a settlement agreement. However, when you sign these documents, you give up the right to pursue a claim.
Protect Your Right to Fair Compensation After a Car Accident in California
Hiring an attorney protects your best interests and prevents you from being taken advantage of by the insurance company. Many law firms offer free consultations, so it does not cost anything to learn about your legal options.
If you need help, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation today at (833) 852-3600.
Our main office is in Encino, CA, but we serve all through Los Angeles County.
JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers
16633 Ventura Blvd suite 1011,
Encino, CA 91436
