
Being in a car accident is very stressful, and as you sit in your car following the collision, your body tense up from the stress, and you have trouble thinking about your next step.
Hopefully, you remember to take a couple of deep breaths to relax. But, what happens next? Well, here is a simple guide to help you after the accident:
1. Ensure Safety First
Check for Injuries: Before doing anything else, make sure you and everyone involved in the accident are safe. If anyone is injured, contact emergency services.
Move to a Safe Location: If your car is drivable, move it to a safe location, out of traffic, to prevent further accidents and keep yourself safe as you assess the damage and exchange information.
2. Contact the Authorities
Call Law Enforcement, If Necessary: If the accident is severe or someone is injured, call law enforcement to report the accident.
If the accident occurred in Santa Clarita Valley, contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. If the accident occurred in the San Fernando Valley or other parts of Los Angeles, contact the Los Angeles Police Department.
If the cause of the accident may be disputed, e.g. the accident occurred in an intersection with one party running a red light, you should also call law enforcement because they may be helpful in determining fault.
3. Gather Information
Exchange Information with the other driver: It is essential to exchange information with the other driver. At this stage, it is very important to keep calm, be nice to the other driver, and avoid discussing liability, i.e. cause of the accident. If possible, exchange the following information:
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- Full name, address and telephone number;
- Insurance company and policy number. In fact, take a photo of the other driver’s insurance card;
- Driver’s license and license plate number. If fact, take a photo of the other party’s driver’s license.
- Written down the make, model, and color of all vehicles involved.
Gather witness Information: If there are any witnesses, find out what they witnessed and obtain their name and contact information.
4. Document the Scene
Take Photos: Use your smartphone to capture clear images of:
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- All vehicles involved, including license plates and any visible damage
- The accident scene, including traffic signs, road conditions, and any skid marks
- Any injuries sustained
Note the Time and Location: Record the exact time, date, and location of the accident.
5. Write a Detailed Account
Describe the Incident: Write down your version of the events leading up to the accident, including:
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- The direction each vehicle was traveling
- Weather and road conditions
- Any actions taken by you or other drivers
Include a Diagram: Sketch a simple diagram showing the positions of the vehicles before, during, and after the accident.
6. File an Insurance Claim
Contact Your Insurance Company: Open a claim for the accident. However, avoid discussing any questions related to your injuries, and be careful when discussing the facts of the accident.
The best practice would be to discuss your options and speak with an experienced accident/personal injury attorney before giving any statements to your insurance company.
7. Follow Up
Medical Check-Up: Even if you feel fine, it’s wise to see a doctor, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Keep All Documentation: Retain copies of all documents, including medical records, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies.
CONCLUSION
Proper documentation following a car accident is crucial and can impact your claim.
The best practice is to go through a professional, i.e. an accident or personal injury attorney who is experienced in this line of work. Avoid using an attorney who “does it all”, just as one who handles estate planning, criminal defense, family law, and personal injury. As the saying goes “Jack of all trades, master of none!”
At The Mason Law, we exclusively handle accident and personal injury cases. Our firm is managed by Mason Rashtian, who has been handling accident and personal injury cases since 1997. For the first nine years of his career, he worked as an insurance defense attorney, defending against such cases. In 2006, he opened The Mason Law Firm and now handles the Plaintiff’s side, exclusively. So, he is extremely versed in both sides of these cases.
Our main office is located in Santa Clarita Valley. However, we handle cases all throughout California, including the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles. Since all communications can be done over the phone and over the Internet, our clients don’t have to physically come to our office to get their cases started or anytime thereafter. Of course, they are always welcome to visit us, if they wish.
If you have been in an accident, please call us. We provide an honest and free assessment of your case. We do not “oversell” your case in order to entice you to sign up with us, as many firms do! We give you an honest assessment and are there with you, at every step, throughout your case.
You can reach us at (661) 476-5678, (855) masonla, or by simply clicking here to go to our contact page.