A car accident can change everything in an instant. One moment you’re driving home — the next, your world stops. It’s alarming, disorienting, and overwhelming, especially if you aren’t sure what steps to take first.
Most people don’t realize that what you do in the first few minutes after a crash can make a big difference in protecting your rights. At LA Metro Injury Lawyer, we help people across California handle the legal side of car accidents so that they can focus on healing.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident in California
Here’s a checklist for what you need to do right after a crash:
- Check for injuries. Make sure you and anyone else in the car are okay. If someone is hurt, call 911 right away.
- Move to a safe spot. If possible, pull over to the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers can see you.
- Alert the police. Even if the crash seems minor, it can help to have an official report. The police will write down the details of what happened, which can later help with insurance and legal claims.
- Exchange information. Get the other driver’s name, phone number, license plate, and insurance details.
- Stay calm and polite. Stay calm, don’t get into any arguments, and don’t try to prove fault. Just exchange information and wait for the police to arrive.
When to Call the Police After a Car Accident in California
In California, you must call the police if anyone is injured or if there’s major damage to the vehicles. A police report gives you an official record of the crash. Insurance companies and lawyers can use this report to understand what really happened.
Even for small accidents, calling the police is a good idea. It protects you if the other driver later changes their story or refuses to cooperate.
California law says you must submit a report to the DMV within 10 days if an accident results in injury or property damage exceeding $1,000.
How to Gather Evidence After a California Car Accident
Right after the accident, taking pictures and writing things down can really help you later.
If it’s possible, use your phone to take pictures of:
- All vehicles involved, showing how they rest (angles, skid marks, etc.)
- Any visible damage
- The road and where the accident happened
- The roadway, intersections, traffic controls, signage
- Your visible injuries (if safe to do so)
If anyone saw the crash, ask for their contact information. Witnesses can help confirm what happened later.
Keep copies of police reports, medical bills, and repair estimates. These details can help your lawyer build a strong case.
Should You Contact Your Insurance Company After a Car Accident?
Yes, you should call your insurance company as soon as possible. Tell them what happened, but be careful about what you say. Only share facts that you’re sure about; don’t try to guess any details. Give them the police report number and any photos you took.
Our team can guide you through those conversations to help you protect your legal rights.
If the other driver’s insurance company calls you, be careful. You’re not required to give a statement or sign anything before talking to your lawyer. Insurance companies may try to pay less compensation than what you deserve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident in California
Many people make simple mistakes that jeopardize their chances of getting fair compensation. Here are some things to avoid:
- Don’t leave the scene before the police arrive. Wait until authorities say it’s okay to leave.
- Don’t admit fault or say you’re sorry. The other driver’s insurance company or lawyer can use this against you.
- Don’t delay medical care even if you think your injuries aren’t serious. Some injuries take hours or days to show up.
- Don’t post about the accident on social media. Anything you say can be used against you later.
When to Seek Medical Help After a Car Accident
Even if you feel fine, always see a doctor right after a car accident. Some injuries, like whiplash in your neck or internal bruising, don’t show up right away. Getting checked is safer. It helps you recover faster and also creates a medical record.
A study conducted by Sara Emamgholipour and her team shows that victims of car accidents often face extended hospital stays and higher overall medical costs. Please keep all your bills and records safe. You’ll need them later to show what injuries you had and how much treatment cost.
Do You Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident in California?
You might think it’s not that serious and you can handle everything yourself. But experienced lawyers are familiar with the tactics insurers use and how to deal with them. A study by the Insurance Research Council found that, on average, injury victims represented by attorneys received settlements 3.5 times larger than those who negotiated alone. (Though outcomes vary.)
At LA Metro Injury Lawyer, we help people in California who have been hurt in car accidents. We will handle all the negotiations and will fight aggressively to get you fair compensation for your injuries, missed work, and car damage. We will keep you updated so you can focus on recovery.
How LA Metro Injury Lawyer Can Help You After a Car Accident
At LA Metro Injury Lawyer, we understand how stressful car accidents can be. Our legal team helps accident victims:
- Listen to your story and explain your rights
- File claims quickly
- Collect and organize evidence to prove what happened
- Communicate with insurance companies
- Get fair settlements for injuries and losses
- Keep you updated on your case
We’ve helped many accident victims in California get justice by holding negligent parties accountable. We work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case for you.
Take Control of Your Recovery Today
Being in a car accident is stressful, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. The steps you take now can make a big difference in your recovery and your ability to get fair payment for your injuries.
If you’ve been in a car accident anywhere in California, LA Metro Injury Lawyer is ready to help. Call us today for a free consultation and let us do the heavy lifting so you can focus on healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to report every car accident in California?
Not always. You must report to the DMV (via Form SR-1) within 10 days if the crash caused bodily injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim after a car accident in California?
You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
Q: What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
You may still get compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage or legal action.
Q: Can I get money for pain and suffering?
Yes, if the accident caused physical or emotional harm, you may be entitled to compensation.
Q: How much does it cost to hire LA Metro Injury Lawyer?
We work on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay unless we win your case.
