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4 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Car Accident Claim

July 20, 2017/in /by damg20

If you sustain injuries in a car accident, making even a minor mistake at the scene could hurt your chances of filing a successful injury claim. According to Forbes, the average driver files an accident claim once every 18 years, so it is important that you know the steps to take to give your claim the best possible chance at success.

It is equally essential to know the common errors that cause claims to be disputed or denied. One small mistake in the immediate aftermath of a collision could harm your case. This article will explain some of the more common mistakes that you should avoid during the claims process.

If you would like more comprehensive help filing your claim, contact Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates. We have recovered more than $150 million for our clients in successful settlements and verdicts. Call 855-290-8080 to schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury attorney in San Diego.

Read on to learn about four common mistakes to avoid when filing a car accident claim:

  1. Making a Recorded Statement

If you make a recorded statement to the insurance company before you have a thorough understanding of the extent of your injuries, it could inhibit your ability to recover the total amount of compensation that you deserve. Always talk to your car accident lawyer before making any kind of recorded statement to the insurance adjuster.

  1. Accepting Fault

California is a “fault” state when it comes to car accident claims, which means the liable motorist’s insurance provider must cover the damages that the other parties incurred. However, determining fault is complicated, and even if you did not cause the crash, you could harm your case if you admit fault to the other driver, the police, or the insurance company.

  1. Failing to Gather Sufficient Evidence at the Scene

If you are physically able to get up and walk around after the collision, it is crucial that you take photos of the scene. If you cannot walk around, ask a friend to return to the scene and take photos for you so you can at least demonstrate how and why the accident occurred. Photographs may help your attorney prove negligence and liability. 

  1. Hiring the Wrong Personal Injury Attorney

Make sure you turn to a law firm that has extensive experience litigating personal injury lawsuits. Look online for testimonials from past clients. Ask about the attorney’s years of experience, the types of cases the firm handles, and the outcomes of cases that were similar to yours.

If your crash happened in California, contact Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates. Attorneys Jeffrey E. Estes and Alton J. Smith have a reputation for tough litigation and a strategy for winning substantial settlements and verdicts for their clients.

Call 855-290-8080 to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in San Diego. You can learn more about car accident claims in California by visiting the USAttorneys website.

 

Read more accident articles here

https://jeffreyesteslaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/photodune-7673418-broken-car-windshield-3-xs.jpg 365 548 damg20 https://jeffreyesteslaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/logo_estes_NEW.png damg202017-07-20 16:14:412017-07-20 16:14:414 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Car Accident Claim
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Our Verdicts and Settlement

Experience matters. Of course, you need a lawyer who knows the law, but you also need someone who has the experience necessary to give informed counsel. Estes and Smith have extensive experience litigating serious injuries and accident claims related to motor vehicle accidents, including but not limited to commercial truck accidents, construction site equipment accidents, tour bus accidents and aviation accidents. They have won substantial settlements and verdicts for past clients.

  • $15 Million

    Negligent design and construction of a freeway interchange.

  • $6 Million

    Settlement to 3 young adults injured in an accident, their vehicle left an unmarked roadway and entered onto a construction site resulting in severe injuries.

  • $2 Million

    $2 Million confidential settlement involving sexual assault by a bus driver on cognitively impaired passengers.

  • $1 Million

    $1 Million settlement with the LACMTA arising out of a bus versus pedestrian accident.

  • $3.5 Million

    Obtained a $3.9 million dollar judgement for client who sustained severe head injuries in a roll over vehicle accident.

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Pablo Guevara
Pablo Guevara
2021-06-08
I first retained the services of Jeffrey Estes about 20 years ago. I have referred friends and coworkers to him. They've all been very happy with the outcome due to the great service and the tremendous financial compensation. I highly recommend Jeffery Estes & Associates for your personal injury attorney. Do not settle with insurance companies without Jeffery and his team's representation.
Ana Hribernik
Ana Hribernik
2020-09-15
Jeff made all of the difference on my families case. I can't thank him and his whole team enough for their kindness, hard work and determination to get my case resolved!
Whitney Mason
Whitney Mason
2020-09-04
Jeff was a godsend. Truly thankful for his good work on my case. The whole team there at the office is phenomenal. I couldn't have expected a better result. I can't recommend this firm enough.
Alberto Malave
Alberto Malave
2020-08-20
I had an outstanding experience with Mr. Estes and his whole team. Very professional firm! Compassionate, honest and very reliable. He took great care to thoroughly explain the entire process from start to finish. Highly recommend!!
Stephen Kluthe
Stephen Kluthe
2019-04-22
Had an excellent experience with Jeff. He helped me through a personal injury case that I had where I was injured in a car accident. He did an excellent job preparing me for the trial and representing me. His professionalism is top notch and he's genuinely nice and easy to connect with. He was able to win the case for me and got a judgment much higher than I had even imagined which has been absolutely life changing. I would recommend him to everyone looking for services he provides.
Wayne Mealhouse
Wayne Mealhouse
2019-03-28
Holly Hauske
Holly Hauske
2018-02-07
I'm very pleased with my representation of Attorney Estes! He represented me in a profession manner, and was able to litigate my case out of court. I would totally recommend Attorney Estes should an accident be involved, especially caused by another person and they have done your bodily harm and totaled your vehicle.
Amanda Pentiuk
Amanda Pentiuk
2018-02-07
Mr. Estes is both professional and down to earth. He took the time to explain things to me and was always there when I called. I am forever in debt to him for what he did for me winning my automobile accident lawsuit. The compassion that he showed for me made me feel like I was part of his family and I cannot say enough good things about him both as a human being and an attorney.
Dee Branch
Dee Branch
2017-06-06
Attorney Estes was very helpful and knowledgeable in giving me details about my case. He handled it personally and got me what i felt i deserved. Highly recommend hiring this attorney if you want one that will take your case personally and be with you every step of the way!

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