Eight Steps to Remember After a Car Accident in California

With 250,844,644 registered vehicles in United States cluttering the roads at any given time, it’s clear why car accidents happen at such an alarming frequency.

Over the years, motor vehicle accidents have become the leading cause of unintended death for people between the ages of 1 to 34 years old. The National Safety Council says that one in every eleven drivers will be involved in an accident and that says a lot about the high risk of being on the road.

It’s best to be forewarned and forearmed in the event of a car crash. Being involved in a traffic accident is bad enough but you may also potentially lose all your claims to damages or be held liable for the accident if you don’t know what to do.

Eight Steps to Protect Yourself

A car accident is avoidable but if it’s inevitable, it’s best to be prepared. Here are eight easy steps to remember in California car crash crisis:

1. Stop your vehicle. If you don’t stop, you may be convicted of “hit and run” as fleeing the scene is a crime and could you could be severely punished.
2. Move the vehicle out of the way, if it is clear, safe and legal or if no one is killed or injured to prevent further traffic.
3. Call the police and, if necessary, emergency medical services. Make a first aid check of all persons involved in the crash. Get medical treatment immediately if you’re injured. Make sure you see a doctor because this will be proof that you incurred injury.
4. Make sure you ask to see the other driver's license and write down the number. Show your driver license, regis¬tration card, evidence of financial responsibility, and current address to the other driver or persons involved or to any peace officer.
5. Other details are important especially if you decide to pursue a claim for damages later. Gather the names of all persons in the motor vehicles and people who witnessed the crash. Also take note the date, time and weather conditions.
6. Do not discuss "fault" or make statements about the crash to anyone but the police. Exchange insurance company information.
7. You (your insurance agent or legal representative) must submit a written report to the police or CHP within 24 hours of the accident, if someone is killed or injured.
8. Get a copy of the police report of the crash from the local precinct.

By following these eight easy steps, it will be easier to pursue personal injury claims as well as mitigate any subsequent liabilities arising from the accident. It is very important to keep your presence of mind in these situations to avoid future complications.

Often, acquiring the services of a lawyer is an essential and the next step to claiming damages. Dealing with a car accident, especially if you’re injured is traumatic, so it is best to leave the legal consequences up to your lawyer.

• This article is provided for informational purposes only. If you need help with a car accident claim,
  click here to consult with Rodney Mesriani, or an accident attorney near you.

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