It’s important to know what to do if you are ever involved in an accident. Every state has different laws and procedures when it comes to accidents, so it’s crucial that you understand your rights and responsibilities.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the first 5 things you need to do after being involved in a car accident in California.
5 Things to Do After Being Involved in a Car Accident in California
- Exchange Information
- Get Medical Help, If Necessary
- Notify Your Insurance
- File a Police Report
- Consult with a California car accident lawyer
Exchange Information
The first thing you need to do is exchange information with the other driver. You’ll need to get their name, address, phone number, insurance company, and policy number.
If there are any witnesses to the accident, you should also get their contact information.
Get Medical Help, If Necessary
In 2019, there were over 3.6k traffic fatalities in California alone, and over 36.3k in the United States as a whole. Many of these are preventable with timely medical care.
If you or anyone else involved in the accident is injured, it’s important to get medical help right away. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s always a good idea to get checked out by a doctor.
Symptoms of some injuries, such as whiplash, might not appear until days or even weeks after the accident.
Notify Your Insurance
Once you’ve exchanged information with the other driver and gotten medical help, if necessary, the next thing to do is notify your insurance company.
You should call them as soon as possible after the accident and tell them what happened. They will likely ask you for some of the same information that you gave to the other driver, so it’s a good idea to have it handy.
File a Police Report
In California, you’re required to file a police report if the accident resulted in injury, death, or property damage that exceeds $750.
If the accident meets one of these criteria, you should call the police and ask them to come to the scene. The officer will likely take statements from you and the other driver, as well as any witnesses, and will file a report.
Consult with a Lawyer
A California car accident lawyer can help you if you’ve been involved in a car accident. They are experienced in dealing with the California legal system, and they can help you navigate the process of filing a claim.
These lawyers can also help you understand your rights and options, and they can provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your case.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, consult with a California lawyer that specializes in car accidents to learn more about your rights and options.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ever involved in a car accident in California, it’s important to know what to do. The first thing you need to do is exchange information with the other driver. You should also get medical help if necessary, notify your insurance company, and file a police report. Finally, you should consult with a lawyer with experience in car accidents to learn more about your rights and options.