First things first: take care of your injuries. Seek medical attention at the hospital or from qualified physicians. Your health is the most important thing you have – don’t neglect it. Once you have sought treatment and you know you have an injury, you should call an attorney. In California, in most cases, you have two years to settle your claim or file a lawsuit for personal injury, but don’t delay longer than you have to. As time passes, memories may fade and witnesses can become hard to find.
Don’t speak about your condition or your case, except with your doctor. Don’t talk to the insurance adjusters. Things you say to the insurance companies, to friends or witnesses, can be taken out of context by insurance adjusters and their lawyers. They will use anything you have said against you later.
Most important: don’t sign any papers or agree to any settlement until you talk about it with a lawyer you choose. You don’t have to sign the Medical Release Authorizations or give a recorded statement, and in most cases, you should refuse.