What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident in California: A Complete Guide

Every year, millions of motor vehicle accidents happen in the United States. Luckily, the majority of them involve only property damage – that is, damage to the car instead of the occupants. But, one out of every three accidents results in personal injury to the passengers or driver. And two out of every ten accidents result in critical injuries.

There are steps you can take to safeguard yourself and your interests if you are involved in a car accident. The following are the things you need to do if you are in a car accident in California.

1. Ensure Your Safety

The top priority following a car accident should first and foremost be your health and safety. Depending on the seriousness of the accident, it is not uncommon for victims to experience a moment of shock. During this time, they forget the basics, like getting to safety. If you’re involved in a crash, try to remember the following safety precautions.

Move Off the Road

If you can, move your car off the road to avoid further accidents. If the accident has grounded your car, turn on the hazard lights and road flares to alert oncoming motorists that something is amiss. Leave vehicles as they are and wait for the authorities if the accident resulted in death or severe injury. Attempting to move the vehicles into oncoming traffic is dangerous, and it can also compromise evidence. 

Assess Your Injuries

If you can move, assess your injuries. Then, call 911, especially if you have visible injuries. If you cannot move, ask a bystander to help you.

Some injuries, such as a concussion, may not manifest immediately, so even though you feel fine after an accident, injuries may be lurking. Therefore, visit your doctor for a physical exam. Serious injuries you may sustain in a car accident include:

• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Whiplash
• Traumatic brain injuries

2. Collect Evidence

This step is incredibly crucial, regardless if you plan on filing a personal injury claim or not. In addition to proving your case, the other party may try to file a suit against you. If this happens, you will need to have supporting evidence that indicates who the actual liable party was in causing the crash.

Get Details from All Involved Parties

Before people leave the accident scene, get the details of the other drivers. Obtain their full names, addresses, and contact details, and ask to see their driver’s licenses and vehicle insurance cards. This information will come in handy if you decide to file a claim for compensation for damages and expenses from the car accident.

Note Vehicle Information

Besides the drivers’ details, you need information on all vehicles involved in a motor accident. Some vehicle information you must note after a car accident in California includes:

• License plate numbers for all cars
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Color and model of all involved vehicles

Vehicle details are essential when reporting a car accident as they add to the credibility of your report. A vehicle license plate number also helps the authorities contact the involved driver if they refuse to give you their contact information.

Talk to Witnesses

Talk to anyone who witnessed the accident and get their names and contact details. The passengers in the vehicle are also witnesses, so ensure you have their details, as well.

If there was a police officer at the scene, get their name and badge number. Having witnesses to collaborate on your story will help you when called upon to prove who was at fault.

Document the Accident

You will need evidence to prove who was at fault and when claiming compensation for car accident injuries and damages. So, write down any details about the accident that you remember as soon as you can. Some information you may record includes:

• Exact time the accident occurred
• Location and direction each car was moving towards
• Date when the incident happened
• Any damage to the road

Take pictures of the accident scene, damages to your car, and other vehicles involved. If you can, take photos of your injuries. If you cannot take the photographs yourself, ask a bystander for help.

Pictures will help your motor vehicle accident lawyer and insurance adjuster determine what happened. Documenting the accident will protect you from being falsely accused of being at fault. Photos of the damage to your vehicle and your injuries will also help you get the compensation you deserve.

Leave a Note With Your Details

California laws require drivers to leave a note with their information for drivers of unoccupied vehicles. This applies in the case of a fender bender. The law also requires the note to explain what happened. However, when leaving a message, avoid leaving any incriminating details.

3. Build Your Motor Vehicle Accident Case

Following these steps will improve your chances of winning your car accident case. In addition, it will also help maximize your settlement so you are properly compensated for all of your losses.

Alert the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

If the accident resulted in death, injuries (both minor and severe), or damages exceeding $1,000, you must report it to the California DMV within ten days or risk license suspension. When reporting the accident, ensure you give all details of the incident as you remember them. Avoid guessing information or saying anything you are unsure about.

Keep All Relevant Records

Keep all records related to the accident in a file for easy retrieval. Some documents you will need include your medical records, treatment expenses, repair costs, and other out-of-pocket costs. These records will help establish what you should be reimbursed and how much your compensation will be.

Filing a Police Report

After an auto accident, it is critical to file a police report. By documenting the relevant information, all parties are protected. When you’re in a car accident, it’s good to call the police. You are better off allowing the police to choose whether or not to attend the accident scene.

You’ll have done your part to protect yourself and abide by the law once you’ve called the cops. This will be useful if someone decides to sue you later.

Contact a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Car accident claims have a two-year statute of limitations in California. Therefore, do not wait to file for compensation for your motor vehicle accident injuries and expenses.

A motor vehicle accident injury lawyer will help you gather all the evidence and documentation required to file a successful claim and help prove that you were not at fault. Additionally, they will help you draft a claim for compensation from your insurance company.

Conclusion: What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident

You should know that a car accident can have long-term consequences that follow you long after the initial crash. Take the necessary steps to protect your rights as soon as possible after an accident, and you will be ready for whatever comes your way.

Contact DK Law today to learn more about responding to a motor vehicle accident in California. We offer free consultations to get started.