An accident can turn your whole day, your whole life, upside down in seconds. You might be shaking, confused, or in pain. The choices you make in the first few hours can shape everything that happens next, so knowing what to do (and what to avoid) puts you back in control when it matters most.

This guide is written for real people, not lawyers. Every tip is something you can act on right now to protect yourself and your family.

 

The Do's: What You Should Do Right Away

Do Call 911

Always call 911, even if the accident seems minor. Police and paramedics need to come to the scene. A police report creates an official record of what happened, and that record can be very important later.

If someone is hurt, emergency responders can provide life-saving care. Even fender benders can cause injuries that aren't obvious yet. Having first responders on the scene also helps keep everyone safe from further harm, especially on busy LA freeways.

Do Get Medical Help Immediately

Go see a doctor as soon as you can, even if you feel fine right after the accident. Some serious injuries, like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal damage, and soft tissue tears, don't show symptoms for hours or even days. You might walk away feeling okay and wake up the next morning in serious pain.

Getting checked out quickly does two things. It protects your health, and it creates medical records that link your injuries to the accident. Insurance companies often argue that gaps in medical care mean your injuries weren't serious, so don't give them that opening.

Do Document Everything at the Scene

If you're able to move around safely, pull out your phone and start taking pictures and video. Capture the damage to all vehicles, skid marks, traffic signs, road conditions, and anything else that seems relevant. The more you document now, the stronger your case will be later.

Take close-up photos of your injuries, too, even small cuts and bruises. Photograph the other driver's license plate, their car from multiple angles, and the overall scene. These images can tell a story that words alone cannot.

Do Exchange Information

Get the name, phone number, insurance company, policy number, and license plate of every driver involved. If a passenger was in the other car, get their name too. Write everything down or type it into your phone so you don't lose it.

Ask to see the other driver's license and insurance card so you can confirm the details are accurate. Stay calm and polite during this exchange. You don't need to discuss what happened or who was at fault.

Do Get Witness Information

If anyone saw the accident, ask for their name and phone number before they leave. Witnesses can disappear quickly, especially at a busy Los Angeles intersection or freeway on-ramp. Their account of what happened can make a real difference if there's a dispute about fault.

Even if someone only saw part of what happened, their information is worth collecting. A short conversation now could save you a lot of trouble down the road.

Do Keep All Your Records

Start a folder (paper or digital) for everything related to the accident. Save every medical bill, pharmacy receipt, prescription, and doctor's note. Keep records of any money you lost because you couldn't work, including pay stubs and letters from your employer.

Hold on to any letters, emails, or paperwork you get from insurance companies. Save receipts for things like towing, rental cars, and travel to medical appointments. Good record-keeping shows the true cost of your accident, and that matters when you're seeking fair compensation.

Do Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Early

Talk to a personal injury lawyer before you talk to any insurance company. Many people don't realize how quickly insurance adjusters start building a case to pay you less. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process and protect your rights from day one.

Free consultations are standard with personal injury firms, so there's no financial risk in making that call. At Hakakian Law Group, founded by Shawn S. Hakakian, Esq., every client is treated like family. You don't pay anything upfront, and there are no fees unless you win your case, which means you can focus on healing while your legal team handles the rest.

Reaching out early also helps preserve evidence. Surveillance footage gets erased, memories fade, and witnesses become harder to find. The sooner an attorney is involved, the better your chances of building a strong claim.

The Don'ts: Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Case

Don't Admit Fault or Apologize

This one catches a lot of people off guard. Saying "I'm sorry" is a natural, kind response after an accident. But in California, even a simple apology can be treated as an admission of fault and used to reduce your compensation.

California follows a rule called "pure comparative negligence." That means if you're found partly at fault, your payment gets reduced by your percentage of blame. So if a careless comment at the scene bumps your fault percentage up, you could lose thousands of dollars. Stick to the facts when speaking with police, and save any detailed discussion for your attorney.

Don't Say You're "Okay" at the Scene

When someone asks if you're okay after a crash, most of us say "I'm fine" out of habit. But injuries like concussions, whiplash, and internal bleeding can take hours or days to appear. Saying you're okay can be used against you later to argue your injuries weren't caused by the accident.

Instead, say something like "I'm not sure yet" or "I need to get checked by a doctor." You're not lying or exaggerating. You're being honest, because you truly don't know the full picture yet.

Don't Post About It on Social Media

This might be the most surprising tip on the list. Insurance companies and defense attorneys actively monitor social media accounts of people who file injury claims. A photo of you smiling at a family dinner, a check-in at a restaurant, or even a "feeling better" post can be pulled into your case and used to argue you're not really hurt.

Even a "like" on someone else's post can be taken out of context. The safest move is to stay off social media entirely until your case is resolved. Let your close friends and family know what happened through private calls or texts instead.

Don't Give a Recorded Statement to the Other Driver's Insurance

Shortly after the accident, you may get a call from the other driver's insurance company asking you to give a recorded statement. They might sound friendly and helpful. But that adjuster works for their company, not for you, and their goal is to pay out as little as possible.

They may ask leading questions designed to get you to downplay your injuries or say something that suggests you were at fault. You are not required to give a recorded statement, and doing so without legal advice can seriously hurt your case. Politely let them know that your attorney will be in touch.

Don't Accept the First Settlement Offer

Insurance companies often make a quick, low offer hoping you'll take the money and move on. It can be tempting, especially when bills are piling up. But that first offer almost never reflects the full cost of your injuries.

Some injuries take weeks or months to fully show up. Future medical costs, ongoing therapy, and lost wages may not be clear yet. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you typically can't go back and ask for more, even if your condition worsens. An attorney can help you understand what your claim is truly worth before you agree to anything.

Don't Wait Too Long to Take Action

In California, you generally have 2 years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. That might sound like plenty of time, but evidence fades, witnesses forget details, and medical records become harder to connect to the accident.

If your accident involved a government vehicle or happened on government property (like a city bus or a pothole on a public road), you only have 6 months to file a claim. Missing that window means losing your right to seek compensation entirely. The sooner you act, the stronger your position.

Why These Steps Matter in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has some of the busiest roads in the country. Freeway accidents here are often complex, involving multiple vehicles, lane changes at high speed, and heavy traffic that makes it hard to figure out exactly what happened. Strong documentation and early legal guidance matter even more in these situations.

California's pure comparative negligence system also makes your actions after an accident especially important. Even if you were partly at fault, you can still recover money for your injuries. But any mistake (an apology at the scene, a social media post, a recorded statement) can increase your share of fault and shrink your compensation.

That's why each step in this guide exists. Protecting yourself isn't about being difficult or suspicious. It's about making sure you and your family get the support you deserve.

You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone

Being hurt in an accident is scary. Dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and legal deadlines on top of that can feel overwhelming. You don't have to handle any of it by yourself.

Hakakian Law Group is here to help. Founded by Shawn S. Hakakian, Esq. and based right here in Los Angeles, the firm treats every client like a member of the family. Consultations are completely free, there are no upfront costs, and you only pay if your case is won.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, reach out to Hakakian Law Group before making any decisions. A single phone call can give you clarity, peace of mind, and a trusted team in your corner.

If you or someone you love was hurt on another person's property, you do not have to face this alone. Hakakian Law Group is here to help you understand your rights, hold negligent property owners accountable, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.

 

Call us at (310) 759-9663 for a free consultation, available 24/7. You can also contact us to schedule a time that works for you.

 

There is no fee unless we recover money for your case. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by making that first call.