What should I do immediately after a car accident?

Check for injuries, call 911, move to a safe location if possible, exchange insurance and contact information, take photos of vehicles and the scene, gather witness statements, and request a police report.

Who determines fault in a car accident?

Fault is determined by the investigating police officer, insurance adjusters, and, if necessary, the court. Evidence such as witness statements, photos, and accident reconstruction reports is considered.

Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?

Avoid giving recorded statements to the other driver’s insurer without consulting an attorney, as they may try to reduce or deny your claim.

How are medical bills paid after a car accident?

They may be covered by health insurance, MedPay coverage, or through a medical lien arranged by your attorney. At-fault party insurance may reimburse expenses in a settlement or verdict.

What if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured?

You can make a claim through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Your attorney can also investigate other liable parties.

What damages can I recover after a car accident?

Economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may be available.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in California?

You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Claims involving a government entity have shorter deadlines.

How long does a car accident case take to settle?

It can take a few months to over a year, depending on injury severity, treatment duration, liability disputes, and whether litigation is required.

Do I need a lawyer for a minor accident?

While you may handle a minor property damage claim yourself, consulting a lawyer is recommended if you have injuries, disputed liability, or insurance issues.

What evidence should I collect after a car accident?

Photos of the vehicles and scene, witness contact information, police report number, medical records, repair estimates, and any correspondence with insurers.

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Car Accident FAQs

Involved in a car accident? We’ll answer common questions about liability, common causes of crashes, and insurance.

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阅读时间：3 分钟

7 月 25, 2025丹尼尔·金

1. What should I do after a car accident?

Check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible.
Exchange information with the other driver, document the scene with photos, and call the police to file a report.
Seek medical attention, even for minor injuries.
Call your insurance company to tell them you were in an accident, but don’t discuss details.
Consult with a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.

Our 《车祸101指南》 will show you everything you need to know if you were in a motor vehicle accident.

2. Who is responsible for my medical bills after a car accident?

In at-fault states such as California, the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for covering your medical expenses and other related damages. If fault is shared, you may still recover damages from the other party or go through your own insurance company.

3. What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage becomes crucial. This coverage protects you when an at-fault driver hits you but is uninsured. If you don’t have UM coverage, you may still be able to pursue a personal injury claim directly against the at-fault driver if they have substantial assets.

4. Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Your ability to recover damages if you are partially at fault depends on your state’s laws. Most states follow a comparative negligence law, meaning you can recover damages even if you are partially at fault. However, your total compensation will be reduced according to your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 30% at fault, you can recover 70% of the available damages.

5. How is fault determined in a car accident?

In most car accident cases, fault is based on the legal concept of negligence. Negligence occurs when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care, and that failure causes the accident.

To prove negligence, you generally need to show a duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.

6. What are common causes of car accidents?

Car accidents are usually caused by some form of driver negligence. Common causes of car accidents include distracted driving, drunk driving, fatigue, speeding, and 鲁莽驾驶.

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