Steps to Take After a Los Angeles Car Accident

The moments following a car accident can be frightening and confusing. A driver can never truly be prepared for the impact of a collision. However, knowing the steps to take after a Los Angeles car accident can help you protect your legal rights.

Safety should always be the top priority at the scene. Follow these steps to accurately document the accident and comply with state and local traffic regulations, and contact a car crash attorney as soon as possible after the incident.

Stop Immediately and Get Help

You are legally required to remain at the scene of an accident in Los Angeles. Stop your vehicle and move it out of traffic if it is safe. If there are injuries, call 911 for immediate medical attention. If no one is injured, call the police to report the accident.

Get Medical Attention

If you are injured, avoid actions that could worsen your condition. Wait for emergency medical professionals to arrive and treat your injuries. If you are not hurt, check if passengers or others at the scene need medical help and call for assistance if necessary.

Gather Information

After a car wreck in L.A. collect names, addresses, phone numbers, and driver’s license numbers from everyone involved. Record license plate numbers and vehicle identification numbers. Obtain contact information for passengers and witnesses. If you cannot locate the owner of a damaged car or property, leave a note with the names and addresses of all involved drivers and owners.

Take Photos

Car accidents are stressful and chaotic, making it easy to overlook or forget essential details. Use your smartphone or camera to take photos of the scene and damage if it is safe to do so. This can serve as helpful evidence when establishing liability later on.

Notify Your Insurance Company

After addressing injuries and ensuring everyone’s safety, your next step after a Los Angeles crash is to contact your insurance provider. Share the details of the accident with your insurance agent and provide the insurance details you obtained from the other driver. Be careful not to speak to the other person’s insurance or make any statements regarding fault.

Report to the DMV

If there were injuries or the vehicle damage exceeds $750, you must report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days. Failure to do so may result in the suspension of your driver’s license.

Contact an Attorney

An experienced Los Angeles lawyer can assist in gathering evidence, developing your case, and handling negotiations with insurance companies after a wreck. With a skilled lawyer on your side, you will receive guidance on signing forms and sharing information, ensuring your legal rights are protected and that you are compensated for any injuries and damage sustained in the accident.

Contact CD Law to Understand the Steps to Take After a Los Angeles Car Crash

Understanding the steps to take after a Los Angeles car accident helps you document the incident and protect your rights. However, determining fault and the long-term effects of a crash can be complex. Other drivers’ behavior, liability, and uninsured motorists can complicate matters.

Contact the experienced attorneys at CD Law today for a free case review. We will help you understand your legal options and work towards achieving the best possible outcome for your situation.