Motor vehicle accidents are at times inevitable, especially during bad weather. If you’re unlucky enough to get caught in the middle of an accident, it can be even more stressful. However, knowing what to do after a car accident in California can help make sure you’re covered when it comes to both your health and your finances. The quick guide will give you some tips on how to handle a car accident in California and who to contact if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation!
1. Contact Your Car Accident Lawyer Immediately
It’s crucial to contact a reliable car accident lawyer immediately after the accident to hold your hand and prevent you from making costly mistakes. You may be eligible for monetary compensation following an auto accident, depending on your situation. Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney for legal advice and assistance filing your claim.
Auto accidents can result in medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more in California. However, the insurance companies will likely try to offer you as little as possible; you need someone on your side fighting for what’s rightfully yours. Don’t face your case alone; you can contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Sacramento, CA, to protect you and ensure you get your maximum compensation.
2. Call The Police to Report the Accident
If you are involved in an accident, especially with injuries or other significant damages, don’t move your vehicle until you’ve called for assistance and spoken with a police officer. Because at-fault drivers need to stay at an accident scene—and exchange contact information with any other parties involved—you could be ticketed if you drive away from an incident. It’s also essential to have an eyewitness account of what happened because people sometimes make false claims about accidents
It’s vital to speak with a police officer immediately and provide your driver’s license number, insurance info, and as much relevant contact information as possible. Ensure that any evidence is not disturbed before police arrive (take photos if possible). You can call 911 for emergencies. Otherwise, it may be easiest to contact local law enforcement ahead of time so they know you’re coming in case there’s a backlog on their end.
3. Deal with Your Injuries Soonest Possible
After calling your car accident attorney, it’s crucial to deal with your injuries first. Getting injured in an auto accident can be distressing enough; having to deal with the paperwork and insurance adjusters, as well, will only add more stress. It’s essential to address your physical injuries first and foremost.
Don’t try to deal with any financial matters before seeing a medical professional. However, meanwhile, your attorney should ensure that everything is in order. Your medical documents may become valuable evidence if you ever find yourself going through litigation in court.
4. Take Note of All Injuries and Exchange Information with Other Drivers
First and foremost, you should pull over and exchange information with other drivers. If someone is injured, call 911 immediately. If only minor injuries are involved, try not to get into an argument about who was at fault for causing the accident. Often, more than one driver can be at fault for causing or contributing to an accident. To avoid fighting with another driver in traffic court, focus on exchanging contact information and sorting out details later rather than arguing about the fault on the scene.
It’s also important to note whether anyone involved in your accident sustained any injury. Get as much information as possible from any passengers involved in your crash. Their statements will likely come up again during litigation if your case goes that far. Once you’ve contacted emergency services and exchanged pertinent info with other parties, stay calm and wait it out until help arrives.
5. Take Pictures and Notes of the Scene
It’s vital to have documentation of what happened if there’s any legal action and also for your peace of mind. You never know when you may need these pictures, like an insurance claim, so be sure that your phone is always charged up and ready. What are some possible things to take photos of? Well, there’s the actual scene, looking at cars, including things like skid marks or any signs indicating why something occurred, like objects or pedestrians on crosswalks.
You can include yourself, more so if you suffer injuries. There should be pictures of each vehicle involved. It’s also crucial to take notes alongside all of your photos. If someone doesn’t have their camera/phone – it’s ok, as long as they get another witness to document them taking all of these steps.
Conclusion
A car accident is one of those things that nobody wants. If you find yourself at fault, it can be even more distressing. The consequences of a traffic collision are much more than just financial; they can also include physical injury and emotional trauma. Suppose you find yourself in an automobile crash. In that case, it’s always crucial to contact a car accident attorney to help protect your rights, assess your legal options, and ensure you get your compensation. You can contact Demas Law Group to schedule a consultation if you need assistance from an experienced Sacramento Car Accident Attorney.
