Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident in California (2025)

You might not know what to do after you’re involved in a car wreck, which can naturally be a stressful experience. However, your first steps after an accident can impact whether you can recover compensation for your medical and property damages. Understanding some common mistakes to avoid after a car accident in California can prevent many potential complications.

Frequent Mistakes After a Car Accident

It is crucial to know about these common mistakes to avoid after a car accident and what to do instead. Some common mistakes include:

• Don’t flee the accident scene without reporting your collision. You could end up facing serious consequences for failing to stop and provide help.
• Don’t leave without documenting what happened. Drivers often fail to collect enough evidence to support their account of what happened. Without enough information, you may have a hard time establishing the other party’s fault or showing the extent of your damages. Evidence can quickly vanish once vehicles are removed and injuries heal.
• Don’t admit fault or apologize. Avoid making any statements, as these can be used against you later to argue that you’re taking responsibility for the accident.
• Don’t delay getting medical care. Delaying treatment can be a problem, as you need to make sure you get comprehensive care following a collision.
• Don’t speak with the other party’s insurance company without an attorney. Their insurer may try to trick you, so it’s important to speak with a trusted attorney who has your legal interests in mind.
• Don’t post about your accident on social media platforms. Avoid discussing anything at all about your accident online, even if your profiles are set to private. Many people are shocked to learn that many insurance companies often comb through your social media posts and use your photographs to refute your injury claim.
• Don’t accept a quick or lowball settlement offer. Avoid rushing to accept a settlement offer. People who handle their own accident claims often make these easily avoidable mistakes.

People who handle their own accident claims often make these easily avoidable mistakes.

What to Do After a California Car Accident

Accidents happen all the time. Across the United States, there were 46,027 vehicle-related fatalities in 2022, with 5.2 million injuries that required medical attention after an accident. With 235 million licensed drivers nationwide, motor vehicle accidents remain an all-too-common occurrence on the roadways.

However, even if you are involved in an accident, you can protect yourself and follow these steps:

• Stay where the accident happened, and make sure everyone’s okay.
• Call the police to report the accident. In California, you are required to report any accident that involves an injury, fatality, or property damage over $1,000.
• Exchange contact information with all involved parties.
• Take photos of the scene of your accident: Including injuries, road conditions, vehicle damage, and any nearby traffic signs.
• Get the names, full contact information, and details of the other party’s driver’s license: Some people prefer to take a quick photo of the license on their phone. Also, document the license plate information and the vehicle make/model of all involved vehicles.
• Write down your side of the accident while it’s fresh in your mind.
• Wait for the police to arrive before speaking with the other driver: Let uninvolved third parties (like the police) determine who caused the accident.
• Get medical treatment quickly: To document your condition and make sure you get complete medical assistance.
• Consult an attorney for trustworthy legal advice: They can speak with the other involved party’s insurance company.
• Avoid posting anything on social media accounts: Some people find it helpful to shut down their accounts while they have an active claim pending.
• If you choose to remain active online, don’t share any accident information or injury details.
• Take plenty of time to explore the extent of your property damage and injuries before entertaining any settlement offer.
• Speak with a legal professional who can explain how accepting a settlement typically cuts off any further recovery: Don’t rush into accepting a settlement offer.

While you may have felt uncertain about what to do after an accident, these steps can greatly improve your accident recovery.

FAQs

What Shouldn’t I Say to the Other Driver After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, it’s important to avoid saying anything similar to “I’m sorry,” as admitting fault for the accident or even talking about what might have happened can often be used against you later. If you decide to file an insurance claim or move forward with a legal case, such statements can negatively impact your case.

Avoid discussing your injuries with the other driver, and limit the conversation to just exchanging contact and insurance company information.

Are There Things I Shouldn’t Say to an Insurance Company?

Yes, there are things you should avoid saying to an insurance company, even if it’s your own insurance company. It’s important to avoid speaking with any insurance adjuster or giving a recorded statement before consulting a trusted lawyer.

An experienced attorney knows how to communicate with an insurance company while maximizing your recovery.

How Much Does an Accident Attorney Cost?

Attorneys across California determine their own fee structure, and the costs also depend on each case’s facts. Many people suffer because they don’t want to pay an attorney, but working without one can be a costly mistake.

An attorney familiar with car accidents can improve the outcome of your case, and the quality of their work is often reflected in their fees. An experienced attorney can also maximize your overall claim recovery.

How Much Is My Car Accident Injury Claim Worth?

The value of your unique personal injury claim often hinges on the extent of your property damage and how hurt you are after the accident. You could be entitled to substantial compensation if your injury was substantial. Your California car accident attorney can evaluate the total possible value of your claim.

Contact Corrales Law Group Today: Protect Yourself With a California Accident Attorney

It’s important that you don’t jeopardize your own legal claim and create a nightmare of legal issues for yourself. Corrales Law Group has represented accident victims since 2012, and you can trust us to put our experience to work for you.

We offer initial case evaluations, and we are a bilingual law firm. Contact us right away to set up a consultation.