What to Do After a Car Accident in Atwater
A car accident in Atwater, CA, may occur when least expected, and knowing what to do next may be stressful. When and if the time comes, you should be prepared for it. Whether you are new to the city or just passing through on Highway 99, there are a few tips you should follow after a collision to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
The steps you take after an auto accident may either help or harm your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your losses. To protect yourself and your loved ones after a crash, follow these suggestions:
- Move Your Vehicle: If your car is considered a road hazard, move it onto the nearest shoulder for the safety of those involved in the crash and other drivers on the roadway.
- Call 911: Check for injuries. If anyone was injured, request medical assistance at the scene of the accident. If emergency assistance is not needed, schedule an appointment with your physician as soon as possible. If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms or pain after the accident, be sure to let your doctor know so they can examine you and order tests as needed.
- Contact Police: If injuries or high property damage are involved in a crash, call the police to the scene. When officials arrive to investigate, request for a traffic collision report to be taken. These reports are essential for establishing who was at-fault for the incident.
- Exchange Information: It is critical to exchange information with any other drivers who were involved in the collision. If possible, try to write down their full name, driver’s license number, vehicle year, make and model, license plate number, and insurance company and policy number. If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information. Witness testimony may prove invaluable, especially if you decide to file a claim for injuries and damages.
- Preserve Evidence: Take pictures and videos of the scene, including any property damage to the vehicles involved, skid marks, street signage, and road hazards. If you or any of your passengers sustained any abrasions, lacerations, or burns, also be sure to take pictures of those injuries. Crash sites may be cleaned up quickly, and wounds may heal over time, so these photos can end up being critical evidence for proving your case later.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: You will want to inform your insurance carrier of your car wreck as soon as possible. Failing to notify your insurer within a timely manner may result in the denial of coverage available to you.
- Contact an Atwater Car Accident Lawyer: Pending the investigation of the crash, an injured person may be entitled to a personal injury claim. These types of cases seek personal injury damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you are unsure whether you are eligible to file for personal injury, reach out to an experienced injury lawyer.
To learn more about why you should contact a lawyer after a crash, watch the video below.
How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim After a Car Accident?
According to the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, there is a deadline that injured people have to meet when bringing a personal injury claim in the event of a car accident. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations, which is generally two years from the date of the crash. It is essential to keep in mind that the statutory deadline may vary when a case involves negligence on the part of a government agency for a road defect, such as a lack of warning signage and potholes. Such claims must be filed with the appropriate government entity within 180 days or six months from the date of the crash. This is by California Government Code 911.2. To ensure all filing criteria and deadlines are met, retain an experienced injury attorney.
What Can an Atwater Personal Injury Lawyer Do For You?
Insurance companies, even your own, are not always fair when it comes to paying a personal injury claim after a car wreck. When an insurance claims adjuster makes a settlement offer, it is often for as little as possible, which may not adequately compensate an injured person for the amount of emotional, physical, and financial hardship they have endured. Such unfair offers may be backed up by defense tactics or strategies used to diminish the value of a claim or deny it altogether. This is why it is essential to have an experienced injury lawyer handle your case and negotiations on your behalf to ensure you receive the fair compensation you need and deserve for your injuries.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Atwater
I’m Ed Smith, an Atwater personal injury lawyer. A car accident can happen in a split second and change the lives of those involved in an instant. If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto accident in Atwater, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice.
You are invited to take a look at our client ratings and reviews on the following sites:
I am a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates.
Take a look at our Verdicts and Settlements page to see how we have helped others with their personal injury and wrongful death cases.
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