Being involved in a car accident can be a scary and stressful experience. Even minor fender benders can leave you feeling shaken up and unsure of what to do next.
However, it’s important to follow the proper post-crash protocol to ensure everyone’s safety, protect your rights, document the incident, and start the insurance claims process.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key steps to take after a car accident in California.
1. Secure the Scene of the Accident and Check for Injuries
The first priority is to make sure the accident scene is safe and secure. Move your car to a safe spot away from traffic and turn on your hazard lights. If your car is inoperable, use flares or reflective triangles to mark the area.
Check on all drivers and passengers involved in the accident to see if anyone is injured. If there are injuries or complaints of pain, call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to move anyone with serious injuries.
If the accident is minor with no injuries, move your vehicles to a safe spot like a parking lot or side street. Gather any identifying information you can about the other vehicles involved, like license plate numbers.
Take photos of the accident scene, damage to all vehicles, and injuries, if any. These will help document what happened.
2. Call the Police and File an Accident Report
After ensuring safety, it’s highly recommended to call the police to the scene. Under California law, any accident resulting in injury, death, or over $1,000 in property damage must be reported to the police.
Having an official police report is crucial for several reasons:
- It contains objective information about how the accident happened and who was at fault based on the officers’ investigation. This can help prove fault and liability later.
- Many insurance claims cannot proceed without a police report case number to reference.
- The report can include witness statements that help support your version of events.
- Police reports can help establish missing information, like a hit-and-run driver.
If the police cannot come to the scene for any reason, be sure to go to the nearest police station soon after the accident to file the report yourself. Never leave the scene of an accident without filing a report.
3. Exchange Car Insurance Information
Along with a police report, exchanging insurance details with the other drivers involved is critical after an accident. Be sure to obtain:
- Their name, address, and phone number
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Make, model, year, color, and license plate number of their vehicle
- Photos of their driver’s license, insurance card, and vehicle damage
Also, provide the other party with your own insurance information. Having these details on hand can speed up the claims process later so insurers can share information.
4. Document the Scene and Damage
It’s amazing how quickly an accident scene can change, with vehicles removed and debris cleared away. Be sure to take ample photos and video documenting:
- Damage to each of the cars in the collision
- Any injuries sustained in the accident
- Hazards or unsafe conditions that may have contributed, like potholes, lack of signage, obstructed views, etc.
- Skid marks or debris from the collision
- Location of each vehicle when they came to rest after impact
Thoroughly documenting the accident scene in the immediate aftermath will help investigators later reconstruct what happened. The evidence you collect can also help prove fault and win your injury claim.
5. Get Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s critical to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries like concussions, spinal damage, and soft tissue injuries can take days or even weeks to fully manifest. A prompt medical evaluation will also accurately document any injuries tied to the crash.
Be sure to:
- Seek emergency care immediately if you have any concerning symptoms
- Follow up with your regular doctor even for minor complaints
- Fully comply with treatment plans, physical therapy, and rehab
- Retain all accident-related medical bills, records, and notes from doctors
Don’t refuse ambulance transportation at the scene or decline treatment unless you’re certain you’re uninjured. Remember – your health and recovery are most important.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve been checked out at the hospital and released, it’s time to start the claims process by notifying your insurance company about the accident. Call them as soon as possible to report your claim. Provide details like:
- The time and location of the accident
- Other vehicles/drivers involved
- Police report case number
- Description of damage and injuries
- Photos/videos from the scene and your injuries
- Any medical treatment you’ve received
Cooperating fully with your insurer will help streamline the review. However, don’t admit fault or agree to any recorded statement until discussing it with your car accident lawyer.
7. Consult a Car Accident Attorney
Speaking with a personal injury lawyer before making any recorded statements after a serious accident is highly recommended. They can protect your rights, handle communications with insurers and other parties, investigate fault and liability, file claims on your behalf, and pursue fair compensation through settlements or personal injury lawsuits.
Having an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney on your side can optimize your compensation and ensure that your claim is resolved as best it can. Don’t go it alone after any substantial auto accident – immediately connect with an attorney for guidance.
The car accident lawyers at Pasternack Injury Law Group can help Southern California residents after an auto collision. They’ll deal with the insurance hassles while you focus on recovery. To get started with a free, no-obligation consultation on your case, contact their team online.
