2024 What to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles?
The moments after a car accident can be chaotic and disorienting. You have your immediate safety and the safety of those around you to be concerned about. The actions you take or don’t take during the moments after a car accident could have implications for your ability to seek monetary compensation from the at-fault party. Not everyone understands what to do after a car accident in Los Angeles, but planning ahead can help you better navigate those moments.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles
It is important to remember that failure to take certain steps following an accident could potentially lead to criminal charges. A hit and run refers to any time someone is involved in an accident and does not stop at the scene of the accident.
Any accident that leads to serious car damage or the potential for injured passengers requires attention from the police. Call 9-1-1 to report the accident and provide your driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance information, and current address. The dispatcher will likely want to know the location of the crash, the number of cars involved, and the number of potentially injured drivers and passengers.
Move your vehicle off the road if it is safe to do so. For collisions with parked vehicles or property, identify yourself and leave a note with your contact information if you can’t find the owner, then report the accident to the police or CHP.
When the police and EMS arrive, provide factual information without accusations or admitting guilt. The facts of the case will determine who caused the accident. Be sure to request a copy of the police report for your own records. The police report often contains details that can help prove liability.
Take photos and video of the crash scene if it is safe to do so. Gather the contact information of any witnesses. Their statements may prove helpful later on. Collect contact information and driver’s license information from the people who are involved in the crime. If the at-fault driver attempts to negotiate a deal with you (possibly to pay for damages in cash and off any official reports), do not engage in those conversations.
Report the collision to the DMV using the appropriate form within ten days if there’s more than $1,000 in damage, any injuries, or fatalities. Failure to report can result in suspension of driving privileges. It is not uncommon for the at-fault driver’s insurance company to attempt to contact you. If they do, refer them to your car accident attorney.
Do I Need to Hire an Attorney After a Car Collision?
You are not required to hire an attorney after a car collision, but having legal representation often comes with many advantages. Your personal injury lawyer can handle the insurance claim process on your behalf and negotiate a fair settlement that pays for your medical bills and other expenses that you incurred because of the accident.
If needed, your lawyer can take further legal action by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. You can also benefit from having someone who can provide advice and guidance as you recover from your injuries. Your personal injury lawyer will work tirelessly to protect your rights and make sure that you receive every penny that you deserve.
Sometimes, the at-fault driver or their insurance company will try to say that you caused the accident. Your lawyer will use evidence to rebut those accusations so that it is clear who is at fault.
FAQs
Q: Should I File a Police Report for a Minor Car Accident in California?
A: Yes. You should file a police report even for a minor accident in California. Having a police report can help ensure that the at-fault driver’s insurance company pays for the damage they caused. Even minor car accidents can cause injury. A severe neck injury can result from a fender bender, for example. Filing a report is an easy process and should not be skipped.
Q: How Long Do You Have to File a Claim After an Accident in California?
A: The statute of limitations for filing a claim in California is two years for most cases. This deadline starts the day of the accident in question. Anyone who misses this legal deadline cannot use the courts to seek monetary compensation from the at-fault party. If you believe you are approaching this deadline, contact an attorney to see what your options are.
Q: What Happens if I’m at Fault in a Car Accident in California?
A: If you are at fault for causing a car accident in California, finding legal representation is generally highly recommended. Having an attorney can reduce the financial liability you are facing. A lawyer can protect your rights and negotiate on your behalf to make sure that you do not have to pay more than you are legally obligated to. In some cases, your attorney may be able to prove that you did not cause the accident or that the plaintiff bears partial responsibility.
Q: Do Insurance Companies Report Accidents to the DMV in California?
A: In California, it is primarily the responsibility of the driver to report an accident that caused $1,000 or more in damage or involved bodily injury or death to the DMV within ten days of the accident. Your insurance company may or may not do this. To avoid penalties, it is recommended to follow any state laws and guidelines pertaining to drivers’ reporting obligations.
Schedule Your Los Angeles Car Accident Consultation Today
If you were injured or experienced significant property damage due to someone else’s negligent driving, you can hire a Los Angeles car accident lawyer who can negotiate a favorable settlement on your behalf. Having skilled legal representation ensures that your rights are protected throughout the claim process.
At Shaffer Law, our lawyers have helped many clients receive favorable settlements following a car accident. We will not rest until you receive every cent that you are entitled to under state law. To start the process, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.
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