A car accident can be a stressful experience no matter where you live, and San Diego is no exception. In the stress of the moment, some people may not know what to do, and others later discover that their actions were irresponsible or even illegal. Knowing what to do after a car accident in San Diego can help you avoid hardships later on and ensure any insurance or legal processes go smoothly.
The fear in any car accident is for the safety of the victims, especially when there are particularly vulnerable people involved, such as children or the elderly. Before doing anything else, you’ll want to double-check that everyone involved in the accident, including yourself, is safe. If you are able to, help those who need immediate assistance.
Ensuring safety involves a few important steps. First, check for injuries on yourself and anyone who is in the vehicle with you. If anyone is notably injured, call emergency medical services right away.
Next, move your car to the side of the road if it is still drivable. This helps prevent additional accidents or traffic jams from happening. You may also turn on your hazard lights (especially if the accident occurred at night) to alert other drivers.
Above all, try to stay calm so you are able to think as clearly and rationally as possible.
Even if the accident was not serious, it is important to contact law enforcement so they can make a report. You can call 911 and provide any details you can about what happened. Stick to only giving factual details and not opinions or viewpoints of who was at fault. Do not share facts you are unsure of or unclear on.
A police officer should arrive at the scene to assess the accident. You should make a formal police report so there is an official record of what happened. This can be helpful with insurance companies later or if you decide to pursue legal action.
Exchange information with the other driver involved. This includes their name, insurance provider, driver’s license number, and license plate number. You will also want to gather information from any witnesses to the accident who are willing to make a statement, if necessary.
Next, you will want to document the scene of the accident. This includes taking pictures of the road, damages to your car, and any injuries sustained, no matter how minor. You can also take pictures of road conditions, especially if there is debate regarding who is at fault or if certain conditions contributed to the accident (such as slippery roads or improper signage).
Write down the details surrounding the accident while the memory is fresh in your mind. This includes the time, date, and conditions of the accident.
Even if you feel fine, you may still want to seek a doctor to double-check that you are okay. Some injuries are not readily apparent, such as internal injuries. Also, depending on the intensity of the accident, you may not notice injuries until your adrenaline wears off. A medical professional can officially diagnose any seen or unseen injuries for you.
Be sure to follow any advice given to you by your doctor. You will also want to have copies of medical bills and diagnoses your doctor gives you. This will be helpful if you try to make a claim later.
Some insurance companies have a timeline for reporting accidents, so you will want to report the accident as soon as possible. Be honest about what happened, do not lie, and give factual information only. Avoid blaming yourself for the accident, as it could result in a smaller payout. However, do not intentionally make the accident seem less serious than it was.
Dealing with the process after an accident can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if you need time to heal. An attorney is not only available to file legal claims. They can help you fight for a fair settlement from your insurance company. They can also make sure that you have all the documentation you need for any follow-ups with the insurance company or legal processes.
An San Diego Car Accident Lawyer can help you understand the law, what you are legally entitled to, and your rights. They can also take into account any long-term effects the accident may have on your life, such as any long-term care or time off work. This can be helpful if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
A: Yes, you should call the police after a car accident in California, especially if anyone was hurt or killed or if property was damaged. A police report is a legally binding document that can be vital to insurance settlements and legal action. Even in minor accidents, bringing in the police can help document the accident.
A: In California, you should make sure that you file a car accident claim with your insurance company as soon as you can. The majority of companies want to be informed as soon as possible, often within days. Reporting on time helps ensure that your claim goes smoothly and you won’t lose coverage for reporting late.
A: If an accident is not your fault, the responsible party usually pays for your injuries through their liability policy. You can also submit a claim to your own insurance company under uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if the responsible driver is underinsured. Your insurance company may seek payment from the insurance company of the injured party.
A: In California, you have to file a police report if the accident causes injuries, death, or property damage that exceeds $1,000. That report must be sent to your local police agency or the California Highway Patrol within 24 hours. You also need to submit a report to the DMV within 10 days.
If you were injured in a car accident in San Diego, Mitchell Law Corporation can help you. We can fight for your rights and the damages you deserve. Contact us today to get started.
