If you are wondering what to do after a minor car accident, consider calling 911 immediately, gathering critical information at the scene, remaining at the scene until law enforcement arrives, exchanging information with the other driver, seeking medical attention, and contacting an attorney.
Following these steps can help protect the integrity of your claim. Our Los Angeles car accident lawyer can protect your best interests and help you file a successful claim.
Gather Information from the Scene
After a car accident with any type of damage, it is up to you to gather as much information as possible to seek a claim later. That means, when it is safe, you should take photos and gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. This includes taking photos of:
- The damage to your car
- The damage to the other person’s car
- Any structural damage present
- The surrounding area, including any road conditions that could be critical, such as potholes or slick surfaces
- Your injuries
In these situations, the information you collect now could be critical to proving your case later. Even in a minor accident, photo and video proof make it very difficult for anyone to state that your claims are not accurate. We strongly encourage you to be thorough in this process. Our FAQs provide more information on what to do after a minor car accident.
For a Free Legal Consultation, Call (310) 321-4800
Remain at the Scene After a Minor Accident
In a minor car accident where there are no injuries, you may not have to seek law enforcement help. In most situations, it is best to stop and remain at the scene. At the very minimum, this means exchanging information with the other person, including your insurance information and driver’s license details.
Under California law, you must stop at the scene and contact law enforcement if there is substantial damage to any property or if someone is hurt. Failing to stop can lead to a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 20002, which can mean you must pay fines up to $1,000 and spend up to six months in jail.
If this is a minor accident, you may believe there is no risk of such outcomes. However, if the other driver decides to file a police report, and you did not call the police to investigate, law enforcement may take their word for what happened, and that can lead to legal consequences for you. Whenever possible, call the police and request that they investigate the incident.
Get the Information of the Others Involved
Anyone else involved in the accident should provide you with information about who they are. For example, you should take a photo of the driver’s license and insurance card from the other party, even if they say they are fine and do not plan to file a claim. The law requires the exchange of this information.
Gather any information you can during this conversation. For example, they may state that they were not paying attention at the time of the accident or may claim that they are tired. This information could prove helpful to you down the road if you develop complications with your health.
You cannot force witnesses to provide their information, but you can ask them to do so. When there are multiple people involved, let law enforcement know that, and they will collect the personal information of all involved. That way, you have that data if you need it later. Most of the time, a witness can help to verify what happened, what they saw, or what they experienced.
Click to Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers Today
Be Sure to Get a Medical Examination After a Minor Accident
Many injuries after a minor car accident are not obvious and may even be impossible to notice right away. Even in a minor accident, head to the ER for a full workup. Tell the emergency medical team if you hit your head or the type of hit so they can look for signs of whiplash, internal organ injuries, or concussions. Remember, some of these symptoms can take days to become obvious.
Getting to the hospital right after the accident protects your health. It also makes it clear that the injuries you have are directly related to the accident. If you develop pain and discomfort in the days later, and then go to the doctor, the insurance company may question why you waited so long.
Follow up with all medical care that your doctor tells you to receive, and do not go back to work until you get the clear to do so. Take the time to monitor your symptoms and the way you feel throughout the coming days. Create a journal to act as a log of this information. Do not put off contacting your doctor again if you develop new symptoms or complications.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation Form Now
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer for the Guidance You Need
Not every minor car accident results in a claim or the need to hire a car accident lawyer. However, if you are uncertain about any aspect of your case or rights, there is no harm in requesting a free consultation from a local attorney. Doing so helps you to have peace of mind and protects both your legal and financial interests. We recommend contacting an attorney in any of the following situations:
- There is a dispute over who is at fault for the accident. The police can get it wrong in some cases.
- You develop a medical condition or complication that requires treatment, especially hospitalization.
- The other party claims you caused the accident and that they have injuries. Your lawyer can help you build your own case.
What seems like a simple accident may not be. Taking the time to hire a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer or at least speak to one can protect you in critical situations.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Law Firm Ready to Fight for You
When you are hurt in a car accident, do not wait for complications to arise before hiring an attorney. Our Los Angeles car accident lawyer is ready to provide you with information about what to do after a minor car accident, your rights, and the legal steps to take now.
Call The Ryan Law Group now for a free consultation. There is no obligation to work with us if we cannot help you.
Call or Text (310) 321-4800, or Complete a Free Case Evaluation Form
