What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in California?

 Posted on January 21, 2025 in Car Accidents

Car accidents are stressful and scary, and they can feel even more overwhelming when you are not sure what to do. There are several steps to take that can make the aftermath much smoother. For any legal assistance following a car accident, speak with a California personal injury lawyer who can review your case and explain your rights and options. 

Six Important Steps Following a Car Accident

As soon as you are involved in a car crash, the first thing to do is make sure you are safe. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911. Move your car off the road to avoid traffic if you can do so safely, and turn on your hazard lights. Otherwise, stay inside and wait for 911 to arrive. 

Even if everyone inside the car appears to be unharmed, there are still several important steps to take:

Call the Police

It is always important to call the police after a car accident so they can come investigate the scene of the crash and write a report. This report is necessary for insurance and legal purposes.

Collect and Exchange Information

You and the other driver should exchange important information, including:

• Each other’s names and contact information

• Each other’s driver’s license and license plate numbers

• Each other’s insurance company name and policy numbers

If there are any witnesses, you should gather their contact information as well. Their statements and testimony might be useful if you file a claim or end up going to court.

Document the Scene of the Accident

Take photos that show damage to your car, the other cars involved, and property that was damaged, the road, traffic signs, weather conditions, skid marks, and anything else that can explain what happened. If anyone is injured, take pictures of the injuries as well. All of this can be used as evidence if you need to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit later.

Seek Medical Care

It is reasonable to feel fine after an accident and still maintain injuries. This might be due to an adrenaline rush or distraction while you focus on getting out safely, but it is important to be checked by a medical professional for common accident-related injuries like whiplash, concussion, soft tissue damage, or internal injury.

Notify Your Insurance Company

It is important to report your accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Since California follows a comparative fault model for liability, you can recover compensation for property damages or injury even if you are partially at fault for the accident. Depending on the circumstances of your crash, your medical bills and property damage might be covered by your or the other driver’s insurance. However, insurance companies tend to make lower offers than what people are entitled to. This is why personal injury lawyers become crucial factors in recovering maximum compensation, either by negotiating reasonable settlements or taking the insurance company to court.

Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

Whenever you are involved in an accident that results in injuries or property damage, a lawyer can make a major difference. Whether he is helping you navigate the insurance process, dealing with the other driver’s insurance company, negotiating for an acceptable settlement, or representing you in court, a personal injury attorney offers you the best chance of getting a favorable outcome.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Los Angeles, CA Personal Injury Lawyer

It can be hard to stay calm after a car accident, and you might end up doing something that undermines your rights. To make sure you take care of yourself and get the compensation you deserve, speak with a skilled LA County, CA personal injury attorney who has experience helping others in similar situations. At Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C. we are dedicated to advocating aggressively on your behalf, so call us at 818-242-8201 and schedule a free consultation today.