What to do After a Car Accident in California (7 Tasks)
In the unsettling moments following a collision, knowing what to do after a car accident in California can be your lifeline. It's crucial to understand not only what happens after a car accident but also how to protect your rights and ensure your safety.
California's bustling roads can be unforgiving; thus, equipping yourself with this knowledge can make all the difference in navigating the legal and personal repercussions of an accident.
Our guide lays out essential steps to take post-accident and how to effectively deal with the aftermath to minimize stress and complications.
What to do after a car accident in California
So after a car accident, what do you do?
Your foremost priority should be to stop the vehicle and asses your safety and that of the others involved. You can do that by taking the following steps:
If somebody is hurt in a car accident, call 911 immediately
After stopping when involved in an accident, you'd want to check if everyone is okay, including yourself. If you're hurt or there's a passenger who's injured, call 911 for emergency medical services immediately.
Note that California law (California Code, Vehicle Code - VEH § 20001) requires that all drivers involved in an accident where someone is hurt must stop and stay at the scene until help arrives.
If you are injured in a car accident, we can help
Our experienced legal team at Arzoomanian Law is ready to provide the support and guidance you need. We understand the complexities of California law and are dedicated to fighting for your rights.
You can count on us to handle your case with sensitivity, compassion and tenacity. We'll leave no stone unturned in pursuing the justice and fair compensation you're entitled to.
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Call the police
Even if the accident seems minor, it's important to contact the police. They document the scene and can provide an official accident report, which may be invaluable later on for insurance claims or legal issues.
Note that police response can vary depending on the location and severity of the accident:
Minor accidents: An officer many not respond to the accident and attend, so you can proceed with exchanging information with the other driver(s).
Injuries or significant property damage: law enforcement will likely arrive at the scene.
No matter what, be honest and when talking to the police and provide them with all the information they need.
Additional reading: Should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident?
Collect information
After ensuring your safety and that of others, collect as much information about the accident as possible.
Some crucial details include:
Names, contact information, and insurance details of all drivers involved in the accident.
License plate numbers, make and model of vehicles involved in the car crash.
Take pictures or videos of the scene, damages to vehicles and injuries sustained.
Names and contact information of any witnesses.
You should also get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
Notify your insurance company
Once you've gathered the necessary information re. the accident and from witnesses, advise of the accident to your insurance company.
When speaking to your insurer, stick to the facts and don't admit fault or speculate on the causes of car accidents, especially when there are details you're unsure about. Your insurance company will likely ask for a copy of the accident report and any other evidence you have, so make sure to keep everything organized.
Whether you were injured in an accident or not, see a doctor!
Even if you believe you've walked away from a non-injury car accident, it's still crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible. Not all common car accident injuries are apparent right at the moment of impact; some, like whiplash or internal bruising, can take hours, days, or even longer to become fully apparent.
A medical professional can perform a comprehensive evaluation to ensure that any latent injuries are identified and treated promptly, safeguarding you against potential long-term health issues. Remember, the documentation from your visit can also be essential in any insurance or legal claims following the accident.
Additional reading: is it worth getting an attorney for a car accident?
What to do after a car accident injury
Recovering from a car accident can be as much a physical and emotional process as it is a legal one.
If you've been injured in a vehicle collision, it's essential to take the following steps in addition to the steps we outlined above:
Seek immediate legal consultation
It's a good idea to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the crash.
A Glendale car accident lawyer can help navigate the complexities of your case, deal with insurance companies, and ensure your rights are protected.
Acting swiftly can be critical with respect to the California car accident statute of limitations, which sets a time limit for filing a personal injury claim — currently two years from the date of the accident. If this deadline is missed, it's unlikely that your case will be heard in court.
