Month: May 2023

The Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident: A Lawyer’s Perspective

Introduction

Car accidents are a common occurrence on roads and highways, and they can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. Unfortunately, many people make costly mistakes after a car accident that can negatively impact their legal rights and ability to recover compensation for their damages. As a lawyer who specializes in car accidents and related personal injury cases, I have seen firsthand the consequences of these mistakes.

Here are the top 5 mistakes to avoid after a car accident:

Mistake #1: Admitting Fault

One of the biggest mistakes you can make after a car accident is admitting fault. Even if you think you may have been partially responsible for the accident, admitting fault can harm your case and reduce your chances of receiving fair compensation for your damages.

By admitting fault, you are essentially taking the blame for the accident, which can make it difficult to prove fault and recover damages from the other driver’s insurance company. Additionally, admitting fault can be used against you in court if the other driver decides to file a lawsuit.

It’s natural to feel upset, confused, or guilty after a car accident, but it’s important to stay calm and avoid apologizing to the other driver. Apologizing can be seen as an admission of fault and can be used against you in court.

If the other driver admits fault, it’s important to handle the situation carefully. While it may seem like a clear-cut case, it’s still important to obtain a police report and document the details of the accident. Make sure to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, and take photos of the damage to both vehicles. It’s also a good idea to contact your insurance company and report the accident as soon as possible.

Remember, it’s always best to seek legal advice from an experienced car accident lawyer before admitting fault or discussing the accident with anyone other than your insurance company. Your lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights in the aftermath of a car accident.

Mistake #2: Not Calling the Police

Another common mistake after a car accident is not calling the police. While it is often looked at as a hassle and may not seem necessary, calling the police is important for several reasons.

First and foremost, a police report can provide valuable evidence that can be used in court to determine fault and the extent of damages. Without a police report, it can be difficult to prove fault or recover compensation for your injuries and property damage.

Additionally, if anyone is injured in an accident, it’s crucial to call the police and seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t think you are injured, it’s still a good idea to get checked out by a doctor, as some symptoms may not show up until hours or even days later.

Dealing with an uncooperative driver can be frustrating, but it’s important to remain calm and polite. If the other driver refuses to cooperate or provide their insurance information, you can still call the police and file a report. Your lawyer can help you obtain the information you need to file a claim with your insurance company or pursue legal action.

In summary, always call the police after a car accident, even if it seems minor. Obtaining a police report can provide valuable evidence and protect your legal rights in the aftermath of a crash. If you are dealing with an uncooperative driver, don’t panic. Remain calm, call the police, and seek legal advice from an experienced car accident lawyer.

Mistake #3: Failing to Seek Medical Attention

One of the most important things you can do after a car accident is to seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you are seriously injured. Delaying medical treatment can not only worsen your injuries but also harm your chances of receiving fair compensation for your damages.

Seeking medical attention is crucial for documenting your injuries and establishing a link between the accident and your injuries. This documentation is essential for proving fault and calculating damages in court. It’s also important to keep records of all medical bills, prescriptions, and other expenses related to your injuries.

Dealing with insurance adjusters can be challenging, but it’s important to be honest and thorough when discussing your injuries. Downplaying your injuries or failing to seek medical attention can make it difficult to recover fair compensation, and you may end up needing physical therapy or other forms of medical treatment.

If you are contacted by an insurance adjuster, it’s important to avoid making any statements until you have sought legal advice from an experienced auto accident attorney. He or she can help you navigate the claims process and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you receive what is fair.

In summary, seeking medical attention after a car accident is crucial for documenting your injuries and protecting your legal rights. Don’t delay seeking medical treatment, even if you don’t think you are seriously injured at the time of the accident. Keep detailed records of all medical bills and expenses, and seek legal advice from an experienced car accident lawyer before discussing your injuries with an insurance adjuster.

Mistake #4: Not Gathering Evidence

Failing to gather evidence after a car accident is a common mistake that can severely harm your chances of receiving fair compensation for your damages. Gathering evidence is essential for establishing fault and proving the extent of your injuries and property damage.

Taking photos of the accident scene and exchanging information with the other driver are important steps you can take to gather evidence. Be sure to take photos of the damage to your vehicle, the other driver’s vehicle, and any visible injuries. Also, exchange contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information with the other driver.

If the other driver is uncooperative or refuses to exchange information, it’s important to remain calm and contact the police immediately. The police can help gather evidence and document the accident scene, even if the other driver is uncooperative.

In addition to taking photos and exchanging information, it’s important to gather witness statements and contact information. If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information and a brief statement about what they saw.

If you can, it’s also a good idea to document the weather conditions, road conditions, and any other relevant factors that may have contributed to the accident.

In summary, gathering evidence is crucial for establishing fault and proving the extent of your injuries and property damage after a car accident. Take photos of the accident scene, exchange information with the other driver, and gather witness statements and contact information. If the other driver is uncooperative, contact the police immediately.

