If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident in California, you may feel overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of your next steps. That’s completely normal-and it’s why knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do.
At Colvin Accident Lawyers, we’ve seen firsthand how common post-accident mistakes can cost victims thousands of dollars, delay their recovery, or even result in denied claims. To help you protect your health, finances, and legal rights, here are five of the most common legal mistakes to avoid after a car accident in California.
No matter how minor the accident may seem, always call the police. In California, you’re legally required to report an accident if there are any injuries or if the damage exceeds $1,000. Beyond that, a police report serves as an official record of what happened-something that’s crucial if there’s a dispute about fault or insurance coverage.
Insurance companies rely heavily on official reports. If there’s no documentation, you may have trouble proving your version of events.
Call 911 or the local non-emergency number and request a responding officer. If police are unable to respond, you can still file a report online or at the nearest CHP or local police station.
In the stress of the moment, many people instinctively apologize, even if they aren’t at fault. Unfortunately, this can be interpreted as an admission of liability and used against you later.
California follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning your compensation can be reduced based on how much of the accident was your fault.
Focus on ensuring everyone is safe, exchanging insurance information, and collecting evidence. Avoid discussing blame or fault at the scene.
After a crash, you might feel fine, only to wake up sore or injured days later. But if you wait too long to seek treatment, the insurance company may argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
A delay in treatment can weaken your personal injury claim and make it harder to prove damages.
Get checked out by a doctor right away, even if you don’t feel pain immediately. Keep records of all appointments, prescriptions, and treatments.
Insurance adjusters might seem helpful-but their job is to minimize the payout on your claim. They may try to get a recorded statement that can be used against you or pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement.
Once you accept a settlement, you usually can’t reopen your claim, even if your injuries get worse.
Politely decline to provide a statement and refer them to your attorney. Let a personal injury lawyer handle communication with the insurance company.
Many people wait until problems arise before reaching out to a lawyer. But by then, evidence may be lost, deadlines may be missed, and opportunities may have passed.
An experienced car accident attorney in Bakersfield can guide you from the start, ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact Colvin Accident Lawyers as soon as possible after your accident. We’ll help you navigate the legal process, deal with insurers, and build a strong case on your behalf.
At Colvin Accident Lawyers, we’ve been proudly serving Bakersfield and Kern County families for over 15 years. We understand the stress and confusion that follows a crash-and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
You only get one chance to handle your case right. Don’t risk it. Let our experienced team fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us or call 866-GO-COLVIN for a free consultation today. No fees unless we win.
A: Yes. If there are injuries or property damage over $1,000, you must report the accident to the OMV within 10 days and notify law enforcement.
A: Yes. Under California’s pure comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages even if you were 99% at fault-though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
A: That’s common. Delayed pain is typical with soft tissue injuries. Seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear and let your lawyer know.
A: Immediately. Early legal guidance helps preserve evidence, protect your rights, and avoid costly mistakes.
A: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
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