If you are involved in a car accident in California, it’s essential you know what steps to take. What you do immediately after a car crash and in the days and weeks that follow can directly impact the success of your Carlsbad car accident claim and how much compensation you can recover. Follow these tips after a car accident:
Pull Over
Stop as close to the crash scene as is safe. If your vehicle’s position makes secondary crashes more likely, move it off the roadway. Activate your hazard lights to notify other motorists of your stopped vehicle.
Report the Accident
Call 911 to report the accident to the nearest police department or California Highway Patrol. Request an ambulance if anyone was injured.
A law enforcement officer may respond to the scene. If they do, be polite and answer their questions factually. Do not try to speculate on how the crash occurred. Just stick to the facts. Don’t admit any blame for the accident. Request a copy of the report once it is prepared.
In addition to reporting the accident when it occurs, you must also submit a written report to the DMV within ten days of the accident if it resulted in injury, death, or property damage of at least $1,000.
Exchange Information
California law requires all drivers involved in car accidents to exchange information with other drivers, including:
- Their name and address
- Their driver’s license number
- Their vehicle identification number (VIN)
- The address of the registered owner of the vehicle
- Proof of insurance or financial responsibility
Anyone who does not provide this information can be charged with an infraction and fined up to $250.
Obtain Witness Information
If any witnesses observed the accident, ask for their names and contact information. An objective witness statement may make the difference if you and the other driver have competing versions of events.
Take Pictures
Use your cell phone to take pictures at the accident scene. Include close-ups and long shots of the following:
- The accident scene
- Nearby street names, traffic signals, and signs
- Damage to all vehicles involved in the accident
- Evidence on the roadway, such as damaged parts or skid marks
- Your injuries
Note if you see a camera anywhere nearby that may have captured the accident.
Seek Medical Attention
If emergency responders did not immediately whisk you away from the accident scene, seek medical attention immediately. You want to show insurance companies that you’re serious about your health. Your medical records can help connect the accident and your injuries, increasing the likelihood of a successful truck accident claim in Carlsbad.
Call an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
All future aspects of your claim should be handled by an experienced Carlsbad personal injury lawyer. Accident lawyers can handle communication with the insurance companies and ensure they have enough information to process your claim without giving them too much information that could harm it. Miller & Steele can investigate the accident, explain your legal rights, and seek fair compensation on your behalf. Call us at (760) 840-5221 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.