2022 California Car Accident Claims Checklist

No one wants to get into a car accident. However, they can come at the most unexpected times. After all, even if you carefully practice traffic rules and car safety, not everyone will be. That’s why negligent drivers are held responsible for their victim’s injuries and losses.

If you get into an unexpected accident, you need to know what to do to protect yourself and preserve your compensation claim. That said, here are a few car accident claims preservation tips from our top-rated personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles:

1. Call 911

If you’re able to, make sure to call 911 right away—regardless if you think you have serious injuries or not. Calling 911 should get the ambulance and the police to where you are ASAP.

2. Get Medical Attention Right Away

Again, even if you don’t have apparent serious injuries, make sure to get checked by a medical professional right away. You want your injuries to be written down on your medical records, which will prove the injuries and losses you sustained that day.

Not to mention, some concussions don’t present obvious symptoms. Since even moderate TBIs can increase your chances of getting Parkinson’s in the future, it’s crucial that it is adequately calculated as part of your damages.

3. Talk To The Police

Have your testimony written down in police records. Again, this is a way to get the events as you remember them on an official record.

Police records will be publicly available, and you will be able to request a copy of them after a few days. You and your car accident lawyer in Los Angeles can use these records to prove what happened that day, even if you forget a few things as the days pass.

4. Exchange Insurance Information With Parties Involved

Everyone involved in a car accident should exchange insurance information. There will be more than two cars involved in some cases, so make sure you have everyone’s insurance and contact information.

Remember, you only need to negotiate with the insurance provider. It’s best to avoid further conversations with the others involved in the accident as tensions are high, and you might get into a disagreement or a physical altercation. Not to mention, you might end up unconsciously admitting responsibility, which might affect your claim.

5. Get Witnesses’ Contact information

Look for people at the scene and ask for their contact information. This is so you know who to call should you need a witness testimony to prove your personal injury claim.

6. Take Photos Of The Scene

Take photos of your car, injuries, and the surrounding area to show weather and road conditions. You want to make sure you have your own evidence in hand, which you can use as proof of property damage and possible liabilities.

7. Contact Your Employer

Accidents might cause missed work and other challenges. So, make sure you call your employer and inform them of your current situation. You’ll be able to tell your employer about a possible medical leave and get potential employment and income losses on record.

8. Don’t Agree To The First Payout Offer

You need to remember that insurance companies are ultimately a business. Therefore, it is in their best interest to give you the lowest possible payout, which leads to lowballing, trivializing your injuries, and other underhanded tactics.

They might offer you a payout even before doing a thorough investigation, so don’t fall for lowballed offers.

9. Hire A Prescreened Car Accident Lawyer in California

A California Personal Injury Attorney knows their way around personal injury laws. They can assist in finding evidence, filing the proper paperwork, and negotiating with the interested parties and their insurance adjusters.

Unlike insurance companies, they’re there to work in your interest. If you get the compensation you deserve, the better it is for them too.