Being in a car accident can be a very stressful and overwhelming experience. However, knowing what to do immediately after an accident can make a big difference in your safety and your ability to protect your ability to recover full and fair compensation. If you are involved in a car accident in West Sacramento, here are three things you should do and three things you should avoid to get the best results.
And don’t forget: Experienced, affordable legal help is within your reach, and it’s affordable.
Learn more about our West Sacramento Car Accident Attorney Services.
Three Things You Should Do After a Car Accident
- Get Medical Attention and Document Injuries: Your top priority should always be safety. Check yourself and find out if your passengers are injured. If anyone feels hurt, even if they don’t look hurt, call 911 and get medical treatment right away. Next, call the police to file a report. This report can be very helpful when dealing with insurance companies or making a claim.
- Gather Information at the Scene: At the scene, gather as much information as you can. Take photos of the license plates and damage to any vehicles involved. Take pictures of the position of the cars on the road. Note any traffic signs, skid marks, and road conditions. If there are witnesses, get their contact information and a brief statement.
- Swap Info with Other Parties: Exchange information with the other parties respectfully. The goal is to get their name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information. If someone else owns the vehicle, be sure to get the owner’s information as well. This information is crucial for contacting insurance companies or taking legal action.
Three Things to Avoid After a Car Accident
- Do Not Accept Liability: It is natural to feel sorry for the other person after a wreck, but do not say anything that could be interpreted as an apology. This includes simple phrases like “I’m so sorry.” Insurance companies and lawyers love to twist innocent comments into admissions of liability. Only talk about the facts to the police and other parties involved. At your soonest opportunity, call an attorney.
- Do Not Delay in Seeking Medical Care: Some injuries do not show up for days or even weeks after a crash. Whiplash and internal injuries are common examples. Adrenaline can mask pain, so get medical treatment right away to protect your health. This also provides documentation of your injuries for your claim.
- Do Not Delay in Notifying Authorities: Waiting to report an accident can cause a lot of unnecessary hassle. In California, car accidents involving injury or that result in more than $1,000 in property damage must be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within ten days. Additionally, waiting to notify your insurance company can cause delays or even the denial of your claim.
What You Do After a Car Accident Matters
What you do after a car accident is important for your safety and your ability to recover compensation for damages. By calling 911, gathering evidence, and seeking medical treatment right away, you can make the claims process much smoother and get the best results.
Avoiding common mistakes like accepting liability and delaying medical care can prevent unnecessary problems with your case. These small steps can make a big difference and ensure you are in the best possible position if you need to make an insurance claim or file a lawsuit.
If you are hurt in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence in West Sacramento, help is available, and it’s affordable. A qualified lawyer can help you get through the legal process, handle claims with insurance companies, and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
After a crash, staying calm and following these steps can help keep you safe and set you up for a much more successful recovery.
Skilled and Affordable Legal Help is Available
The team of skilled car accident attorneys at Eason & Tambornini has a combined total of over 100 years of legal experience. We fight for maximum, fair compensation for injuries and losses for every client we serve.
Call 916-438-1819 to schedule your free, no-risk consultation. You are not obligated to hire us, and there is no fee to ask the questions you need answered.
