Car Accidents
Car accidents can be the most devastating ones on our roadways, due to the rider lacking a body of a vehicle to protect them from impact from another vehicle. These accidents, often lead to very serious and sometimes permanent injuries, including death.
It is extremely important that when seeking out a car accident attorney in California, you choose one that is highly experienced. If you or a family member were seriously injured through the negligence or actions of another, contact us today at (949) 556-3104 to schedule a risk-free, no obligation consultation.
Immediately following a car accident in California, there are certain steps you should take to ensure your safety and protect your legal and financial interests:
- Move yourself to safety right away. If you can’t move your car safely, leave it where it is. Your safety is paramount.
- Take pictures of the scene and get contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
- Seek medical attention for all of your symptoms and injuries. Don’t put this off. It may be very important to your health and future legal case.
- Don’t try to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company on your own. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in California. Consultations are free and we only get paid if you do.
Contact us today at (949) 556-3104 for a complimentary consultation of your case.
What should drivers do after an accident?
It is normal to be shaken up following an accident with a truck, but after an accident there are several steps you should take in order to ensure your safety and protect your legal and financial interests.
1. Get yourself to safety, with or without your car.
Your first priority should be to get yourself to safety. You may be tempted to want to move your car out of the road to prevent it from being damaged further, but your physical safety must be paramount. Only attempt to move your car if you are confident that you can do so safely. Do not move your car if you are injured.
2. Call for police and an ambulance.
If you are physically able to do so, call the police to report the accident and have them respond to the scene. A police report is very important in documenting damage to your vehicle, as well as any other vehicles involved. The officer should also investigate the scene and make note of any relevant traffic lights or stop signs that may inform how the accident occurred. Finally, they should take statements from you, other motorists involved, and any witnesses to the accident.
If you have suffered any injuries at all and particularly if you hit your head you should seek medical attention right away. Even if you do not think you were injured, it is very common for car accidents to result in injuries with symptoms that manifest hours or days later like concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
3. Collect evidence at the scene.
Before you leave the scene of the accident and before an involved motorist or tow truck moves an accident away from the scene, take photos of the damage to your vehicle and any other vehicles involved. If there are witnesses around, ask them for their contact information. Note that obtaining their contact information including their name and phone number is even more important than taking their statement of the events immediately after this accident. This is because, without their contact information, any statement they provide will not be admissible in court because they will not be able to testify if you do not have their contact information. Without their testimony, their out of court statement is hearsay.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in California
If you sustained injuries in a car accident in California you should contact an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer before trying to navigate the insurance claim process alone. Insurance companies are businesses that are concerned about their profits and may deny your claim outright or try to settle your claim for substantially less than you are entitled to.
To ensure that you receive the compensation for your injuries and property damage that will make you whole again, work with a personal injury attorney who is experienced in handling car accident claims.
At Hunter Law you will receive the individual attention that your case needs. We are highly experienced and have handled many cases, resulting in the recovery of millions of dollars for our clients. All initial consultations are free and confidential, and we are available to you 24/7. Call (949) 556-3104 or fill out our online contact form so we may discuss your case.