If you have been hurt in a motor vehicle accident, you need to make smart decisions about protecting your legal rights. You may be entitled to compensation; but, if you make certain errors after the crash, you could end up collecting far less than what you’re entitled to receive. Below are five common mistakes that can jeopardize a San Luis Obispo accident victim’s claims for just compensation.

1. Failing to Seek Prompt Medical Attention After a Crash in San Luis Obispo or Elsewhere

When seeking financial compensation for an auto accident, the majority of your losses will likely be related to your physical injuries. This includes direct financial losses stemming from emergency room bills, future medical expenses, and lost income, as well as non-financial losses, such as pain and suffering.

That said, seeking prompt medical attention can be crucial to your financial recovery. If you wait too long to see a physician, the insurance companies may attempt to argue that your injuries are not related to the accident or that you should have done more to protect yourself.

2. Taking Your Injuries Too Lightly

Once you receive a diagnosis from your doctor, it is important to follow his or her advice. If you do not take your injuries seriously (i.e., skipping therapy appointments, exercising when you’re supposed to be resting, going back to work too soon), this is another mistake that the insurance companies might try to use against you in your case.

3. Attempting to Deal Directly With the Insurance Companies On Your Own

While we’re talking about insurers, dealing with insurance adjusters is a task best left to your San Luis Obispo car accident lawyer. Why? Because the insurance companies are not on your side. In fact, they have every incentive to try to get you to settle for far less than you are entitled to receive. From attempting to get victims to admit fault to offering low-ball settlements before victims are aware of the full extent of their injuries and losses, insurance adjusters use various tactics to get accident victims to make mistakes that will lower their overall financial recoveries.

4. Telling Everybody About the Crash Either in Person or on Social Media

After a crash, it is important not to discuss what happened (or what you think happened) with anyone except your San Luis Obispo car accident attorney. This is especially true regarding social media. If you post photos or comments online, there is a good chance that the insurance companies will see it. If they do, there is an even better chance that they’ll attempt to find a way to use it against you.

5. Waiting Far Too Long to Take Additional Steps After Your Crash in San Luis Obispo

While California’s statute of limitations for car accident claims is two years, accident victims should not wait that long to assert their legal rights. In fact, the best way to protect your rights is to speak with a San Luis Obispo car accident lawyer as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may become to recover key evidence to support your claim. But the sooner you take action, the sooner you can collect the just compensation you deserve.

Let Our San Luis Obispo Car Accident Lawyer Help

We know that being involved in a car accident can be a scary experience for all involved. Don’t try to handle it on your own. Seek help from a qualified San Luis Obispo car accident lawyer right away. Contact us online today.