Getting in a car accident can be shocking, overwhelming and unnerving. One moment, you are on your way to work, school, the grocery store… and the next moment, you wake up on a stretcher. It all happens so fast, it feels like if you could just change that one split second, you could go back in time.
Immediately after a car accident, if possible, you should try to take the following steps:
- Call the police
- Get the other driver’s name and insurance information
- Take any photos
- Try to get name and contact of any witnesses
- Notate all your injuries
If you have the capacity to do so, it is important that you contact the other driver’s insurance company immediately. Although you may feel that you have not caused the accident, you should contact your own insurance company anyway to establish a good-faith accident-reporting effort. However, the police will determine who is at fault for ticketing purposes, while the insurer will make its own determination of fault, which may differ from law enforcement’s assessment of fault. The insurer will take into account items such as the police report, photographs, physical evidence and witness statements.
Insurance companies are always trying to save money and often this means they will only pay only a certain amount per day for rental cars. As a victim of another person’s negligence, you have the right to recoup the costs associated with fixing the disruption you experience, including all of the costs of renting a vehicle. You are also entitled to any compensation to recoup lost wages.
Now that you know what to do after a car accident that’s not your fault, you may have additional questions about your legal options. A Callahan & Blaine attorney can help you decide what course of action to take if it isn’t easily resolved.
Injuries from car accidents can range from minimal bruising to life-changing. If your personal injury or wrongful death involves damages in the millions, difficult insurance coverage issues, or complex projections of future treatment or life assistance needs, contact Callahan & Blaine in Santa Ana for an initial consultation about your litigation options. Call today at