Mistake #5: Accepting the First Settlement Offer

After a car accident, you may receive a settlement offer from the insurance company representing the at-fault driver. While it may be tempting to accept the first offer, it’s important to understand that this offer may not fully compensate you for all of your damages.

Accepting the first settlement offer is a mistake because you may not fully understand the extent of your injuries or property damage at the time the offer is made. Additionally, the insurance company’s initial offer is often much lower than what you are actually entitled to receive.

It’s important to understand the full extent of your damages and understanding how they translate into your final settlement award. This includes not only current medical bills and property damage, but also future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer can help you navigate everything involved in the process while negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf.

In summary, accepting the first settlement offer is a mistake because it may not fully compensate you for all of your damages. Consult with a personal injury lawyer to negotiate the best settlement possible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, car accidents can be traumatic experiences, but it’s important to know how to protect your legal rights in the aftermath. By avoiding the top five mistakes discussed in this article, you can increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and property damage.

To recap, the top five mistakes to avoid after a car accident are:

  • Admitting fault
  • Not calling the police
  • Failing to seek medical attention
  • Not gathering evidence
  • Accepting the first settlement offer

By avoiding these mistakes, you can strengthen your case and increase your chances of receiving a fair settlement.

It’s important to seek legal advice from a qualified personal injury lawyer after a car accident. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and provide guidance throughout the legal process.

If you need a qualified auto accident attorney, contact us today at Pyramid Legal.

UBER LYFT@2x

On the road, life can change in the blink of an eye. Despite our best efforts, accidents still happen. Even when we’re doing everything right, drivers around us may be careless or distracted. Pedestrians and cyclists are at risk from larger vehicles. Trucks and other cargo carriers may not be loaded properly, causing dangerous conditions. Commercial drivers may be pushed to exhaustion from deadlines and company pressures. The physics of high-speed highways around Southern California could mean catastrophic injuries in a collision. We will fight for you to get the maximum possible compensation for any injuries you suffer so that you can cover your bills and focus on recovering your health after an accident.

CAR ACCIDENT@2x

You may be confused about what to do after a car crash. You must first determine who was at fault in the accident then file the proper legal claims. You may have to deal with you or another driver’s insurance company, neither of which are on your side.

UBER LYFT@2x

We all hope for the best whenever we get into an Uber or Lyft. But with the number of rideshares on the road today, accidents are bound to happen. Whether you’re a passenger inside a rideshare vehicle or a third party caught up in a collision with one, you may wonder how the rideshare companies affect your situation.

TRUCK@2x

Because trucks tend to be so massive in comparison to passenger vehicles, they have a sizable advantage in accidents. Tractor-trailors, 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, and big rigs usually weigh significantly more than other cars. As a result, truck accidents can be devastating.


motorcycleaccident

The dangers of motorcycles are well documented. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are naturally at a greater risk of injury because they are unprotected on the road. Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and can be difficult for other drivers to see in their blind spots.

BUS@2x

Bus drivers may be working long hours or driving tired, especially if there are staff shortages. While local city buses may travel at slower speeds, others can travel just as fast as regular traffic. In the event of a collision, buses have a clear size advantage over passenger cars. Even pedestrians and passengers getting on and off are at risk from poorly driven buses.


PLANE@2x

Although rare, airplane accidents are often catastrophic and deadly when they happen. To complicate matters, airplane crashes involve complex areas of law and highly technical issues. Whether the accident involves a single-engine jet, private operator, or commercial airliner, you must establish how it happened to determine who was at fault. Between weather patterns, maintenance standards, engineering defects, pilot misconduct, airline policies, and air traffic control, this is no small feat. At Pyramid Legal, we help airplane accident victims and their families get justice, find closure, and recover for the harm they’ve suffered.


bicycleaccident

Bicycling is an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint, get in your physical activity, and avoid a stop-and-go commute in a car. But despite the many projects around Los Angeles to make city roads more friendly to cyclists, bicycle accidents happen all over Southern California. And in a collision between a bicycle and a car, the car usually has the advantage. 

pedestrianaccidents

Any vehicle traveling over 20 miles per hour can cause catastrophic injury to unprotected pedestrians. Broken or shattered bones, spinal injuries, internal organ injuries, head injuries, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are some of the most common injuries in pedestrian accidents.

dog-bite-img

Not all dogs are cute and cuddly. Some unfortunately do not receive the proper training they need from their owners. A dog’s jaw is very powerful and a deep bite can cause significant injury, ripping muscle and tendons and even breaking bones. You could face long-term scarring or impairment or become unable to do your job. In the state of California, dog owners are held strictly liable for dog bites, regardless of the dog’s history. The attorneys at Pyramid Legal can help you recover any hospital bills or lost income as a result of your dog bite.

