What To Do If You're Involved in a Car Crash in California
Soon after any Car Accident, the moments right after the impact can be a simple yet complicated state of panic. We have our adrenaline pumping, potential injuries to address, and the arrival of police and emergency vehicles.
It’s easy to forget crucial steps or make mistakes that could have consequences for your rights and potential insurance claims in the future.
As practiced personal injury attorneys, we at The Law Office of Lisa R. San Miguel, P.C. aim to ease the aftermath of such incidents by guiding our clients with the essential dos and don’ts for California drivers.
Whether you find yourself injured or have been deemed not at fault by authorities, there are specific actions you should take to protect yourself legally and financially. Let’s review the key things to do and avoid if you’re ever involved in an auto collision in the Golden State.
The priority is always safety. Remain calm and carefully check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Bleeding, broken bones, trouble breathing – if it’s an emergency, call 911 right away. Medical care should also happen within a day or two even for less serious issues, to establish a paper trail. Getting checked out promptly can maximize treatment results.
Contacting the police should be one of the first things done after making sure everyone is safe. Give a factual account of what happened to the responding officer and get their badge number for records. Requesting an official accident report helps provide an unbiased third-party perspective for insurers down the line.
Getting information from other parties is also important. Exchange contact details and auto insurance info with other drivers involved. Note the make/model/year of vehicles as well as license plate numbers. Snap pictures if your phone camera works. Gathering the who, what, when, and where details can aid your claim later on.
However, be careful about admitting fault or signing any forms without legal counsel. That includes statements to the other driver’s insurance company.
Even if you believe you weren’t responsible, avoid saying “I’m sorry” or agreeing to anything just yet. Let the situation settle before discussions with insurers. But do get medical care promptly.
Seeking legal guidance from an experienced personal injury attorney like ourselves before certain steps is also recommended. They can advise you on matters like statute of limitations timeframes, negotiation strategies, and litigation if needed. Our services come with no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
By following some basic protocols and getting guidance from knowledgeable advisors, you gain control over an otherwise frustrating process. It maximizes the strength of your claim down the road as evidence is gathered and deadlines are met. Our goal at The Law Office of Lisa R. San Miguel, P.C. is to help each client through this difficult time and fight for a just resolution.