3 Common Mistakes Ventura Car Accident Victims Make and How You Can Avoid Them by Getting a Ventura Car Accident Lawyer
After a serious car accident happens in Ventura, many Ventura car accident victims are overwhelmed, shaken, and unsure of what to do next. While some mistakes that Ventura car accident victims make are understandable in the heat of the moment, certain missteps can seriously harm your ability to get the compensation you deserve under California personal injury laws. Working with an experienced Ventura car accident lawyer can help you avoid common pitfalls that Ventura car accident victims may face and can increase your chances of a successful outcome in your case. Here are three frequent mistakes car accident victims make, and how an experienced Ventura car accident lawyer can help you avoid making them after you are injured in a car accident.
#1. Failing to Seek Medical Help After a Car Accident
The first common mistake that Ventura car accident victims make after a serious car accident is failing to seek immediate medical attention. Some Ventura car accident victims may avoid going to the doctor because they think their injuries are minor or they hope the pain will go away on its own. Others wait too long because they simply do not want to deal with medical bills. Unfortunately, delays in treatment can not only worsen a Ventura car accident victim’s health but can also weaken their legal claim for compensation. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were not serious or were not caused by the accident if there is a gap in care and no records to support your claims. Getting immediate medical attention, even if you do not think or know if you are seriously injured, is an important step to take after a serious car accident occurs.
#2. Talking with the Negligent Party’s Insurance Company
The second mistake that Ventura car accident victims commonly make is speaking too freely with the negligent or at-fault party’s insurance adjuster. After a serious car accident, you may be contacted by the at-fault driver’s insurance company and asked to give a recorded statement. Many people assume they are required to cooperate or that being polite will help resolve their case faster. However, car accident insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that can lead you to downplay your injuries or admit partial fault, which can reduce or eliminate a settlement in your case. An experienced Ventura car accident lawyer can communicate with the at-fault party’s insurance company on your behalf and ensure that your words are not used against you later in the claims process.
#3. Settling with the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company Quickly
Finally, the third common mistake that Ventura car accident victims make is settling their claims too quickly. After a serious car accident, especially when bills start piling up or work is missed, it can be tempting to accept the first settlement offer. However, early offers are often far lower than what your claim is truly worth under the law. They may not account for long-term medical treatment, lost earning capacity, or the pain and suffering that you experienced. Once you accept a settlement, you typically give up the right to pursue further compensation. An experienced lawyer will know how to evaluate your case fully, calculate the value of both current and future damages, and negotiate with the insurance company for a fair resolution of your claims.
If you are in the Ventura area and you need legal help, contact the experienced Ventura car accident lawyers at Zavala Law, PC. Contact Zavala Law, PC to speak to a lawyer about your case now.
