Car accidents in Woodland Hills can be minor, causing little to no damage to vehicles or injury to drivers and passenger. These accidents, though certainly an inconvenience, are a blip on the radar when compared to more devastating auto accidents that result in serious personal injuries and major property damage, such as totaled cars.
If you or a loved one are involved in an auto accident, know that California law and our experienced accident attorneys are on your side. Read on for what to do immediately following an accident.
1. Call the Police
In many situations, the police will come to the scene of an accident, particularly in the instance of injury to one of the drivers or vehicle occupants. This report will be used by both insurance companies and in legal action, should you decide to pursue one. The responding officer will take a non-biased report that you can request a copy of for your records.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Sometimes injuries do not show up until days after the accident. Whiplash, for example, is one of those soft tissue injuries that accident victims begin to feel the effects of after the adrenaline of the accident has died down. For more information on the very real signs and symptoms associated with whiplash, click here.
Other injuries are more apparent. These can include broken bones, deep cuts, and unconsciousness. In these cases, immediate medical attention is required. Your attorney will work to ensure that you are compensated for these costs associated with these serious injuries, such as physical therapy, doctors visits, and more.
3. Do Not Anything from the Insurance Company
As we experienced firsthand when fighting on behalf our clients, the insurance companies generally do not have your best interests at heart. Indeed, at the end of the day, insurance companies are businesses looking to maximize profit and reduce their expenses. You and your claim could be an expense. Therefore, by signing a settlement agreement offered by the insurance company and without first speaking to an accident attorney, you could sign away your right to bring a lawsuit and not recover all of the money that is rightfully owed to you.
4. Call an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
In California, you only have a certain length of time available for you to bring a lawsuit because of a car accident. To protect your potential legal claim, contact experienced Woodland Hills accident lawyer Barry P. Goldberg today for a free, no obligation consultation.