After an accident in Los Angeles, Burbank, or Glendale, you’re hurt, overwhelmed, and trying to make sense of what just happened. That is exactly when the insurance company gets involved, and they are not on your side. At LA Injury Attorneys, we’ve seen firsthand how even smart, well-meaning people unknowingly damage their personal injury cases by trusting insurers too soon. Here are the most common mistakes accident victims make when dealing with insurance companies and how to avoid them.
1. Giving a Recorded Statement Without Legal Advice
One of the first things insurance adjusters do is ask you for a recorded statement. They’ll make it sound routine, but it’s a trap. What you say, even casually, can and will be used against you later to reduce or deny your claim.
What You Should Do: Politely decline and tell them you’ve retained legal counsel or are in the process of doing so. If you were injured in an auto accident in Burbank or anywhere in Southern California, contact our team before speaking to anyone else.
2. Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies are not in the business of paying out what is fair. They are in the business of paying out as little as possible. The first offer is almost always low, designed to make you settle quickly before the full cost of your injuries is clear.
What You Should Do: Never accept a settlement until a qualified personal injury attorney has reviewed it. Whether you’re in Los Angeles or Glendale, we can help assess the true value of your case.
3. Waiting Too Long to Get Medical Treatment
Delays in seeking treatment are often used against you. The insurance company will argue that you weren’t really hurt or that something else caused your injuries.
What You Should Do: Get checked out immediately after an accident, even if you feel fine. Some injuries take days or weeks to appear. This is especially important in slip and fall cases or motorcycle accidents where internal injuries can go unnoticed.
4. Signing Documents Without Understanding Them
Release forms, medical authorizations, or final settlement agreements may seem harmless, but signing the wrong document can end your ability to pursue further compensation.
What You Should Do: Don’t sign anything from an insurance company without having your lawyer review it first. If you are dealing with a rideshare accident in Los Angeles or the Valley, the legal process can be even more complex, making legal guidance essential.
5. Trying to Handle the Claim Alone
Injury claims are complex, and insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to protect their interests. Trying to go it alone puts you at a serious disadvantage.
What You Should Do: Work with an experienced accident attorney who understands how insurers operate. If your case involves serious injury or wrongful death, legal experience is absolutely critical, especially in busy urban areas like Glendale and Los Angeles.
Why Choose LA Injury Attorneys?
Our founding attorney spent years working for insurance companies. Now he fights to hold them accountable. We know how they operate, and we use that knowledge to build stronger cases for our clients. Whether your claim involves a truck accident, pedestrian injury, or another complex injury case, we will aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve.
You don’t pay unless we win. Contact us today for a free consultation and protect yourself from making any of these costly mistakes.