 

productliaiblity

Everyday products can be dangerous if they’re defective in their design, manufacturing, or marketing. We often take the safety of the products around us for granted, but when proper safety and quality protocols are not followed, catastrophic injuries can result. This is especially true for products like prescription drugs, medical devices, everyday home appliances, or safety devices like airbags. When products are defective, innocent people can get hurt. Pyramid Legal helps clients hold companies accountable for injuries caused by their defective products.

premisesliabilty

Property owners, operators, and management groups have a responsibility to keep their premises safe for tenants, visitors, and even some trespassers. State and federal laws have basic requirements that public properties must meet in order to be safe for the public, such as proper signage, guardrails, and building codes. If a property owner fails to take the steps necessary to keep the premises safe, the Pyramid Legal team can help you hold them responsible for any injuries that resulted from their negligence.

slipandfall
Slip and fall injuries could happen anywhere – the sidewalk, the grocery store, a public park, a movie theater. Some areas are more prone to slips and falls, such as escalators, elevators, swimming pools, or construction sites.
constructionaccident

Construction worksites can be extremely dangerous. Although construction workers face risky conditions on the job, electrocutions, falls, fires, and heavy equipment can risk severe injury or death even for people passing by outside. That’s why construction sites must be managed properly in compliance with all relevant rules and regulations. The attorneys at Pyramid Legal can help you establish fault and recover compensation for injuries you’ve suffered on or near a construction site because of someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior.


catastrophicinjury

Catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries (TBI), serious burns, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and amputations have permanent consequences. Victims may need medical treatment or supportive care for the rest of their lives. On top of that, an injury could make them unable to do their jobs. They could lose their income and insurance as hospital bills pile up.

wrongfuldeath

Even if someone causes the death of another, it may not always rise to the level of a crime – for example, traffic accidents where the at-fault driver was neither reckless nor intended to hurt anyone. But whether criminal charges are involved or not, a victim’s family can still get justice in civil court by filing a wrongful death lawsuit or survival action.

property-damage

Property damage could cost you thousands of dollars or more, whether it’s damage to your car, home, business, or other high-value personal property such as electronics. Even if your property is insured, your insurance company may drag their feet on compensating you for damages. They may try to get you to settle for less than you’re fully owed. At Pyramid Legal, we’ll go to bat against the insurance companies for you so that you get the maximum possible compensation you deserve under your policy. If your property was damaged by someone else’s negligent or reckless behavior, we can help you hold that person responsible for the cost.

FIRE@2x

If you have suffered property damage or personal injuries due to a fire in Southern California, a fire damage attorney can assist you in seeking compensation for your losses. They can help you navigate the complex legal process of filing a claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and pursuing litigation if necessary.

Pasadena Products Liability Lawyer

If you have experienced water damage to your property in Southern California, a water damage attorney can help you recover compensation for your losses. They can assist you in filing an insurance claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and pursuing legal action if necessary to ensure that you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve.

vandalism

If you have been a victim of vandalism in Southern California, a vandalism attorney can help you protect your legal rights and seek compensation for your losses. They can assist you in filing a police report, gathering evidence, and pursuing legal action against the responsible parties, including seeking compensation for property damage and any injuries suffered.

lemonlaw

Lemon laws exist in the U.S. to protect consumers who buy vehicles that don’t live up to the standards promised under the warranty. A “lemon” is another word for a defective car. California has extremely protective lemon laws for consumers. If your newly purchased car has been in the shop for repairs an unreasonable number of times, if it’s not the same quality as other similar vehicles, or if it has defects that make it unsafe to drive, Pyramid Legal can help you replace the car with a new one from the manufacturer or get a refund for your money.

 

TESTIMONIALS

Pyramid Legal is my go to! Ed and David are super
responsive and reliable. They fought all the way for me and
made sure I got the most out of my insurance and the other
cars insurance. Highly recommend them to my friends and
family. Thanks again fellas!

Marwin

Very attentive and passionate lawyer. Strongly
recommended for your personal injury case no matter
how serious your injuries are

JANG K.

Loved working with these amazing attorneys after my
accident. They took care of everything! I could tell they were
very knowledgeable and experienced when we met to
discuss my case. And then when I called with questions they
responded immediately without making me feel bad about
constantly calling! To top it all off, my settlement was MUCH
higher than what I had come to expect. Don’t hesitate to
work with this team!

NANAR G

These guys are absolutely great! As an attorney I’ve
personally seen the quality of work and attention they
provide their clients and it is truly amazing. Having worked
with attorneys of different backgrounds I can say with full
confidence that this team knows what they are doing and
do it with the level of care that puts clients at ease. Highly
recommend these gentlemen

CLAUDIA H.

Ed and David are great attorneys very professional and
they really put so much effort on my case! Went above
and beyond to make sure that everything went smoothly

AARON D

Pyramid Legal was helped me so much when I had an
accident. I was surprised at how fast my claim was settled
and with maximum settlement. They’ve been so
communicative and easy to reach at any time of the day.
100% recommend.

SOPHIE G.

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