What to Do After a Car Accident in California: A Step-by-Step Guide
Experiencing a motor vehicle accident is always a panic-inducing surprise. Even if you think you know exactly what to do after an accident, all of your preparedness can escape you in the shock of a sudden collision. The best course of action after a car accident in California is to try your best to remain calm and carefully remember what needs to be done step by step.
Prioritize Safety and Well-Being
The health and safety of each person involved in the accident is the foremost concern. If possible, move to a safe location by the side of the road and ensure each person is out of the way of traffic. If it is impossible to move off the road, turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Check yourself, your passengers and the other driver for injuries. If anyone is stuck or injured, render aid if you are able. Be open to receiving medical attention even if you do not feel any pain, as many types of car accident injuries are difficult to notice in the moments immediately after a crash.
Call 911
California’s Vehicle Code states that you must report an accident if someone sustains an injury or if property damage exceeds $1,000. However, it is advisable to always call 911 after a collision, even if it is a minor accident.
This is important for a few reasons. The primary reason is to ensure that everyone on the scene receives medical attention from first responders. Making sure a law enforcement investigation takes place will also result in a police report that can serve as evidence if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim later.
Always stay at the scene until emergency responders arrive. Leaving could make it harder to file a claim later or even lead to hit-and-run charges. Since additional injuries or property damage could be discovered after the accident, it’s always best to cooperate fully with the police investigation.
Document the Scene
When it is safe to do so, begin documenting the scene of the accident while the evidence is still fresh. Take photographs of the area where the accident took place, as well as the damage to your vehicle. Make a note of any sources of video footage, such as dashcams from any involved drivers, traffic cameras or security cameras from nearby businesses.
Be sure to exchange insurance information with the other driver so you can file a claim without any unnecessary complications. Getting contact information from any witnesses is worthwhile, as their testimony can help establish the other driver’s fault. You can also save yourself some hassle by identifying the police officers at the scene so you can easily request a police report later.
Your medical records are also an invaluable part of accident documentation. After leaving the scene, follow up with your primary physician and collect a copy of any records or paperwork relating to your visit. These can help validate the extent of the injuries you sustained due to the accident.
Contact Your Car Accident Attorney
One of the first phone calls you should make after a car accident in California is to your personal injury attorney. Consulting with a lawyer will ensure you receive professional advice on how to proceed, how much your insurance claim might be worth and how long the case might take.
At Johnson Attorneys Group, our team of California car accident attorneys can help you by:
- Investigating the circumstances leading to your accident
- Collecting evidence to strengthen your right to compensation
- Filing your claim and handling any other paperwork
- Negotiating with the other driver’s insurance company
- Taking your case to trial if necessary
Involving a lawyer in your accident case early on is important because it means you will have experienced guidance at every step. You can enjoy peace of mind in knowing that your legal team is handling your case with care while you focus on rest and recovery after a traumatic accident.
Keep in mind that California enforces a statute of limitations of two years for car accident claims. This means that you cannot pursue compensation for your damages after that time limit passes. While this might still seem like a generous deadline, working with your attorney to begin the claims process early is preferable because it minimizes the chances of crucial evidence becoming lost over time.
Start the Insurance Claim Process
It is important to start the claim process as soon as possible after your accident so you can secure financial compensation for your damages. This entails filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You will never need to speak directly to the other party’s insurer, as your legal team will handle this burden for you entirely.
However, you will need to contact your own insurance company before you can start the claim process. Most insurance companies require you to call and report an accident within 24 hours, even if the other driver caused the crash.
It is in your best interests to never admit any degree of fault for the accident, even when speaking to your own insurer. If you are unsure of what you should or should not say to insurance representatives, reach out to your attorney beforehand. Your legal representation is there to support you through every step of the process, from the moments immediately following the accident all the way until you secure a settlement from your insurance claim.
Call JAG After Your Car Accident in California
The steps to follow after a car accident in California seem straightforward at a glance, but they entail navigating a labyrinth of legal complexities and insurance roadblocks. You have more than enough on your plate after a car crash severely disrupts your life.
Johnson Attorneys Group puts your health first and helps you recover the compensation you deserve, all without charging any fees until you receive a settlement. Contact us today to schedule a case review and ask any questions you might have about the claims process.
