You’ve been injured in an auto collision in California—now what do you do? Many people automatically think they should file a claim with their own insurance company, but what if you weren’t to blame for the crash? If someone else was negligent and caused your collision, he or she is required to pay for your damages—by law.

But how do you prove the other driver was to blame, and how will you convince the at-fault party’s insurance company to pay you fairly? That’s where filing a car crash claim gets tricky.

Even if you make a good case and demonstrate your damages, the insurers aren’t likely to just hand over the money. They’re going to fight you because they like their money right where it is—in their bank accounts.

The Five Things That Will Hurt Your Vehicle Crash Claim

Not only must you prove that the other party was negligent, but you must also be able to negotiate with the insurance companies to get full compensation—without accidentally admitting partial fault.

Speaking with insurance adjusters without a lawyer after a car crash is a lot like talking to police officers without a lawyer when facing criminal charges: Everything you say can and will be used against you.

Here are five things that could harm your auto wreck claim:

1. Telling Insurance Adjusters the Details of Your Accident – This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Insurance adjusters are notorious for twisting everything you say to make you appear responsible for the crash. Why are they so mean? Because they want to reduce the value of your claim.
2. Lying – If you lie to the insurer or on the insurance forms, your entire case could be thrown out. Have your attorney help you with the paperwork. Even an accidental omission or mistake could ruin your compensation goals.
3. Posting Information on Social Media – Insurance companies often hire investigators to watch you and determine whether your injuries match your statements. If you are posting information on social media that contradicts your statements, you can bet that the insurance company will use it against you.
4. Failure to Keep Important Evidence – Evidence is the key to winning fair compensation after an auto crash. You must prove that you didn’t cause the crash, and you must demonstrate the severity of your injuries. Ever heard of too much evidence? We didn’t think so.
5. Trying to Handle a Claim on Your Own – Attempting to negotiate an auto crash case by yourself can ruin even the best of claims. Insurers will employ many tricks to keep their cash in their pockets.

Need Help from a Car Accident Attorney?

Filing a personal injury claim for a car crash isn’t always a simple matter. You are far more likely to get the compensation you need to pay for your losses when you work with a vehicle wreck attorney.

You don’t have to worry about paying up front for your attorney’s services. Crowell Law Offices uses a contingency fee system, so you don’t pay us until after we’ve won you the compensation you deserve. To speak with an attorney in a free consultation, dial 916-303-2800 or fill out the online contact form below.