It is bad enough to have a car accident in Bakersfield because you have to deal with injuries, medical bills, and the shock of the crash. As such, you want to avoid anything that makes your claim weaker.
Many people who have been in accidents do not know that even small mistakes can give insurance companies a reason to lower or deny their claims. That is why it is so important to know what to do right away. If you are not sure where to start, you can always get a free case review from a local lawyer who knows how Bakersfield claims work.
Not Seeking Medical Attention Right Away
You might feel fine right now, but injuries like whiplash or internal bleeding do not show up right away. Always get checked out immediately and stick to your treatment plans. It matters for both your health and your claim.
Not Calling the Police
Always call the police about an accident, even if it does not seem like a big deal. The resulting police report is a legal document that tells you what happened in the crash. It can be much harder to prove fault later without it. If you skip this step, the insurance adjuster might try to make your story sound less important.
Taking Responsibility at the Scene
It is normal for people to say “I’m sorry” after something stressful, but even a simple apology can be used against you. Therefore, do not apologize, guess what happened, or downplay your injuries. Stick to the facts, share information, and let the investigation figure out who is at fault.
Not Getting Enough Proof
The seconds after a crash are very important. If you can, take pictures of the cars, the road conditions, the traffic signs, and your injuries. Get the names and phone numbers of people who saw what happened. Too often, people who have been in an accident only look at the police report, which might not include all the details. Having your own proof can make your case much stronger.
Talking Too Much with the Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters may seem nice, but their job is to save their company money. You could end up with a lot less than your claim is worth if you give a recorded statement or agree to a quick settlement. Never sign anything or agree to a settlement until you know exactly what you are giving up.
Posting on Social Media
Posting about your accident or sharing pictures online might seem like a harmless thing to do, but insurance companies keep an eye on claimants’ social media accounts. Even posts that are not related to your injury, like pictures of you smiling at a family event, can be used to say that you are not as hurt as you say you are. It is best to stay off social media about your accident and recovery until your case is settled.
Not Talking to a Lawyer Soon Enough
You have a limited amount of time to file a claim in California, and the longer you wait, the harder it is to get good evidence. An attorney can help you avoid making expensive mistakes, deal with insurance companies, and make sure you meet deadlines.
Key Takeaways
- What you do and do not do are both important for keeping your car accident claim safe in Bakersfield.
- Never forget to get a medical check after an accident.
- Reporting to the police could be a crucial step.
- Never communicate with anyone at the accident Always prefer consulting a lawyer before confronting others.
- Avoiding these common mistakes will give you the best chance of getting fair compensation and a faster recovery.