Founder and Managing Partner
A car accident is one of the most unsettling experiences a person is likely to encounter in their lifetime. Not only might physical and emotional healing from an accident span years into the future, but financial recovery after a car crash can feel insurmountable.
Following a car crash, you should immediately seek medical attention for your injuries and hire a qualified attorney to represent you. Experienced California personal injury attorneys advocate for victims’ rights against big insurance and fight for deserved financial compensation for injury and loss.
Here Are 8 Things You Can Do to Help Your Attorney After an Accident:
- Stay at the Scene: Do not flee or leave the scene of the accident. Leaving the scene of an accident is against the law, and it lends an appearance of guilt.
- Remain Calm: You might feel flustered and confused, and perhaps angry, in the aftermath of a car accident. The best thing you can do is remain calm and avoid any unseemingly words or actions that may work against you during settlement or a lawsuit. Also, as you stay calm, you will be better able to gather essential facts and details at the scene.
- Contact the Police: Police statements and traffic accident reports provide valuable evidence when determining the negligent or at-fault party. Also, police reports will identify all parties involved, detail witnesses and witness statements, and often include accident diagrams and other pertinent facts helpful to your car accident attorney.
- Do Not Admit Guilt: Do not under any circumstances apologize for the accident, admit guilt, or offer to pay for damages. Simple words such as “I’m sorry” or offers to compensate the other party for damages may be construed as admissions of fault. Stay quiet.
- Record Evidence: If you are able, before leaving the scene for medical treatment, collect as much information about the accident as possible:
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- time and date
- road and weather conditions
- all parties’ names, contact, and insurance information
- witness names and contact information
- witness statements
- take photographs of the scene
- Keep an Accident Notebook. After the accident, maintain a notebook with regular entries regarding important facts, recollections, financial concerns, ongoing medical conditions and treatment, and the accident’s impact on your life.
Note, if created at the request of your attorney, this notebook may be protected by attorney-client privilege; otherwise, it may become part of the public record during a lawsuit. Your entries should be dated, honest, and business-like in nature.
- Don’t Talk. Insurance companies will try to settle as quickly and for as little as possible before you understand your rights. All questions asked are designed to reduce or deny claims, and any statements you make may be used against you later in the settlement or lawsuit process. Don’t talk to the insurance companies without an attorney present.
- Don’t File a Lawsuit on Your Own: The insurance claims process and rules for filing lawsuits are complex, governed by strict regulations and timelines. You need skilled counsel to handle the details appropriately from the outset. One error could jeopardize your entire settlement, and it’s extremely difficult, sometimes impossible, to correct mistakes once they are made.
Injured in a California Car Accident? A California Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Often, the devastating health and financial effects of a car accident present themselves over time, well after the car wreck incident. There are important steps you need to take to protect your right to fair and complete compensation.
A skilled and knowledgeable personal injury attorney will guide you in the necessary steps to protect your right to damages and prepare you for a successful lawsuit if settlement negotiations fail.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a California car accident, contact our office today for a comprehensive case review and consultation with a highly qualified Ca personal injury lawyer.