If you are injured in a car crash in California, you may receive compensation for the losses that you have sustained. However, your overall award may be reduced or eliminated entirely if you are found to be partially or wholly liable for the wreck. There are several actions that you should avoid if you want to maximize your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome.
Don’t try to tough it out
You may think that telling people that you aren’t hurt makes you look tough or resilient. To the defendant, however, your words could be powerful evidence to have your case dismissed or settled for less than what you may be entitled to. This is because sore muscles or a headache could be symptoms of a concussion, whiplash or other injuries that might cost thousands of dollars to treat. If you downplay your condition, you may have trouble collecting what you need to pay for treatment after your motor vehicle accident.
Avoid needless speculation
Your insurance company will likely want you to make a statement after the accident. It’s important to remember that your coverage provider is looking for ways to pay as little as possible. Therefore, you don’t want to speculate when describing what happened just before, during and after the wreck. Instead, you want to make concise and objective statements such as you were traveling west when the accident happened or that you were struck while going through an intersection.
Typically, motor vehicle accident cases are resolved through settlements outside of court. However, you also have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. Driver statements, witness statements and a police report may all be used in an effort to obtain a financial award in your matter.
