Involved in a serious car accident in San Diego? You can’t afford to make these insurance company mistakes. Knowing where to turn and how to get help from a knowledgeable lawyer is just one part of the process, but you also must be your own best advocate when it comes to working with the insurance carrier.

Insurance company mistakes might seem minor at the time they are made, but they can end up costing you down the road. A big one is not reporting the accident in a timely fashion. Even if you’re not yet sure about the severity of the injuries and damage, let the company know it happened. It’s a courtesy to them and shows you’re honest.

The next big mistake you can make is not getting enough evidence at the scene of the accident. Take pictures and videos and write down the contact info for all witnesses and involved parties. This will be one of the first things your insurance company asks for, and it will also be helpful when you contemplate filing a legal claim.

One of the most critical insurance company mistakes is letting your claim be handled entirely by the adjuster and not contacting a lawyer. Most people assume that their insurance company is looking out for the interests of the driver- after all, paying that company for years means they’ll be protecting you, right? However, the insurance company is largely focused on their own bottom line, which does not always mean that your interests factor into it. Delayed or unfairly denied claims can set you back significantly, especially when an accident was not your fault. You may need to continue to contact the company and keep an eye on where the claim is at, which is not always easy when you’re suffering from serious injuries and attending medical appointments.

Insurance company mistakes could mean that your payments are delayed or that they are unreasonably denied. There’s a lot on the line for you and your future when it comes to the payment of your insurance claim after a serious San Diego accident, so make sure you advocate for yourself and hire a lawyer who can go to bat for you with the insurance company.