“5 Things You Must Do After A Car Crash” outlines in clear detail what steps you can take to protect your rights, and get the financial compensation required to recover your health fully after an accident.
Don’t make an easily avoidable mistake that can cost you hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Download this FREE EBOOK now and learn from the experience of lawyers who have represented hundreds of cases.
In the moments, hours, and days after a car accident, injury victims experience a range of emotions, including fear and confusion. If your injuries were severe, you also face the potential for excruciating pain.
The steps you take in the wake of a motor vehicle collision can have a profound effect on your future physical well-being. If someone else caused your accident, your next steps will also impact your future financial security.
In California, the experienced car accident lawyers of Wells Call fight for our clients and their future. We understand how frightened and overwhelmed you might be at this time and how uncertain you may feel about the future. That’s why we have developed a step-by-step guideline for you to follow immediately after a car crash.
No. 1: Get to Safety
Immediately after a crash, move well away from traffic if you can. In most cases, you should move your vehicle out of traffic as well, unless you cannot move it safely or someone was seriously (or fatally) injured.
No. 2: Call the Police and Seek Medical Attention
Call the police immediately after an accident. However, because it may take a long time for them to arrive at the scene, consider calling 911 to get medical attention as soon as possible. Once the police arrive, provide the basic information necessary for the accident report.
Request the report number, and make note of the officer’s name and badge number. Even if you don’t believe you were injured, go immediately to urgent care or the emergency room for a full medical evaluation.
No. 3: Gather Information
Use your phone camera to take photos of the scene. Make note of the make, model, and license number of all involved vehicles and exchange information with other drivers. Obtain contact information from any witnesses that may be present, and ask them to share any photos or video they may have captured.
No. 4: Keep Good Records
Keeping detailed records can be invaluable when it comes time to pursue a legal claim. Write down every detail you can remember from the accident. Keep a detailed log of anyone you speak to about the accident, including the date and what was discussed.
You will also need your accident report, copies of all your medical records, etc. However, your attorney can typically obtain these documents on your behalf.
No. 5: Contact a California Car Accident Lawyer
As soon as possible after an injury accident, contact an experienced California car accident attorney. The sooner your lawyer can get started investigating, gathering evidence, and talking to witnesses, the better.
Your attorney will handle everything, helping protect your legal rights and freeing you up to focus on your treatment and recovery.
Things to Avoid After a Car Accident
In addition to the above list of things you need to do after a collision, there are several things you should avoid. Otherwise, you could be putting your right to recover compensation in jeopardy.
Never admit fault to anyone, even if you think you might have caused or contributed to the crash. You have no idea what might have happened that you aren’t aware of. Along those same lines, never say anything like, “I’m not hurt,” or “I feel fine.” You could be in shock and, consequently, unaware of physical pain.
The symptoms of many types of injuries may not manifest immediately. If you say you aren’t injured, those words will make it back to the insurance company, who can use them as the basis for denying your legal claim.
Never speak to anyone from the at-fault party’s insurance company. They will likely contact you and ask for a recorded statement. You have no obligation to provide one. In fact, doing so could potentially jeopardize your right to compensation. If the insurer offers you a settlement, do not discuss it or agree to anything until you first speak to an attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding California Car Accidents
Unless you have previously been seriously injured in a motor vehicle collision, you might not have any idea how the process works or where to turn for help.
Wells Call offers a free, no-obligation consultation for injury accident victims. We answer your questions, explain your options, and help you make the best decisions for your future.
Until you can talk with one of our experienced California personal injury attorneys, these are some of the most pressing questions you might have.
Who Will Pay for My Medical Bills and Lost Wages?
If someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions caused or contributed to your accident, they should be held liable for your damages. Depending on the details of your case, you could be entitled to recover compensation for your medical treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages you may have suffered.
What Doctors and Medical Specialists Should I See?
Seeing the right types of medical treatment providers is the best way to ensure you get the care you need. Because every accident victim is unique, however, it’s impossible to determine which types of doctors or specialists you need.
Talk to an experienced car accident lawyer for guidance, so you can start on the road to recovery and have the documentation you need for your legal claim.
Will the Insurance Company Be “Fair” to Me? (Worse: Will They Lie to Me?)
Insurers are single-minded in their objective to minimize their financial liability. They have no legal obligation to you, nor can you assume they will act morally or ethically. They can get into legal trouble if they deal in bad faith, but they will try very hard to deny or undervalue your claim.
This is why we strongly advise you to avoid talking to the insurance company or providing any statement. Instead, let your attorney deal with the insurer.
What Is the Process for Getting Maximum Compensation?
Experienced personal injury attorneys have the knowledge and resources to get you the maximum possible compensation. Lawyers understand the process and know how to document your claim correctly and thoroughly.
They have extensive experience in negotiating with insurance companies and holding insurers accountable. Finally, should the insurance company refuse to offer a reasonable settlement, your attorney can file a civil lawsuit and fight for you in court.
Contact a California Car Accident Lawyer Now for Help
When you trust Wells Call to handle your car accident claim, you will have the wealth of our knowledge and resources behind you. Our firm focuses exclusively on personal injury cases, and we will fight tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome.
Call us any time at 707-426-5300 to schedule a consultation or contact us online now to speak to one of our California car accident lawyers.