Calling 911 is a must in terms of what to do at the scene of a car accident. This will prompt police officers and medical professionals to come to the scene within minutes. In the days after your accident, it can be beneficial to seek legal help, as a lawyer can help you hold any liable parties responsible for the crash.
Contact a Los Angeles car accident lawyer to learn how we can help you deal with the aftermath of an auto collision.
What to Do at the Scene of a Car Accident in California
The scene of an accident can be a dangerous place, and it is important to protect yourself as you figure out what to do in the moments after your crash.
With the right approach at the scene of the accident, you can treat your injuries and avoid making mistakes that could compromise your case against a liable party. Ultimately, at the accident scene, you should:
Ask for Help
Dial 911 to have police officers and medical professionals come out to assist you and others involved in your accident. The police will gather information from you and use it to prepare a report detailing your accident.
Medical personnel can perform a medical evaluation, provide care, and, if necessary, take you to a hospital for further treatment.
Take Photos and Videos
Use your smartphone to capture visual proof of the severity of your injuries, damage to your car, and other elements of the accident scene. This is your only opportunity to collect on-the-scene evidence.
Make the most of it, and you can start building a body of proof that puts you in a great position to secure maximum damages from anyone responsible for your crash.
Get the Other Driver’s Insurance
Ask the other driver for their driver’s license and insurance information. You will need this information if you want to seek compensation via an insurance claim or injury lawsuit. There are driver’s license and auto insurance requirements in California — if the other driver was not operating their vehicle in compliance with these, they could be punished for their actions.
Do Not Take Responsibility for the Accident
If the other driver asks you to take partial or full blame for the accident, do not say anything. There are many accident types, and the other motorist could be liable for your collision. Yet, if you say you are liable, it can become exceedingly difficult to hold the at-fault motorist responsible for the incident.
In the days following your accident, discuss the incident with an auto accident lawyer from Venerable Injury Law. We can teach you about common injuries that people suffer in auto crashes and how you could recover damages from anyone liable for your collision. Request a free case consultation with our team.
We will work tirelessly to help you recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life
What to Do at the Scene of a Car Accident Caused by Another Motorist
As far as what you should do at the scene of a car accident in which the other driver is at fault, do your best to remain calm. You may be tempted to yell and scream at this motorist. Regardless, if you maintain your composure, you can avoid doing or saying anything that could hurt your chances of securing compensation for your accident-related losses.
Focus on the accident itself and do everything within your power to ensure you and others involved are safe. Remember, you have the right to pursue damages following your accident. If you work with a car accident lawyer, they can help you submit an insurance claim or sue the other driver.
Your lawyer can calculate economic and non-economic damages relating to your auto collision. They can provide details about how much compensation should be paid to a victim in a personal injury settlement. Your attorney can also build a body of evidence to help you show you deserve 100% of the damages you are requesting.
We will treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve.
What to Do at a Car Accident Scene if the Other Motorist Drives Away
Do not chase after a motorist who drives away from the accident scene. According to California Vehicle Code 20002, it is illegal for a motorist to leave the scene of a car accident in which the other party’s property is damaged. If you choose to leave an accident scene after the other driver, this motorist could call the police and say you are responsible for a hit-and-run crash.
The police may be able to help you identify the other driver who left the accident scene. Police officers may use traffic cameras and other sources to help you find this motorist. If the driver is located, they could face criminal charges, and you could request damages from them via an injury lawsuit.
A car accident lawyer wants to help their clients secure the optimal verdicts and settlements. They can advise their clients throughout their respective cases. If you have legal concerns and questions as you request damages following an auto accident, your attorney will address them.
How Your Actions at the Scene of a Car Accident Can Impact Your Insurance Claim or Personal Injury Lawsuit
It is in your best interests to be cautious at the scene of your car accident. By reporting the incident to the police and receiving medical care, you can show your insurer you are doing everything within your power to handle the incident as best as you can. You can make it tough for a liable party or their insurer to contest your claim.
You may have a valid case for damages if the other driver is responsible for your accident. If you submit an insurance claim, a liable party’s insurer may dispute it or offer a lowball settlement. In a situation where you collected proof and took other measures to protect yourself following your accident, you could make it clear that you are in no way liable for the incident.
A lawyer can offer tips and recommendations on how to cope with the ramifications of an auto accident. They can use the proof you gathered at the accident scene in your body of evidence. If you have an abundance of proof, you may be able to secure fair compensation from anyone who contributed to your crash.
You are not just a case number – you are our top priority.
Get Legal Help with Your Car Accident Case
Venerable Injury Law provides legal services and support to those involved in auto accidents. Our team is available to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options with you. Schedule a free case consultation with us.
We believe that our experience, dedication, and personalized approach set us apart from the rest.
