What to Do After You’re in a Car Accident in California

Charlotte Miller

Updated on:

Law
What to Do After You're in a Car Accident in California

Non-fatal car accident injuries cost the government an estimated $35 billion every year. That’s because car accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries and deaths in the entire world. California is one of the most dangerous states to drive in behind New Mexico and Louisiana.

If you are in a car accident in CA, you must know what steps to take next. If you don’t take precautions immediately after the accident, you might end up losing thousands in compensation that you deserve. 

So, do you know what to do after a California car crash? The steps you take could impact your case. Discover your road to winning compensation with these easy tips.

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Get a Police Report

Immediately following a car accident, you need to call the police. Even if you don’t think the crash was that bad, you never know what complications could arise down the road.

Call 911 and get an officer out there to assess the damage. They will act as a witness to the scene and provide you with a police report.

That report is valuable if you file a personal injury claim against the person who hit you. Though it is not required, having a police report will act as support for your insurance claim. 

Get the Other Person’s Info

After you call the police, the next thing you should is collect the other person’s information. It is critical to take down each other’s names, phone numbers, and the name of their insurance company.

That way you can give the information to your insurance company and a lawyer. You also ensure the other person doesn’t try to lie about their involvement. 

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Take Pictures of Damages

When you file a personal injury claim against someone else, you will need proof of negligence. What this means is showing the other driver acted recklessly and is at fault for causing the accident. Taking pictures of whatever damage there is to your car and other property will serve as proof of damages. 

Call Your Insurance Company 

You need to call your insurance company as soon as possible to let them know you were in an accident. Tell them you need to file a claim and give them all of the details of the crash.

It doesn’t matter who is at fault in this instance. Whatever coverage your insurance offers should allow you to get repairs for your car. 

Go to the Doctor

You sustain injuries right off the bat, such as whiplash, which send you to the doctor for medical treatment. However, even if you don’t have any apparent injuries, you should still get a doctor’s advice. Injuries can arise weeks after an auto accident. 

These aren’t just physical injuries, either. You could experience mental trauma in the form of PTSD, inhibiting your quality of life. You might be able to seek compensation for medical bills, physical injuries, and emotional stress.  

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Hire a Lawyer

Know when you need to hire a lawyer for your case. They have extensive legal knowledge that will aid you in seeking compensation. A California car crash attorney can calculate what you can collect in damages.

They can also advise you on what laws pertain to your cases, such as dram shop and special host laws. You should also note that California is a pure comparative negligence state.

This means each defendant is liable only for their percentage of fault in the crash. An accident attorney will guide you through this process. 

It is important that you are getting a motorcycle license and insurance as proof when heading to a personal injury lawyer. A reliable lawyer will always advise you on what laws pertain to your cases, such as dram shop and special host laws. You should also note that California is a pure comparative negligence state.

More Tips About Car Accident in CA 

When you are in a car crash, the stress can pile up fast. Several different emotions and thoughts are running through your mind at the moment.

It is crucial to keep a level head because the next steps you take will determine how your injury claim holds up in court. You now know the appropriate actions to tend to after a car accident in CA. If you would like more useful tips, check out our business page on our blog!