Santa Monica car accident injuries can turn a life upside down. The devastation and shock of the collision, the damage to your vehicle, and the months of recuperation can be a lot for even the strongest person to handle.

What is even worse is finding out later on that you made grave mistakes in handling the situation, costing you extra time and money in the long run. Such mistakes can be easily made by anyone who has never been injured in an accident before.

The Santa Monica, California car crash attorneys at Steinberg want to make readers aware of these mistakes so that they can avoid making them in the event that they are ever involved in a car accident. We also hope to educate those who have recently been injured and are unsure of what to do.

Let's take a look at the most common mistakes that accident victims make:

1. Not seeking immediate medical treatment: This can not only prevent you from recognizing serious problems, but it also can make the insurance company think that you are really not that injured. 
2. Talking to the at-fault party's insurance adjuster and giving a recorded statement: Insurance companies can use statements against you later on, so you should never give a recorded statement without first speaking with an attorney. 
3. Not documenting the accident scene: Taking photos of the scene of the accident, the damage to your car, and your injuries immediately after the accident will give you the proof needed to argue your case. 
4. Signing medical authorizations from the insurance company: Signing these authorizations gives the insurance company permission to view your complete medical history. Don't give access to information that is not related to the accident. 
5. Not hiring an experienced attorney to handle your claim: Personal injury attorneys like the ones at Steinberg dedicate their practice to helping injured victims. They know the ins and outs of an insurance claim, how the insurance companies operate, and how adjusters will try to cheat you out of money or deny your claim. 

If you want to learn other mistakes to avoid after being injured in a Santa Monica, California car accident, just order your free copy of Steinberg's book, Seven Biggest Mistakes That Can Ruin Your California Injury Case, by calling 1-800-350-8888. Or fill out this online form to set up a complimentary case evaluation.