Getting involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience, leading to potential physical injuries, mental stress, and financial burdens. You may feel unsure and have difficulties navigating the aftermath of such an event. With that in mind, we have prepared a car accident checklist to help you navigate the situation after an accident.
Knowing what to do after a car accident is crucial for the actions to take after an accident. Here are the steps below:
Stay Calm and Composed
The aftermath of a car accident is distressing. At this stage, you are filled with mixed emotions like shock, guilt, fear, or anger. While such feelings are normal, staying calm and composed is essential to handle the situation effectively.
Keeping your composure enables you to approach the situation rationally and minimize the risk of conflicts with other parties.
Note that it is crucial to refrain from exhibiting any aggressive behavior. Instead, direct your focus on your immediate concern, checking for injuries.
Check for Injury and Ensure Safety
Safety is the top priority, so always check for injuries and take safety precautions. Even if you have seemingly minor injuries, seek medical help. Some injuries may not manifest immediately, but once you discover them, seek a doctor immediately. Untreated injuries can pose future health risks.
Call 911 if you or the passenger you are carrying is severely injured. Wait for the help to arrive. Move the vehicle to the side of the road if it is safe to drive. This is to ensure safety for yourself and the road users. You can activate hazard lights and use cones, warning triangles, or flares if available.
In case your car is going to explode or pose any threat, call a professional to relocate the car to a safe spot.
Call for Help
Again, for any emergency help, call 911 or the state’s designated number for assistance.
The dispatcher may need some information when they respond to you. They will ask you for Information like your name, contact details, details about the emergency, and the exact location. It is advisable to stay on the line until the dispatcher instructs you to hang up. In some critical situations, you might be required to stay on the call until the help team arrives.
Note that calling the police is important, even for minor car accidents. Their role in documenting accidents is pivotal for easing the claim process and determining fault.
Report the Accident
Car accidents require a detailed investigation immediately. Reporting the accident is crucial for ascertaining responsibility, losses, and damage.
So, make sure you promptly report the accident to the relevant authority for an official report. The report can help you build a strong case and serve as evidence when seeking compensation. Police reports can work as admissible evidence in court in case you initiate a lawsuit.
Gather Information
Documenting a car accident properly will notably improve your case. So, obtaining all the necessary details after an accident is crucial.
Some of the crucial details are:
- Name and insurance details of the other driver,
- Contact details,
- License plate numbers,
- Location of a crash
- Vehicle Details, etc.
Collect Evidence
Evidence is critical for a strong legal case. You can collect proofs like photographs of the site and other involved vehicles.
Collect personal information like name, address, and contact details from your eyewitness. Don’t force them to do so if they are unwilling to share their details. Your lawyer will handle this part later.
Do not Discuss Liability
You must refrain from roadside discussions regarding the responsibilities and liabilities of the accident. Also, you should refuse to admit fault after an accident, which could diminish your compensation or even nullify it. Allow the law enforcement officer or an insurance company to determine the responsibilities based on evidence.
Inform Insurance Company
The other parties involved in the accident may claim against you, so proactively informing your insurer and initiating a claim is important. This is regardless of who is at fault, even if you don’t want to make a claim.
Keep Records
You must keep the details of medical and repair costs and other potential expenses for the recovery. Likewise, you need to document the details and contacts of everyone involved. Keeping up the records helps to assess your case and determine the compensation you deserve.
Talk to the Lawyer
Car accidents usually leave you vulnerable. Immediately after the accident, you still determine your legal rights and options. The insurance company can take advantage of your circumstances and settle with less compensation during this time.
Here comes the role of car accident lawyers, who are experts in handling such cases.
If you have been a part of a Sacramento car accident, contact a skilled Sacramento car accident attorney at the Law Offices Of J.G Winter. From the complexities of insurance claims to personal injury litigation, we can guide you throughout the process.
Car accident lawyers at J.G Winter Law have expertise in car accident lawsuits. We know the laws and can offer comprehensive legal support customized to your needs. Contact us today.
FAQs
What is the Statute Of Limitations for filing a Car accident lawsuit in Sacramento?
The statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in California is 2 years from the date of the injury. If you cross the provided deadline, your claim might get discharged.
What are the common causes of a car accident?
The most common causes of car accidents are overspeeding, rash driving, traffic law violations, driving under the influence and more. Such an accident can cause minor to major injuries.
What to do after an accident that is not my fault?
Even if you’re not responsible for an accident, you must still initiate a claim with your insurance provider. In some states, the other driver’s insurance might cover the repairs if they’re at fault. However, in no-fault states, both insurers must pay the compensation, irrespective of the fault. Remember that the determination of legal liability is established only after an investigation, so do not assume who is at fault or not.
It is important to know when to sue someone personally after a car accident.
How much compensation will I get after a car accident?
The compensation you get from a car accident settlement depends on the nature of your accident and injuries. However, you can get compensation for all your damages, including pain and suffering. Consult an attorney for an estimate.
