7 Things You Need to Do After a Car Accident

The United States reports 6 million motor vehicle crashes annually on average. Depending upon the severity, you may have to deal with an insurance company, legal paperwork, and the aftermath of being involved in a car accident.

If you live in Los Angeles, California, you have a high chance of being in a car accident. Unfortunately, Los Angeles has one of the country’s highest accident rates.

Whether it’s a fender-bender or a head-on collision, there are certain things you need to do to protect yourself and your interests. Here are seven steps you need to take in this accident reporting guide.

1. Call the Police

The first thing you do after being involved in a car accident is call the police. Even if no one is injured or there is no property damage, it is always a good idea to get the police on the scene.

If there is property damage, ensure you do not move any vehicles involved in the accident until an officer arrives. If someone was injured, wait until medical attention arrives before moving them or their car unless they are in danger of further injury. This will help prevent further injuries from being added to those already sustained during the accident.

The police can make a detailed report of the incident, which can be used as evidence within a legal case. You also want to cooperate with the police as much as possible to keep things moving smoothly.

2. Take Pictures and Videos of the Car Accident

After calling 911, take pictures and videos of the scene. This includes pictures of yourself and others involved in the accident after it happens. This will help ensure that there are no discrepancies later on down the road when settling claims with insurance companies or filing claims against those at fault for causing your car accident.

Taking pictures and videos is critical for accurate documentation of what happened. It helps create a timeline for when things happened during and after the accident. It can also help you remember details about the crash, including location, weather conditions, traffic congestion, etc.

If possible, take pictures of any damage to your vehicle and other vehicles involved in the crash and any damage to property such as street lights or median barriers. Keep in mind that if you can get the other party involved on video admitting fault, this can help you in a legal case.

3. Do Not Admit Fault

One of the most critical steps after a car accident is limiting what you say. Do not admit fault or tell the other party that you were at fault. This can be used against you later during any litigation.

Before speaking with the other party about the incident, you should consult a lawyer who is experienced in handling car accident cases in Los Angeles, California.

4. Exchange Information

Next, you want to exchange information with other drivers. This includes your name and contact information. You want to get their registration information and driver’s license number.

It can help to have this if you need to contact them later. For example, if there are no witnesses on the scene, you can use their information to get back in touch.

You should also exchange insurance information. Since each driver’s insurance company will pay for damages caused by their insured, having access to this information is beneficial.

5. Call Kash Legal

One of the most critical steps in this accident reporting guide is knowing when to hire a lawyer. After the accident, you should immediately call Kash Legal. This helps you to build your case against another driver who was at fault for causing your car accident injuries or damages to your vehicle.

Since Kash Legal is experienced in handling car accident cases in Los Angeles, work is done on your behalf. The insurance companies will be contacted to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Remember do not speak to the insurance company or give them any information without Kash Legal being present.

6. Seek Medical Attention

If you have any physical injuries, it is crucial to get them checked out by a professional as soon as possible. You can visit the emergency room, urgent care, or your primary care doctor.

Finding the right health care professional after an accident doesn’t have to be hard. Kash Legal can help you find the right health professional, and have worked with many experienced health professionals as well.

The reason why it’s important to seek medical attention is that there may be injuries that don’t appear immediately. Therefore, even if you can’t see physical injuries, it is a good idea to go. This is especially true if you are experiencing any symptoms such as pain, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, blurry vision, anxiety, mood swings, loss of appetite and depression.

Prior to your visit, we recommend that you take an inventory of your body from head to toe, and write down every single injury you are feeling on a piece of paper. A lot of time a patient goes into an ER and complains about the one main issue (ie back or neck) and the other symptoms or injuries are not documented. This can become a problem for your case later. By writing it down, you avoid forgetting the other issues that may become significant later on.

After an accident, it’s also common to experience symptoms like anxiety, depression, and anger. Some of these symptoms can last up to six months or longer, depending on the accident’s severity. If any of these emotional symptoms persist longer than a month, seek help from a mental health professional who has experience treating people who have been involved in car accidents.

If you have any doubt about whether or not to seek medical attention, go anyway! It’s better to be safe than sorry.

7. Do Not Sign Anything

Don’t sign documents or accept any money until you’ve spoken with an attorney about your situation. You want to have an experienced car accident lawyer review all documents carefully.

There are instances where the other party involved in the accident can try to undercompensate you. Do not let them. Even if the other party wants you to sign a statement saying they are at fault or have already filled out a statement saying they are at fault.

Do not sign anything until your attorney has reviewed it. This goes for anything their insurance company sends too.

What You Should Do After a Car Accident?

You never know when you will be involved in a traffic accident. While preparation can not prevent an accident knowing what to do if one happens is so critical.

Using the Kash Legal downloadable seven-step brochure as your car accident checklist can make a big difference. It includes things you a start doing today, at the scene of a crash, or in the comfort of your own home.

You are in control of the situation. Following these tips step by step will lead you in the right direction:

Call the Police
Take Pictures and Videos of the Car Accident
Do Not Admit Fault
Exchange Information
Call Kash Legal
Seek Medical Attention
Do Not Sign Anything

While a similar checklist can be found on the California Department of Insurance website, we wanted to provide it in an easy-to-read way.

A Law Firm You Can Trust

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is unavoidable. But following these steps in this accident reporting guide can minimize your loss. The main goal is to ensure that you are protected and can pursue any legal action you may be entitled to.

Remember, if you were injured in a car accident in California, and have any questions or concerns, don’t wait! An experienced car accident lawyer like Kash Legal can guide you through the process and help protect your rights. Contact us today to get started with your free consultation.

You can download Kash Legal seven-step brochure as your car accident checklist. Keep it in your glovebox, along with your insurance and vehicle registration info. Click here to download checklist!