California personal injury attorneys

What NOT to Do If Are Injured in an Auto Accident

Because this is such an important subject we want to emphasize not only what to do if you are injured in an auto accident, but also what NOT to do. Below are a few helpful suggestions. Again, by no means is this a complete list, and you should consult an attorney for additional information in preparing for what has become an all too common occurrence in California: the auto accident.

What NOT to Do After an Accident

  • Do NOT exit your vehicle or stand on or near any part of a busy roadway where it is possible you or your car may be struck by oncoming traffic. Positioning yourself near fast moving traffic or attempting to assess or fix damage to your vehicle on a busy roadway may lead to serious injury or death, even if you believe you are safely to the side of the roadway.


  • Do NOT say you are "OK/fine" or refuse emergency medical treatment if you believe there is any possibility you are hurt or you feel unable to accurately assess your condition from a medical standpoint.


  • Do NOT allow anyone to talk you out of making a CHP report or police report of the accident.


  • Do NOT admit or discuss fault for the accident before speaking with a qualified attorney who can evaluate the case for you.


  • Do NOT discuss the facts of the or liability issues accident with the other party involved or their insurer.


  • Do NOT give a recorded statement to the other party's insurer.


  • Do NOT give "index" information or other personally identifying information (i.e., social security number, driver license number, employer name, etc.) other party's insurer.


  • Do NOT attempt to negotiate a claim yourself, before speaking with an attorney who can tell you whether it makes sense to do so (i.e., given the amount at stake).


  • Do NOT give a recorded statement to anyone before speaking to attorney to assist you.


  • Do NOT sign any liens or agreements to reimburse anyone before showing them to an attorney who can review them on your behalf.


  • Do NOT sign "agreements to arbitrate" with anyone.


  • Do NOT sign any documents allowing release of your personal information before speaking to an attorney and allowing them to review the release.


  • Do NOT allow a tow truck company to store your car/truck/motorcycle at their lot; if at all possible have your car towed to a location you own or to which you have free access.


  • Do NOT exaggerate you injuries or leave out relevant information when being interviewed by medical professionals.


    • For further information, call one of our experienced personal injury lawyers toll free at (877) 593-2777 (or a local number below).

    Or you can email us directly by clicking the email button in the upper right hand corner of this page to learn what your rights are whether you need a lawyer to help you in presenting your claim.



    Email or Call For Free Consultation:

    Email a Personal Injury AttorneyIf you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, our experienced and professional personal injury lawyers are here to help.

    Click the red envelope above to request a confidential questionnaire from a personal injury attorney in the Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and surrounding areas. Or, feel free to call one of the local numbers listed below.
    213-784-2574
    		Los Angeles, California Personal Injury Attorneys
    310-997-0237
    		 West Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Malibu, Torrance, Santa Monica Injury Attorneys
    415-935-6904
    		 San Francisco, California, Personal Injury Attorneys
    818-745-2777
    		 Burbank, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Woodland Hills, Westlake Village Lawyers
    626-797-2777
    		 Pasadena, Glendale, San Gabriel, Alhambra Accident Lawyers
    562-270-2869
    		 Long Beach Accident Attorneys
    714-982-4589
    		 Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Orange County Personal Injury Lawyers
    949-734-1584
    		 Aliso Viejo, Capistrano, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Laguna, Mission Viejo, PI Attorneys
    661-877-4626
    		 Bakersfield, Kern, Tulare, and Fresno Counties - Personal Injury Attorneys
    619-940-7771
    		 San Diego Injury Lawyers Handling Auto Accidents, Truck Crashes, Wrongful Death
    619-940-7771
    		 Del Mar, La Jolla, Poway, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach - Personal Injury Lawyers
    760-705-8771
    		 Encinitas, Escondido, Fallbrook, Lake Isabella, Oceanside, Palm Springs Injury Lawyers
    877-593-2777
    		 All other California areas, including Agoura Hills, Santa Barbara, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village and Oakland, California, Personal Injury and Accident Lawyers - Call Toll Free!

    Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers