Auto accidents occur all too often on Los Angeles roads. From fender benders to multi-car collisions, it is nearly impossible to drive even a short distance without seeing a few cars pulled over to the shoulder or avoid the increased traffic that comes with a lane that has been blocked by a few cars.
Los Angeles car accidents can be frightening and costly experiences. They can happen within the blink of an eye and quite often, due to the negligence or recklessness of another driver. In other words, an accident that was not even your fault is now something that you have to deal with! Fortunately, in a case where you or a loved one are injured by another driver through no fault of your own, the law is on your side and an experienced auto accident lawyer in San Fernando can help walk you through the process of financial recovery.
What do you do immediately after being involved in a car accident?
The first few moments after a car accident are often the most chaotic. If you are involved in any type of auto accident in San Fernando, it is important to remember a few crucial things…
1. Gather Information. Insurance companies require a great deal of information for auto claims. This means that you need to calmly and efficiently ask the other drivers and passengers involved in the crash for their names, contact information, and insurance information (policy numbers, providers…). Write down the make, model, and license plate numbers of the cars involved and remember, no accident is too small to follow these steps.
2. Take Notes. A continuation of number 1 above, it is important for the vicitms of a car accident to thoroughly document the time, date, and location of the accident; as well as the number of individuals in each car and their role in the accident. With smartphones at all of our fingertips, it is easier than ever to take pictures of the intersection, the damage to the car, surrounding areas, vehicles involved, and more. A skilled San Fernando car accident attorney will be able to use this information down the road to your advantage.
3. Gather Witnesses. In populated communities like the San Fernando Valley, there are generally other drivers, pedestrians, and casual passerby who witnessed the accident. These individuals could potentially be the defining factor in you and/or your loved one recovering financial damages for injuries suffered. Auto accident wtinesses will be able to support your statement that the accident was not your fault and that you were an unsuspecting victim of a negligent driver. Sometimes, at-fault parties try to change the story to blame the accident victim. Having witnesses and detailed notes (as described above in #1 and #2) will assist your accident lawyer in proving to the insurance company and the jury, should you go to court, that the accident was not your fault.
Do I need to see a doctor after being involved in a car accident?
It is always wise to seek medical attention promptly after being involved in a car accident.
Do I have to deal with the insurance company myself?
Following these three tips for what to do immediately after being involved in a car accident will help make the post-accident process less stressful. And remember, you do not have to deal with the insurance companies or the other parties on your own, a knowledgable personal injury lawyer can guide you step-by-step.
For more information on what to do after you have been involved in a car accident, or to discuss the recent car accident that you were injured in, contact Barry P. Goldberg, an experienced and proven Woodland Hills accident lawyer.
