No driver hopes to get injured in a car accident. However, such accidents frequently occur on Los Angeles roads and can happen to anyone. The immediate aftermath can be more overwhelming than the accident itself. Drivers in California are expected to follow a few basic steps after an auto accident. While not mandatory, it is also wise to consult one of the experienced car accident attorneys Los Angeles. We bring a comprehensive list of dos and don’ts for your help in this post.
The dos
- Call 911. If someone is injured, don’t assume that they are fine. Call 911 immediately, even if you had a share in fault or are responsible somehow.
- Inform the police. You are required to inform the local law enforcement agency. Call the police from the accident scene and wait for the investigating officer to arrive.
- Take pictures. Since California is a fault state, you could file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. For that, you need evidence. Take as many videos and photos of the accident scene as you can.
- Exchange basic details with others. From names and contact numbers to insurance info, you need to exchange details with drivers involved in the crash. If there were witnesses to the accident, note down their details.
- Inform the insurance company. Consider calling the insurance company within a reasonable time. Also, check the claims process to file a third-party claim.
- Call a lawyer. No matter what the insurance company says, consider calling an attorney. Your lawyer can help you determine the worth of your claim.
The don’ts
- Don’t post anything on social media. Twitter and Facebook are exciting for other things, but keep it low when it comes to personal injury claims.
- Don’t admit fault. No matter what happened, never admit fault to anyone. The claims adjuster will try to get a statement from you, which you should avoid.
- Don’t engage in confrontation. When the other party is clearly negligent, it can be tough to keep calm. Do not try to confront or blame the other driver.
- Don’t run away. If you flee the scene without informing the police or waiting for medical assistance, it could go against you.
Finally, keep your patience. Even with top lawyers, it can take a while to get a settlement. You don’t have much to worry about if you have a good legal team. Call a lawyer soon after the crash.
