Your day has just gotten worse. You were involved in a car accident in California. What do you do now? Knowing the steps to take after an accident can not only help you in the moment but can also help your financial recovery down the line. An accident could make you feel shaky, nervous, and even sick to your stomach, even if you were not injured. These steps will help you:
● Get to safety. The first thing that you should consider is getting someplace safe. This means moving you and your car out of harm’s way if possible. If you cannot move your car, you will want to draw attention to your vehicle by putting on your hazards and even properly using road flares if you have them.
● Turn off your car and ensure that it will not move any further. You may have been shaken up in the accident, and not realize that you forgot to turn off the engine or put it into park. Take the time to check.
● Before getting out of your vehicle, make sure it is safe to do so. You do not want to survive an accident only to be hurt by a passing vehicle afterward. If it is unsafe to exit your vehicle, call 911 immediately.
● Check on other people involved in the accident to see if anyone is hurt. You should call 911 if no one else has done so. Don’t discount any symptoms as even dizziness after an accident can be serious and should be checked by a healthcare professional.
● Report the accident to the police. Even a minor accident can require a police report when it comes to insurance companies and potential lawsuits. You should contact an attorney before giving any statements.
● Get information from the other drivers involved and witnesses. You want to get their names, plate numbers, insurance information, the types of vehicles, where the accident happened, and the information of any police officers that respond. It is smart to take a photo of the other person’s driver’s license, license plate, vehicle registration, insurance card, etc.
● You will also want to document the scene. Your camera on your phone can be perfect for taking pictures that will be useful later on, including all damage to the vehicles and where the cars were located.
● Contact your California personal injury lawyer before speaking with the insurance companies. Sometimes, the aftermath of an accident is more involved than the accident itself, especially if you were injured.
You need to have a lawyer on your side that will protect you. Your insurance company does not always have your best interests at heart, but your lawyer does. At Walch Law, our personal injury lawyers can help. Contact us today for a free consultation regarding your accident.