Filing a personal injury claim after a car accident may not be your first thought because you’re likely concerned with your injuries and potential medical bills. Paying these bills is what’s most important at this point, and filing a claim might have to wait. However, the decisions you make right after the accident will be incredibly important. Here are some tips you have to keep in mind should you get into a car accident in California and want to get a personal injury claim later on.
Seek medical help.
It’s vital to get medical help as soon as you can after a car accident—and that’s even if your injuries aren’t severe. There are two primary reasons for this. First, it’s good to get treatment by first responders at the scene, but you still need to see a doctor after the accident to ensure you get comprehensive treatment for all your injuries. Not getting timely medical attention for internal injuries can cause longer-lasting complications, so it is crucial to treat the injury sooner rather than later. Second, seeking medical help at a hospital means your injuries will be thoroughly documented. That can be beneficial when filing your personal injury claim later on.
Keep photos, videos, and other evidence.
In a personal injury lawsuit, evidence is crucial. Some evidence might be lost or forgotten over time. So keep any information about the accident, such as a video recording or photo. By preserving this evidence in a timely fashion and giving it to your personal injury lawyer in advance of an accident claim settlement, you can help strengthen your chances of winning the lawsuit. Also, write down your memory of the event on your phone or tablet as soon as possible.
Report the accident.
Get in touch with the local police station as soon as you can. An investigating authority may document the situation and the findings. These reports may be helpful for your future claim. Also, the presence of authorities can ease any tension between you and the other party.
Record information about the other vehicles involved.
Once you have sought initial medical attention, record information about the other parties involved. Write down or take photos of:
- The license plate number of each vehicle involved
- The year, model, make, and color of each car involved
- Each car’s VIN or Vehicle Identification Number (if you can get consent from the driver)
Also, if possible, get the contact details of other drivers and witnesses. If a police officer comes to the scene, make sure to note their name in case you need to track them down in the future. You will need all these details once you file a personal injury claim or report to your insurance company.
Find an experienced personal injury attorney in California.
California is a financial responsibility state or at-fault state. After a car crash, you may file a claim against the at-fault driver for your bodily injuries and other losses. So, you must hire a personal injury lawyer experienced in such cases in California.
Also, if you’ve suffered an injury, you may feel overwhelmed. With a veteran attorney handling your complex personal injury claim, you can have more time to focus on your physical recovery. Leave all the legal matters to professional hands to get the justice & compensation you deserve.
While California allows car accident victims to recover damages, the state limits the period they can file a claim. Accident victims have a two-year window from the date of the accident to file a claim for damages. If you do not file a claim by this time, you may be prohibited from getting any compensation. But there are instances where the statute of limitations may differ. Here is one example: if the government (a government car) is at fault, you may get additional time to file a civil lawsuit. If you haven’t already hired an attorney, do so as soon as possible, and they will ensure that your claims are filed within the appropriate processing time.
We hope you remember all these tips. And if you ever find yourself in an unfortunate car accident, don’t forget to contact us right away. Our personal injury lawyers in California will guide you accordingly in filing a claim and getting the compensation you deserve.