What to Do After a Car Accident?
Calling 911 is one of the best things you can do after a car accident. This will bring medical professionals and police officers to the scene to assist you and others involved in the incident. Within days of the accident, seek legal help, and you could hold a liable motorist or any other at-fault parties accountable for the crash.
Let a Los Angeles car accident lawyer represent you in your auto crash lawsuit. Schedule a free case consultation with us.
What to Do After a Car Accident
If you are tempted to yell and scream at the other driver involved in a car accident, resist the urge to do so. Remember, what you say and do in these critical moments can be used against you. Here are steps to take to protect yourself and others in the aftermath of an auto collision.
Ask for Help
Dial 911, and medical personnel and the police will arrive minutes later. Those involved in hit and run accidents in California should stay at the scene and not try to catch the other driver. If you do, you could face legal penalties for leaving the scene of an accident.
Receive Medical Attention
Do not attempt to “tough it out” after an accident. Have medical professionals evaluate and treat your injuries. If these professionals feel it is in your best interests to go to a hospital, allow them to bring you there for further care.
Speak to the Police
Discuss the accident with police officers. Answer questions from the police about what happened that led to the incident, and do not say you are in any way responsible for it. Police officers will use the information you provide to prepare a report that you can use as evidence in your case against a liable party.
Collect Evidence
Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries. Your visual proof can make or break your case against a liable party. It may help you get the optimal personal injury lawyer case results if you move forward with a lawsuit.
Get the Other Driver’s Information
Ask this motorist for their driver’s license and insurance information. Police officers can help you obtain this information if the driver refuses to provide it. You will need this information if you want to submit an insurance claim or sue this driver.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Tell your auto insurer about your accident, and do not take responsibility for the incident. There are insurance requirements for drivers in California. Once you notify your insurer about an accident, the business can open a claim and work with a liable party’s insurance company to determine who is at fault.
Continue to Receive Medical Care
Follow your doctor’s instructions and keep treating your injuries. Track the costs of your medical treatments and other expenses associated with your auto accident. You can include these costs in your request for damages from anyone who contributed to the incident.
In addition to these things, reach out to an attorney who has an outstanding track record in auto accident cases. The Ryan Law Group has received many positive personal injury lawyer testimonials, thanks in part to our work in car crash lawsuits. Request a free consultation with our team.
What to Do After an Auto Accident When the Other Driver Is at Fault
When in doubt about what to do following a car accident, take a deep breath and try to remain calm, cool, and collected. Try to work with the driver to make sure they and anyone else involved in an accident are safe. If this motorist urges you to accept responsibility for the incident, it may be best not to say anything.
You are within your legal rights to seek compensation through an insurance claim or injury lawsuit after your accident. However, the time frame in which you are permitted to do so is limited. Generally, the deadlines to sue someone are two years, and an auto accident lawyer can help you file a lawsuit against a liable driver promptly.
If you submit a lawsuit, you could recover damages without having to bring your case to trial. If an at-fault motorist has concerns about the strength of your case against them, they could propose a reasonable settlement. By accepting this proposal, you can resolve your case in less time than what would be required if you present your case to a judge or jury.
What to Do After a Car Accident If the Other Driver Blames You
Unfortunately, things can get heated in the moments following an auto accident. You may be worried about what to do after an auto accident if the other driver says you are liable, and you may wind up saying you are responsible. If you are pressured to take responsibility for an accident, you have options, and you should consider these carefully.
With rear-end collisions and similar crashes, an at-fault motorist may say you are at fault in the hopes that you will let them off the hook. Regardless, you know what happened, and you understand if you broke any laws and contributed to the incident. Just because another driver blames you does not make you accountable, and you maintain legal rights.
Rather than accept partial or full responsibility for your collision, consult with an auto accident lawyer. They can take a look at the incident and determine who is liable. From here, they may build a case designed to show a judge or jury you deserve full damages from the other driver.
Get Legal Insights as You Figure Out What to Do After a Car Accident
The Ryan Law Group has plenty of experience with auto collision cases. As you weigh the pros and cons of what to do after a car crash, we are here to assist you in any way we can. Contact us today for more information.