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What Information Should You Exchange After a Car Accident in San Francisco?

A car accident is a regular occurrence in our society today. Studies show that motor vehicle accidents remain one of the common causes of accidental injuries and deaths in the United States. Some of the leading causes of auto accidents include overspeeding, recklessness, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Car crashes vary across the 50 states and the District of Columbia. In San Francisco, California, car accidents make up a significant proportion of personal injury claims. Exchanging information makes it easier for first-responders to contact your family in the event of an accident.

Consult with the best San Francisco injury lawyers to know which information the law allows you to share and with whom. Continue reading to learn some basic information you should exchange after a car accident in San Francisco.

  • Personal Information

You must share accurate information after a car accident in San Francisco. Exchanging personal information makes it easy to identify responsible parties. Both parties should exchange their names and current addresses.

Sometimes, erring drivers tend to speed away after a car accident to avoid getting caught. Try to capture the details of the vehicle and license number. Once the police officers arrive, make sure you hand over the information to enable them to apprehend the at-fault driver. If the other driver is unresponsive, quickly call an ambulance to take him to the hospital. Stay put and wait for the police to arrive at the scene of the accident.

  • Vehicle Information

According to California Vehicle Code 16025, drivers are mandated to share and exchange some essential pieces of information immediately after an auto crash. Some of the essential information covered under the VC 16025 include;

  • License number.
  • Motor vehicle identification number.
  • Car owner’s address.

The VC 16025 exempts drivers who suffer severe injuries, making it practically impossible to share and exchange any information. However, a driver who fails to comply with the provisions of the California Vehicle Code 16025 can be charged with an infraction and liable to pay a maximum fine of $250 excluding court fees. Most times, court fees can take the figure up to $1,000.

  • Proof of Insurance

Under VC 16025, drivers involved in a car crash must show proof of financial responsibility. According to the vehicle code, this includes the following:

  • Driver’s insurance card.
  • Certificate of insurance (for drivers who are self-insured)
  • Evidence showing whether the vehicle is owned or leased by a public entity or the United States government.

Some drivers tend to use insurance cards to prove financial responsibility. In such cases, the law requires them to furnish the other party with the name and address of the insurer and insurance policy number.

This rule requiring drivers to exchange insurance information is only applicable to drivers who are mentally fit and physically aware to do so. Exchanging insurance information helps insurance companies resolve any liability claims that resulted from the auto accident.

  • Medical History:

This critical information can go a long way in saving the life of an injured driver. If you notice that the other driver involved in the car accident suffered severe injuries, try to determine his medical history before they pass out or become unresponsive.

This information will help the first-responders administer the appropriate treatments to revive the injured driver. In a situation where the driver loses a lot of blood, knowing the driver’s blood group will let the medics know which blood type to administer.

Let Us Assist You With Your Car Accident Claim

We’ve seen cases where at-fault motorists refuse to share with other drivers involved in the car accident out of anger or embarrassment. Sometimes, drivers provide inaccurate information to mislead the other party. Before the police arrive at the scene, request the appropriate information or take down their license number if they don’t provide it.

Information plays a critical role in identifying the families of victims of car crashes. If you are involved in a car accident in San Francisco, it’s important to know what information to exchange with the other driver. The endpoint of all we’ve been talking about is that information can make a world of difference in accident investigation, claim settlement, and dispute resolution.

What’s more, if you ever sustain injuries from a car crash caused by someone’s negligence, let our San Francisco accident lawyers assist you with your injury claim. Our lawyers can come to visit you at home or at the hospital to get the facts of the personal injury case. Afterward, we’ll develop a viable strategy that guarantees the best possible outcome.

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