You’ve been in an accident – what happens next?

It can be an extremely frustrating time after you have been involved in a car accident. In California, drivers are prone to car accidents due to heavy traffic. You should know what to do after a car crash so that you can avoid any additional expenses and losses. Along with understanding what your insurance will cover, the following tips will help you determine what to do next.

1. Alert the relevant authorities

Accidents can vary dramatically in severity, so they require different attention depending on the situation. Notifying the relevant authorities is important since some people may need medical assistance. It is crucial that you call the police and report the accident to not only report the scene of the accident, but to also have the police document everything including witness statements.

2. Record any valid evidence

Documenting all evidence at an accident scene is important. You should take photos of the scene using a camera or your cell phone and even take videos if necessary. You want to make sure to get images of your vehicle and the other party’s vehicle including the license plate numbers of all the vehicles involved as well as the name, address, and contact info of any witnesses on the scene.

3. Get medical assistance

Not all accidents cause serious injuries, but it’s still important to seek medical care immediately after an accident. Even if you think you’re not injured, you should still get checked out because most injuries stemming from automobile accidents don’t surface until hours or even days later. Let a medical specialist analyze your state and determine whether you are okay or need any further treatment. A Prompt examination will also help you avoid developing any further complications later.

4. Say nothing

After an accident you will start to get calls from the other driver’s insurance company. Their job is to investigate the accident and reduce the compensation they will end up paying. That is why it is in your best interest and your case not to say anything. Get their information but do not talk about your injuries, the accident, or sign any documents.

5. Call an attorney

It is of utmost importance that you contact an experienced attorney as soon as you can. A good attorney can guide you through the legal process, which is usually very confusing and quite difficult to deal with. The Law Office of Shawn Athari can be your voice and advocate on your behalf. Our team of skilled professionals will keep you updated throughout the process, making sure you not only receive the medical treatment you need but to ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve. We will fight to maximize your recovery!

6. Let your attorney do the work

Allowing your attorney to contact your insurance company and report your claim can take the stress off you. Reporting everything that takes place at an accident scene to your insurance company is essential. Your insurer should be among the first to know the details surrounding the accident, and the statements made to the insurance companies are all on recorded lines. By having your attorney speak on your behalf, you can ensure that they’ll know what to say and what not to say so that they can help maximize your recovery. After an accident, you’re not in the right state of mind, the last thing you need is the added stress of going through the specific details of the accident.

Conclusion

Following the right procedures and taking these recommended actions after an accident will help ensure that your medical needs are taken care of and you get fair compensation. Many people do not know who to contact or what to do immediately after an accident. A lawyer can bring extensive specialized knowledge to the table when dealing with an accident. We vigorously fight for each and every client and are advocates for those who have been injured. Utilizing an intricate network of highly qualified medical, legal, and forensic experts, we bring the stories of our clients to light. We will advise you on what to do and more importantly, what not to do after you’ve been in an accident. Our team of legal professionals will spend the time assessing your unique situation and ask the relevant questions about your case so that we can properly advise you on the next steps. Remember, if we don’t win your case then you owe us nothing!