Take the right steps after a car crash
The moments after a car crash are often the most important to establishing liability in an auto accident lawsuit. You could win or lose your auto accident lawsuit on a number of different things, including properly documenting the accident and following the correct procedure to protect your legal rights from the beginning.
Our auto accident attorneys represent car accident victims and their families in San Francisco, California and throughout the state. The law gives auto accident victims remedy to seek compensation for their damages from at-fault drivers. Contact one of our experienced personal injury lawyers if you’ve been injured in a car accident.
What to do right after a car crash
First, remain calm. Try to get the names, addresses, car insurance information, and any other information from motorists and passengers involved in the car accident. You will want to find witnesses you can contact to corroborate your recollection of the crash.
Insurance companies will try to dismiss your version of events in order to skirt their responsibility to adequately compensate you for your injuries. Take pictures, make notes, and record anything at the scene of your car accident you think would help you later on.
What to do at the scene of a car accident
Police officers and emergency personnel are the only people you should speak to at the scene of a car accident. Give short answers to the police and do not admit to causing the accident.
Stay at the scene of the accident until police officers tell you are allowed to leave. Leaving an accident before you are given permission by the police could harm your case and make you seem less credible to authorities and insurance adjusters. California law has strict penalties for drivers who leave the scene of an accident.
You should tell your insurance company about your accident as soon as possible. Defer questions about the accident to your attorney; qualified legal counsel should handle your communications between both your insurance company and the negligent driver. For more information on what to do after a motor vehicle accident, visit the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Get medical treatment after an auto accident
When the police inform you it is safe to leave the scene, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Seeing a physician right away can help ensure your injuries are properly assessed and documented.
Car accident injury victims are able to recover damages for their hospital bills, medical expenses, and other health therapy. Make sure you get all the compensation you need for medical care by seeing a doctor right away.
Find a San Francisco auto accident lawyer
After informing the police, insurance companies, and seeking medical treatment, finding a qualified and experienced auto accident lawyer should be your next move.
If were hurt in a car accident, contact an attorney for a consultation. Skilled San Francisco auto accident attorneys can help you recover for your hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages. There are time deadlines when filing auto accident lawsuits so please reach out at your earliest convenience and preserve your legal rights.