Car accidents are chaotic, stressful, and often traumatic. But what happens after the crash can matter even more—especially when you’re pursuing a personal injury claim in California. The legal system is complex, and the wrong move can sabotage your entire case. Below are the most common (and costly) mistakes people make when pursuing a lawsuit after a car accident, and what your California car accident lawyer wants you to avoid at all costs.
1. Waiting Too Long to Get Medical Attention
After a crash, some injuries take hours or even days to fully surface. But insurance companies love to weaponize delays. If you wait too long to seek treatment, they’ll claim you weren’t really injured—or that something else caused your pain.
Key Detail: In California, any delay in treatment can reduce or eliminate compensation. Get checked out immediately, even if symptoms seem minor.
2. Talking to the Insurance Company Without Legal Help
Insurance adjusters are not your allies. Their job is to minimize payouts. What you say on that first call—especially recorded statements—can be used against you later.
Pro Tip: Let your California car accident lawyer handle all communication. You are not legally required to speak to the other driver’s insurer.
3. Posting on Social Media About the Accident
Even an innocent post like “Feeling better today!” can be used to argue your injuries aren’t serious. Insurance companies and defense lawyers routinely monitor social media.
Solution: Avoid posting anything until your case is resolved. A single image or comment can ruin your credibility.
4. Underestimating the Full Cost of Your Damages
Medical bills are just the start. Lost wages, future treatment, pain and suffering, property damage—all of it matters. Many victims settle too early and too low.
How We Help: A skilled California car accident lawyer can calculate full lifetime impact and fight for what you truly deserve.
5. Missing the California Statute of Limitations
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in California. But don’t wait until the last minute. Evidence fades, witnesses disappear, and your leverage weakens.
Reminder: For claims against government entities (like a city-owned bus), the deadline can be as short as 6 months.
6. Not Hiring a California Car Accident Lawyer
This is the big one. Handling your own claim might sound simple, but it rarely ends well. Insurance companies are ruthless, and their legal teams are highly trained.
WCTL has recovered over $1.7 billion for injury victims across California—and we know every trick the defense will try. Let us level the playing field.
Don’t Risk Your Case—Let WCTL Protect It
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we’ve helped thousands of Californians recover full compensation after a car accident. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win.
Speak with a California car accident lawyer today and avoid the mistakes that cost victims their cases every year.
