What Should I Do if I Am In a Car Accident? 

 Posted on November 14, 2022 in Car Accident

Being in a serious car accident is not only physically damaging, but psychologically traumatizing as well. Feelings of confusion, anger, fear, and even guilt are normal, especially if you suffered a traumatic head injury in the accident. You may want to put the whole thing behind you and just get on with your life, but are prevented by expensive medical bills and troubling symptoms that just do not seem to go away. 

If you have been in a bad California car accident, especially if someone else was responsible for the crash, it is essential to meet with a personal injury attorney. While legal action is not available in every case, you may be surprised to learn that you can take action to recover money for the pain, suffering, and financial losses you have suffered because of the crash. 

Steps to Take After a California Car Crash

The first thing you need to do after a crash is to make sure you are physically okay. If you are suffering from serious injuries, get medical help right away - do not stop to take photos or argue with the other driver. Depending on the seriousness of the crash, police may be on the scene right away. However, other accidents, while causing major damage, may depend on you to call the police - especially if the other driver is trying to negotiate with you. Whatever the circumstances, making sure you get a police report is absolutely essential, even if your injuries only seem minor. 

And even if your injuries do seem minor, it is still important to seek a thorough medical evaluation right away. Certain injuries may not seem obvious to you, especially when your body is reeling from the shock and adrenaline rush of the experience. Having a doctor examine you can ensure you accurately document any physical damage as soon as possible. 

It is important never to speak to the insurance company of the person who hit you unless it is to give the most basic facts about the case - the date and time it happened, the make and model of your car, etc. Do not make guesses or estimates about your injuries, do not divulge personal information about yourself or your job, and do not speculate as to the cause of the crash. 

Be Aware of the California Statute of Limitations

If you have been injured in a car accident, you need to know that your time for taking action is not unlimited. Generally, you only have two years from the date of the car crash to file a personal injury case against the person or company responsible for the crash. If someone you love dies because of a car crash, you have two years from the date of the person’s death. If a government employee was responsible for the crash, you need to provide the government with notice of a claim within just six months. This is why speaking with a personal injury lawyer early is essential for ensuring you get the damages you deserve. 

Contact a Temecula, CA Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been in a car accident that was at least partially not your fault, do not delay scheduling a free consultation with a Riverside County, CA car accident attorney with Maineri Law Firm. We will never pressure you to do anything you do not want to do - instead, we are here to provide assistance however we can, including taking legal action and securing the maximum possible finances damages if necessary. Call us today at 951-698-4200. 

Source: 

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1714.&lawCode=CIV