How to Properly Handle Car Accidents 

Car accidents can be devastating and can have a huge negative impact on your entire life. If you sustain injuries as a result of a crash, they can be that much worse and leave not only physical but emotional and psychological scars as well. Sadly, many road accidents can be avoided if someone had only done something differently. Other crashes may be virtually impossible to avoid even if you use the best defensive driving skills you have at your disposal.

No matter what the case, when you have experienced a car accident, the after-effects can be sobering and greatly affect your present and, in some cases, your future. Unfortunately, if you reside in the Los Angeles, California area, road accidents are extremely common, which raises the chances that you will be involved in one. If you do get in a collision, it’s important to know how you should proceed immediately after. These are vital steps to take after you have been in a wreck.

Stay Put at the Scene

Unfortunately, many drivers who get into car accidents panic and end up fleeing the scene. Doing this, however, can land you in trouble with the law and can result in a charge of hit and run, even if you know the accident was not your fault. The ramifications can be even more grave if someone is seriously injured or killed or if there is significant property damage as a result of the crash. Instead of leaving, you should stay put at the scene of the accident and wait for law enforcement to arrive so they can assess the situation.

Get Out of Harm’s Way

If it is at all possible, you should move your vehicle out of the road and to a safer spot. Get to the side of the road, but if your vehicle is immovable and you aren’t seriously injured, you can simply get out and step over to safety. Ensure that your passengers are also out of harm’s way if your vehicle is still on the roadway.

Assess Whether You and Others are Injured

It’s important to assess whether you and anyone else involved in the car accident is injured. At the same time, you may not initially realize you have sustained an injury because your adrenaline is pumping extra hard and fast after such a harrowing incident. Thanks to the surge rushing through your body, you may even feel completely fine and as though you have extra energy. If anyone informs you that they are injured, however, you can take basic steps to prevent any further injuries and call for help.

Exchange Information with Other Drivers

Speak with the other driver or drivers involved in the crash, but keep it to the bare basics to exchange information. You don’t want to say anything that might be incriminating, such as even apologizing as it can be used against you if someone else chooses to file a lawsuit. Exchange names, phone numbers, driver’s license and license plate numbers and insurance information, at the very least.

Contact Law Enforcement and Ask for an Ambulance

Calling 911 as soon as possible after a road accident is imperative. The police must arrive to assess the situation and make a police accident report that can be filed with their precinct. Talk with the responding officer and give your recollection of the incident leading up to the accident. You can also later get a copy of the accident report if you decide to file a personal injury claim or a claim for damages to your vehicle.

In addition to the police, you should also ask 911 to send an ambulance and emergency medical technicians to the scene of the accident. You and anyone else involved in the car accident must get medically checked out to ensure that you are not harboring any serious injuries. In getting EMTs to the scene, you can also get a ride to the nearest hospital so you can have further medical examinations and X-rays or MRIs taken as well, if necessary. Injuries can lie dormant for a while after an accident while your adrenaline is running high. Medical exams at the hospital can reveal whether you have suffered any internal injuries, and you can receive the treatment you need.

Snap Photos for Evidence

Just as the old saying goes, a picture says a thousand words. This also holds true when you are taking photos of the scene of a car accident. You should at least take a few shots of the road, the vehicles and their damage, skid marks, the weather conditions, road signs and anything else that seems valid to the accident. Every image can serve as valuable evidence to back up your personal injury claim. A good car accident lawyer will ensure to use them to recover a satisfactory compensation amount for your case.

Document Your Injuries and Damages

In addition to photographic documentation, you will want to take notes about your injuries and damages stemming from the car accident. In particular, you should document each of the symptoms stemming from your injuries, how it has impacted your daily life and activities and the level of pain you have experienced as a result. You will also want to gather up information about any time you have lost from work as well as from any leisure time that you had planned prior to the car accident.

Contact Your Insurance Company

It’s important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after a car accident. You have to report the incident sooner rather than later, especially if you end up having to file a claim with your insurer or need to fall back on your own policy if the other driver’s insurance is not sufficient to compensate you for your damages. If you delay, it can lead to a denial of your claim.

Call a Los Angeles Accident Attorney

Finally, you will want to call a car accident personal injury lawyer and advise them of your accident as soon as possible. It is unwise to represent yourself in a personal injury claim because you are less likely to receive a fair and reasonable settlement for your injuries and other damages. Insurance companies use sleazy tactics to lowball you as they believe you will simply agree to whatever amount of money in a settlement they offer. A good car accident lawyer can see right through that and will fight tooth and nail to ensure that you get an amount in compensation of which you are truly worthy.

If you are in Los Angeles and have been in a car accident, you need an experienced car accident personal injury lawyer. Contact West Coast Trial Lawyers at your earliest convenience to discuss your case with a skilled Los Angeles accident attorney.

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