The wake of a car accident can be overwhelming and confusing. Amidst the chaos, it can be challenging to determine your next steps and the best path forward to recover damages for your injuries. However, the moments immediately following an accident are critical to protecting your safety and the total value of your claim. Understanding what steps to take when an accident occurs can help you avoid further injuries and recover monetary compensation for the full extent of your injuries and other losses.
If you have been injured in a car accident in California, it is in your best interest to retain a knowledgeable and skilled car accident attorney to fight for your interests. At Jassim Law, our lawyers have a proven track record of successfully helping car accident victims pursue the maximum compensation possible for their injuries and other losses. Attorney Jassim has more than 20 years of experience helping secure favorable outcomes for their claims and advocating for the safety of California communities. He understands how stressful the aftermath of a car accident can be and will take the stress of the legal process off your shoulders so you can rest easy as you heal from your injuries.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in California
While no one can predict a car accident, knowing what steps to take following a collision can help protect your safety and the success of your accident claim. Following a car accident, take care to follow the steps below:
Remain at the Scene and Move to Safety
In California, it is illegal to abandon the scene of a car accident before exchanging information with the other driver and rendering aid if you are able. If it is safe, move your vehicle off the road or onto the shoulder. If your car is inoperable or your injuries are too serious to drive, ensure that you, the other driver, and any witnesses move to a safe, nearby location while you await emergency services.
Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible
If your injuries are serious, it is essential to dial 911 for medical assistance immediately. Even if you do not require an ambulance, visiting a doctor as soon as possible after an accident is vital. Often, injuries that may seem minor could worsen over time without proper treatment. Additionally, several serious injuries, such as internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, may be invisible to the naked eye. You need to document your symptoms and injuries, otherwise an insurance company will argue that you are not injured, even though they are in fact hurt.
Call the Police
You are legally required to call the police to file a report when someone is injured or killed in a car accident. A police report can also serve as valuable evidence for your car accident claim. It can serve as objective documentation of the accident, injuries, vehicle damage, and information for all individuals involved.
Take Photos of the Scene of the Accident
Following the accident, try to take photos of your vehicle, the other driver’s vehicle, the scene of the accident, and your injuries if you are physically able. Photos from the scene can serve as evidence to establish the other driver’s negligence and the losses you’ve endured.
Gather Contact Information for the Other Driver and Any Witnesses
Before leaving the scene of the accident, speak to the driver and any witnesses to obtain their contact information. The other driver should also provide their insurance information and driver’s license number. We advise taking a photo of the driver’s licenses and insurance cards, and even license plates if possible. If you cannot get this information yourself due to the severity of your injuries or if the other driver is refusing to cooperate, the police officer that responds to your accident must include this information in their police report.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney at Jassim Law
As soon as you are able to, contact an experienced and trustworthy car accident attorney in San Diego, CA. At Jassim Law, our attorneys have over two decades of experience helping accident victims like you recover the compensation they need to move their lives forward after their accident. Our lead attorney, Pajman Jassim, has a proven track record of recovering 7-8 figure settlements for his clients in California.
Attorney Jassim is dedicated to providing personalized legal services and is committed to improving the safety of local communities. When you entrust your case to him, you can have peace of mind that you are working with a compassionate and knowledgeable legal professional. To schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you, call us today at (619) 630-2680 or complete our contact form.
Notify Your Insurance Company – DO NOT Give Recorded Statements!
It is essential to notify your insurance company of your accident as soon as possible. After hiring a car accident lawyer in San Diego, California, your attorney should contact insurance companies on your behalf.
Remember, you are NOT required to give a recorded statement to ANY insurance company (including your own insurance), and we advise that you DO NOT give recorded statements. Recorded statements virtually NEVER help your case, and usually hurt your case because your statements are taken out of context, mischaracterized, and used against you at a time when you are most vulnerable.
After contacting your insurance company, they may try to offer you a low initial settlement, or get you to sign something waiving your rights before you have a chance to hire a car accident lawyer. Unfortunately, many insurance companies attempt to undervalue victims’ injuries and other losses because insurance companies want to protect their money.
If you have been offered a settlement, it is best to avoid signing it until an experienced and skilled San Diego personal injury lawyer reviews it. In our experience, we nearly always can recover more for you.