Navigating the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance companies. Filing a personal injury claim in California requires careful attention to detail, and even small missteps can jeopardize your chances of fair compensation. This is where partnering with a trusted Woodland Hills personal injury lawyer like Bojat Law Group becomes invaluable. To help you avoid common pitfalls, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 mistakes to steer clear of when pursuing your claim.
1. Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
Delaying medical care after an accident is a critical error. Insurance companies often argue that gaps in treatment suggest your injuries aren’t serious. Even if you feel fine, some injuries (like whiplash or internal trauma) may not manifest symptoms immediately. A prompt medical evaluation creates a documented link between the accident and your injuries, strengthening your case.
2. Failing to Document the Incident and Injuries
Thorough documentation is the backbone of a strong claim. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, property damage, and any hazardous conditions that contributed to the incident. Keep a journal detailing your pain levels, recovery progress, and how the injury impacts your daily life. Without this evidence, proving the extent of your losses becomes challenging.
3. Giving a Recorded Statement Without Legal Advice
Insurance adjusters may request a recorded statement shortly after the accident. While it might seem harmless, their goal is to extract details they can use to minimize your payout. Politely decline to provide a statement until you’ve consulted a Woodland Hills personal injury lawyer. Bojat Law Group can guide you on what to say—and what not to say—to protect your rights.
4. Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Insurers often make lowball offers early in the process, hoping you’ll accept before understanding the full value of your claim. Once you sign a settlement, you can’t seek additional compensation later—even if hidden injuries arise. Always have an attorney review any offer to ensure it covers current and future expenses.
5. Not Hiring an Experienced Attorney
Attempting to handle a personal injury claim alone is risky. California’s comparative negligence laws, complex paperwork, and aggressive insurers require professional expertise. A skilled Woodland Hills personal injury lawyer like those at Bojat Law Group can negotiate on your behalf, gather evidence, and advocate for maximum compensation.
6. Missing Deadlines (Statute of Limitations)
In California, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident. Missing this deadline forfeits your right to sue. Exceptions exist (e.g., government entity claims), but timelines are strict. An attorney ensures all paperwork is submitted promptly and correctly.
7. Posting on Social Media
Avoid sharing accident details or photos online. Insurers scour social media for posts that contradict your injury claims—like a vacation photo labeled “feeling great!” while you’re supposed to be recovering. Set accounts to private and refrain from discussing your case publicly.
8. Exaggerating or Downplaying Injuries
Honesty is crucial. Exaggerating symptoms can damage your credibility, while downplaying pain may result in insufficient compensation. Stick to factual medical reports and let your attorney highlight how the injury affects your life.
9. Ignoring Future Damages in the Claim
Many claimants focus only on immediate costs (medical bills, lost wages) but overlook long-term impacts like ongoing therapy, reduced earning capacity, or chronic pain. Your lawyer will work with experts to project future expenses and ensure they’re included in your demand.
10. Not Following Medical Advice
Skipping appointments or ignoring treatment plans gives insurers ammunition to argue you’re not seriously injured. Adhere to your doctor’s recommendations and attend all follow-ups. This demonstrates commitment to recovery and validates your claim’s legitimacy.
Protect Your Rights with a Woodland Hills Personal Injury Lawyer
Avoiding these mistakes can mean the difference between a denied claim and a fair settlement. At Bojat Law Group, our Woodland Hills personal injury lawyers combine local expertise with compassionate advocacy to guide clients through every step of the process. From negotiating with insurers to litigating in court, we fight to secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress.
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t risk your future by going it alone. Contact Bojat Law Group today for a free consultation. Let our experienced Woodland Hills personal injury lawyer team handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing.
Jason