Three Injured in Napa Car Accident
Three drivers were injured in a Napa car accident on the morning of August 13, 2019. The 3-car collision occurred around 5:30 a.m. on Highway 29, just south of Highway 221. A 37-year-old Fairfield man was driving a 2015 Chevrolet northbound along Highway 29 and stopped at the intersection for a traffic light. A 33-year-old Vacaville man stopped his 2002 GMC behind the Chevrolet. For unknown reasons, a 36-year-old Santa Rosa man driving a 1992 Volvo rear-ended the GMC. The impact of the collision propelled the GMC into the Chevrolet. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said all three drivers were evaluated at the scene by medical personnel for injuries suffered. Details were not immediately available on the conditions of those injured.
What to Do After a Napa Car Accident
A car crash may happen when it is least expected. In such situations, follow these steps to protect your health and legal standing:
- Stay at the Scene: Any driver who is involved in a crash is required to remain at the scene. Leaving the collision site may lead to a misdemeanor for property damage or even a felony if injuries are involved.
- Check for Injuries: Seek immediate medical care as soon as you can. Your adrenaline may cause you to not notice you are injured until later. A medical provider may be able to diagnose injuries early on, such as a concussion.
- Report the Napa Auto Accident: In California, collisions involving high property damage or significant injuries require authorities at the scene. While waiting for police to arrive, move your car to a safe area and stay out of oncoming traffic. Ask the responding officer to take a traffic collision report at the scene. Request a copy of this report when it is ready and submit it to your insurance carrier.
- Exchange Information: Exchange driver’s license numbers, vehicle license plate numbers, phone numbers, addresses, and other necessary contact information with other parties involved in the collision. Do not apologize for the crash. This may be taken out of context as an admission of guilt.
- Take Photos: Take pictures of the crash site from all angles, including damage to the cars involved and any road marks. Also, take photos of you or your passengers’ injuries. These may be used as evidence for your personal injury claim.
- Monitor Injuries: Not all injuries present themselves immediately after a crash. This is why it is essential to keep a comprehensive record of symptoms you are experiencing, even those that may seem insignificant.
- Call Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurer and give your account of the auto accident. If the insurance claims adjuster asks you for a formal statement, politely decline and refer them to your Napa personal injury attorney.
- Retain an Attorney: Do not hesitate to seek legal representation, particularly if you suffered serious injuries in the crash. Your injury lawyer can help guide you through the legal complexities of your claim.
To learn about the factors that may affect the value of your California injury claim, watch the below video.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
After a car accident, there are some things you should avoid doing to protect your personal injury claim. If the insurance company sends you paperwork, do not sign it without having an attorney look it over first. Insurers are focused on their bottom line. This means they want to settle your case for the lowest amount possible. If you accept their offer, you may not be fully compensated for your economic and noneconomic damages. An experienced Napa car accident lawyer will determine a fair settlement that can help cover all of your medical expenses, wage loss, and pain and suffering.
Personal Injury Lawyers in Napa
I’m Ed Smith, a Napa personal injury lawyer. The time following a car accident can be stressful and overwhelming. This is especially true when figuring out how your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses will be covered. If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident caused by someone else’s negligent acts, please call me at (707) 564-1900 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly case advice.
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I am a member of several legal groups, including the Million Dollar Advocates and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. The first forum is comprised of attorneys who have won $1 million case verdicts and settlements. The other group awards membership to attorneys who provide high standards of legal excellence to their clients.
To see a list of cases previously handled by our law firm, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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