California’s roads are busy. Driving these roads always carries risk, and while most get through their commutes without incident, “most” isn’t “everyone.” Too many California drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians experience the unfortunate event of a car accident–and its consequences.
No matter how careful you are, you cannot control how others behave on the road. However, if someone else’s behavior causes you harm, you can control your response. You can fight to hold the irresponsible party accountable for the damage they caused you with help from a Glendale personal injury lawyer from Venerable Injury Law. Speak to an experienced Glendale car accident lawyer from our team to determine your best course of action.
Important First Steps After a Car Accident
If you are seriously injured in the accident, stay put until law enforcement and emergency care arrive. If someone is seriously injured, you can help by calling 911. If it is safe for you and other parties to move without injury, you must move your car out of the path of traffic to avoid additional accidents, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Documentation
Call law enforcement to the scene to make an official report. Then, record information about the other car or cars involved–license plate numbers, color, year, make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), if possible–and exchange information with the other involved parties. Be sure to photograph or otherwise document:
- Names and driver’s license number
- Insurance information
- Car registration information
Begin gathering evidence by taking photos of the involved cars, your injuries, and the accident scene overall. Get contact information from witnesses and take note of any nearby security or traffic cameras. Say nothing that could be interpreted as an admission of fault, and do not minimize your injuries to anyone while at the scene.
Make the Required Reports
You will need to notify your insurance company of the accident. Even when you speak to your representative, consider your words carefully. Do not veer from simply giving the facts of the accident, and inform your adjuster that you will be seeking medical care.
To avoid risking license suspension, you must submit a report of the traffic accident to the DMV within 10 days if:
- Anyone is injured
- Anyone is killed
- Property damage exceeds $1000.00
We will work tirelessly to help you recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life
Seek Prompt Medical Care
You might be “lucky enough” to walk away from an accident, but that does not mean you are not truly injured. Seek medical attention within hours or a day, at most, of the accident. Doing so is both good for your health and the success of your possible injury claim.
The effects of some injuries can take time to appear. Pain is often hidden by the surge of adrenaline that follows an accident or does not kick in until you try to move or use your body in certain ways. Symptoms of some very serious injuries, especially those to the brain or spinal cord, may not be immediately apparent, but delayed care can lead to permanent damage or even death.
By delaying care, you also give the at-fault party the opportunity to discredit your injury claim. They might argue your injuries could not have been that serious if you did not seek prompt care. Or, they can say you caused your debilitating condition by deciding to delay care.
We will treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve.
Partner with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Glendale
Once your immediate medical well-being is secured, connect with Venerable Injury Law and partner with a skilled Glendale car accident attorney. Connecting with us relieves you of all car accident “duties” except recovery. We will handle all legalities, insurance conversations, and negotiations with the at-fault party’s representatives.
First, your attorney will carry out an exhaustive investigation of your accident, gathering evidence to determine its cause and prove the at-fault party’s negligence. Then, your lawyer will value your losses, factoring every financial, physical, and emotional loss into that equation. After sending the at-fault party’s representative a settlement demand, your attorney will handle all negotiations, and while our team works to secure out-of-court settlements so you can move on with your life more quickly, we are more than ready to fight for you in court if that is the best way forward.
California Civil Jury Instructions (CACI) items 405-6 explain California’s comparative fault system for awarding damages in personal injury cases. Victims can pursue compensation, but if they hold a percentage of fault for the accident, their compensation is reduced proportionally. Your attorney can fight to protect you from unwarranted blame leveled by insurance companies seeking to shrink their payout and help prevent an unfair reduction in compensation.
Compensation for Car Accident Victims
California Civil Code 3281 allows victims to collect “damages,” financial compensation for injury to their person or property. Your experienced Glendale car accident attorney will seek recovery of financial expenses incurred by the accident, including medical costs and lost wages, as well as acknowledgment for your physical and emotional trauma. Some car accident cases also allow for collecting exemplary damages.
If your car accident occurred because of the at-fault party’s provable malicious, fraudulent, or oppressive behavior, you may have grounds for collecting exemplary–also called “punitive”–damages. According to the statute, “malice” involves a “willful and conscious disregard of the rights or safety of others.” Drunk or intentionally reckless drivers may be culpable for paying this additional financial penalty.
Sometimes, insurance companies reach out with a settlement offer quickly after an accident. Though you might be tempted to accept, do not take that initial offer without speaking to an attorney. Your attorney, not the insurance company, can provide a fairer determination of how much compensation you should be paid and will protect you from the regret and financial fallout of accepting that too-low offer.
Wrongful Death
If your loved one is killed in a car accident, do not assume you are without recourse. Our team will review your case. If you are eligible to file, we can help you navigate the process of pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit.
You are not just a case number – you are our top priority.
Get Committed, Strategic Representation with a Glendale Car Accident Lawyer
The team at Venerable Injury Law is committed to getting clients results. We know your case is different from anyone else’s and will design a strategy that best fits your situation. You deserve compensation and justice for your injuries and losses.
By connecting with an experienced car accident lawyer in Glendale from our firm, you give yourself the best chance of securing a significant financial award. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss the unique details of your case. We’re here for you.
We believe that our experience, dedication, and personalized approach set us apart from the rest.