If you're in Florida, contact our team today for expert advice
Attend therapy sessions and all scheduled medical appointments
Physical therapy sessions and follow-up treatments, though seemingly inconvenient and demanding, play a pivotal role in your recovery journey. These appointments are not just formalities; they are structured to facilitate your healing, alleviate pain, and improve mobility, ultimately guiding you back to your pre-accident health condition, or as close to it as possible.
Neglecting prescribed medical appointments or discontinuing therapy prematurely sends a negative message to insurance companies. They may contend that such behavior indicates a lack of serious injury, thereby diminishing the gravity of your condition. This could potentially undermine the validity of your claim.
Therefore, it's imperative to maintain a consistent therapy and medical appointment regimen to document your commitment to recovery. By fulfilling all treatment recommendations, you prevent insurance companies from questioning the severity of your injuries and protect the integrity of your claim, safeguarding the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Create a journal where you record your injuries, experiences, medical treatment, and expenses
In the wake of an accident, it's prudent to maintain a detailed diary to meticulously document the evolution of events and your recuperation process. This should encompass:
Accurate descriptions of the accident: Weather and traffic conditions, the actions leading up to the collision, and any dialogues at the scene.
Physical and emotional impact of your injuries: Pain and any disruptions to your daily life, the assistance you require, and the emotional toll.
Medical records: Medical consultations, treatments, and the progression of your symptoms.
Impact on work/income: Records of work absences and any financial expenditures related to medical care, such as co-pays and medications.
This diary will become an invaluable resource for your legal team, especially as cases can take years to reach court, where memories may wane, but written records persist. By capturing these details contemporaneously, you reinforce the strength of your claim, ensuring all losses are accurately documented and justly reclaimed.
Other important things to keep in mind:
Be careful in comms: Don't give any statements to insurance companies (even your own). Let your attorney handle all communications.
Don't accept the first offer: Insurance companies want to earn as much money as possible, so they're undervalue your payout. Our attorneys can handle all negotiations for you.
Avoid social media: Don't post anything about the accident or your injuries on social media. Insurance companies may use this against you.
I was hurt in a car accident, can you help?
If you've been hurt in a car accident, you don't have to navigate the aftermath alone. Our expert legal team at Arzoomanian Law is dedicated to championing the cause of accident victims and securing the compensation you need to heal and move forward.
We understand the physical and emotional hardship an accident can impose, and our expertise in personal injury law positions us to offer the support and guidance you require during this challenging time.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us take the wheel in fighting for your rights while you focus on getting back on your feet.
Recap of follow-up tasks after a car accident
Remember... keep the following steps to take after a car accident in mind to ensure you protect your legal rights and get the financial compensation you deserve:
Call 911. Even if you believe there are no serious injuries, it's essential to contact emergency care services and get them on the scene as quickly as possible.
Contact the police to report the accident and obtain an official police report.
Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the crash, but avoid admitting fault or engaging in conflict.
Document the scene with photos and notes, capturing vehicle positions, damages, and injuries.
Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine, to diagnose and treat any hidden injuries.
Consult with a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options and initiate any necessary proceedings.
Keep a detailed journal of your injuries, symptoms, treatments, and expenses related to the accident.
Comply with all medical advice and continue with any prescribed treatments or rehabilitation.
Avoid discussing the accident with insurance companies without legal representation.
Stay off social media with regard to any aspect of the accident or your injuries.
Review any settlement offers with your attorney before agreeing to ensure all your costs are covered.
Additional reading: average car accident settlement in California
Key takeaways on what to do in a car accident in California
When involved in a car accident in California, there are critical things to do after a car accident to safeguard your health and legal rights. Regardless of the types of car accidents you may encounter, it is crucial to never admit fault and contact legal representation immediately.
The aftermath can be chaotic, but taking the right steps can make all the difference in your recovery progress and potential compensation.
Remember to prioritize your health, document thoroughly, and always rely on a trusted attorney to guide you through the process. With proper care and attention, you can overcome this challenging time and come out stronger on the other side.
Additional reading: who is at fault in a rear end collision in California