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5 Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident in Redding & How an Auto Accident Attorney Can Help

April 4, 2025

An auto accident attorney from Frank Penney Injury Lawyers and her client are shaking hands in her office in Redding, CA.

A car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. If you’ve been in a collision, you might feel overwhelmed, unsure of what to do next, or pressured by insurance companies. An experienced car accident attorney in Redding, CA, can guide you through the process, ensuring you don’t make costly errors that could hurt your claim.

1. Admitting Fault at the Scene

After an accident, it’s natural to feel guilty or want to apologize, but saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you as an admission of fault. Even if you think you may have caused the crash, other factors could be at play—like another driver’s negligence or hazardous road conditions. Stick to the facts when speaking to the police, other drivers, or insurance adjusters.

2. Failing to Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine after the accident, injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal damage might not show immediate symptoms. Delaying medical care can jeopardize your health and weaken your injury claim. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries weren’t serious or were unrelated to the accident.

3. Not Gathering Evidence at the Scene

If you’re physically able, gathering evidence at the accident scene is one of the most critical steps to protect your claim.

Here’s what you should do to collect valuable evidence:

Take Photographs and Videos

Visual evidence can provide undeniable proof of what happened, and you can provide information to your auto accident attorney. Use your smartphone to capture:

Vehicle Damage: Take photos of your car and the other vehicle(s) involved from multiple angles.
Road Conditions: Skid marks, potholes, debris, or poor lighting may have contributed to the crash.
Traffic Signals and Signs: Show stop signs, traffic lights, speed limits, or other roadway indicators.
Weather Conditions: Rain or icy roads can play a significant role in accidents.

Obtain Witness Statements

If bystanders saw the accident, ask for their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Witnesses can provide neutral third-party accounts of what happened.

Document Your Injuries

Take photos of any visible injuries as soon as possible and continue documenting them over time.

Call the Police and Get a Report

Even in minor accidents, having an official police report can support your claim. Request a copy of the report once it becomes available.

By gathering as much evidence as possible, you provide your car accident attorney in Redding, CA, with the necessary tools to fight for maximum compensation.

4. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Representation

Insurance companies prioritize their profits, not your best interests. Their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts by getting victims to downplay injuries or accept quick settlements. Speaking to them without consulting an auto accident attorney can lead to accepting an offer far below what you deserve.

5. Delaying Legal Action

California law imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims. If you wait too long to file a lawsuit, you could lose your right to compensation. Evidence can disappear, and witness memories can fade over time. Contacting an auto accident attorney in Redding, CA, early ensures your case is handled correctly.

Call Frank Penney Injury Lawyers Today.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Redding, CA, don’t wait to seek legal help. Frank Penney Injury Lawyers is your trusted auto accident attorney in Redding, CA, with over 25 years of experience handling personal injury cases. There’s no attorney fee unless you recover—we offer a no-risk, no-fee guarantee! Call us today at 888-888-0566 or complete our contact form or schedule your free consultation.

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Our legal team understands that life can be very stressful after an accident of any type. The financial costs of your accident can add to that stress. When you are asking for help, this should make your life easier – not more difficult. That is why you do not have to worry about any upfront legal fees and expenses when you hire Frank Penney Injury Lawyers to handle your California personal injury case.

At Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, Frank Penney and his staff work on a contingency basis. This means you only have to pay a fee if you win your case. We will never charge a fee unless we obtain a settlement on your behalf. No win. No fee. Case closed.

This means there is no risk in asking Frank Penney Injury Lawyers for help. You get to benefit from Frank Penney’s years of experience, knowledge, and success without needing to stress about the cost. Call today to set up a free initial case assessment or to learn more.

When I first contacted the Law Offices of Frank D. Penney after my accident, I was frustrated with car insurance companies, and medical insurance companies; after all, I was in pain. He and his staff put me at ease instantly! It was such a relief to have someone working on MY BEHALF! They were able to settle my case for more than I initially thought it was worth. THANKS AGAIN!!!

- KRISTA H.

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If you are involved in any type of personal injury due to the fault of someone else, our experienced team at Frank Penney Injury Lawyers in Roseville, CA can help. We are available to anyone in Northern California 24/7! Give us a call today to learn more at 888-888-0566. We will fight for your rights!