--- description: Breaking news and analysis from time.com. Politics, world news, photos, video, tech reviews, health, science, and entertainment news. title: Common Mistakes to Avoid After an Accident in Los Angeles image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltc38bd6696eca25f8/6a4b522663380222341b1b73/B1361A0647D64E9191DF85F79BD806F2.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 --- # Common Mistakes to Avoid After an Accident in Los Angeles  Accidents happen when you least expect them. Whether you are involved in a collision on the 405 or injured at a local business, what you do in the aftermath can significantly impact your health, your finances, and your legal rights. Unfortunately, many people make avoidable mistakes that can weaken their ability to recover compensation. If you have been injured, speaking with a [personal injury attorney in Los Angeles](https://jadserve.postrelease.com/trk?ntv%5Fat=4&ntv%5Fui=99d42b99-cef0-4b4f-92ab-a73e3fbbd509&ntv%5Fa=tfwJAABVzA9k0PA&ntv%5Ffl=H8%5FNIX%5FfVs0Ik5QLWe2EYFs21hrFiOrNUQQMKMOTxOglxKllVdADLPFK7d0TrqDAR2ayio25F2eQ2AEh%5F5ys6lSzyfMDFQA3MlonQ2OXxr9F%5FZRA15MutvOQhuqHXr6uroEMnz4OP8cYlnUoCdtZJuaMopMaiKYsJAUSFbdIOcboT8EGG%5FM9IxLOt0rK4QWigdEJxjf9fGmv%5FGqoPhX8zapACglsMRoWtsBIzLhQTmZG0a8rH6mOJZBuUAFAM6%5FuWEwEQusfhFddJI4Kzvphv8wcwFIViGopN3LEMn%5FaFbFztBR1olS9Gi44dePrZyauxsOAtAFh0QCm2kQQneQS5Y%5Fo6v8IQak7To5o8Wn0294JHFDbyF3Unteducnf3MiquG8W4Crd2tev-3LaFJ2fZ6LCYNF9ieBgRjLA3DqWTDf8HqTrbUnwhylfDlhZu-mq2vYyUja41zAHoEU8T3TWCvZ9QvY4y2YTc-oixRdnfast-CPKNEz1xRQkliu3UVgJsLebvyWK%5FjI8ReIm8b23aw==&ord=517875494&ntv%5Fht=wzAIagA&prx%5Fr=https://www.bdj.com/locations/los-angeles/ "undefined") early on can help you take the right steps and avoid common pitfalls. **Delaying Medical Attention** It is common to feel fine right after an accident, but some injuries take time to appear. Soft tissue damage, internal injuries, and even concussions might not show symptoms immediately. Waiting too long to see a doctor creates gaps in your medical record, which insurance companies often use to argue that your injuries were not serious or were unrelated to the accident. Seeking prompt care ensures your condition is documented clearly and supports your claim from day one. A personal injury attorney in Los Angeles will use that record to strengthen your case. **Admitting Fault Too Soon** Many people instinctively apologize or try to explain what happened at the scene of an accident. While this may seem polite or necessary, it can easily be misinterpreted as an admission of fault. Avoid speculating or assigning blame. Stick to the facts when speaking with others, including police officers. Let investigators determine responsibility. If you are unsure what to say, a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles can guide you through the right approach to protect your position. **Waiting Too Long to Take Legal Action** California law sets firm deadlines for personal injury claims. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. If a government agency is involved, that window could be as short as six months. Missing these deadlines can mean giving up your right to recover damages. Reaching out to a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles as soon as possible allows you to meet these time limits and preserve valuable evidence. Recovering from injuries can be complicated enough without worrying about the intricacies of bringing a legal claim. Finding a personal injury lawyer near you in Los Angeles, such as those at [BD&J](https://jadserve.postrelease.com/trk?ntv%5Fat=4&ntv%5Fui=99d42b99-cef0-4b4f-92ab-a73e3fbbd509&ntv%5Fa=tfwJAABVzA9k0PA&ntv%5Ffl=H8%5FNIX%5FfVs0Ik5QLWe2EYFs21hrFiOrNUQQMKMOTxOglxKllVdADLPFK7d0TrqDAR2ayio25F2eQ2AEh%5F5ys6lSzyfMDFQA3MlonQ2OXxr9F%5FZRA15MutvOQhuqHXr6uroEMnz4OP8cYlnUoCdtZJuaMopMaiKYsJAUSFbdIOcboT8EGG%5FM9IxLOt0rK4QWigdEJxjf9fGmv%5FGqoPhX8zapACglsMRoWtsBIzLhQTmZG0a8rH6mOJZBuUAFAM6%5FuWEwEQusfhFddJI4Kzvphv8wcwFIViGopN3LEMn%5FaFbFztBR1olS9Gi44dePrZyauxsOAtAFh0QCm2kQQneQS5Y%5Fo6v8IQak7To5o8Wn0294JHFDbyF3Unteducnf3MiquG8W4Crd2tev-3LaFJ2fZ6LCYNF9ieBgRjLA3DqWTDf8HqTrbUnwhylfDlhZu-mq2vYyUja41zAHoEU8T3TWCvZ9QvY4y2YTc-oixRdnfast-CPKNEz1xRQkliu3UVgJsLebvyWK%5FjI8ReIm8b23aw==&ord=517875494&ntv%5Fht=wzAIagA&prx%5Fr=https://www.bdj.com/ "undefined"), can help you understand your legal options and how much you could qualify for in compensation. **Attorney Advertising:** The information contained within this webpage is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this website should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.  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