What is the First Thing You Should Do in a Car Accident?
A car accident is a stressful and traumatic experience. You might be injured and confused, your car is severely damaged, and you find yourself in a highly delicate situation where you may not know what the first thing you should do is. After the initial shock, you will have to deal with unreliable insurance policies, expensive medical care, and other technicalities. It might seem that no one wants to offer real support.
However, some steps can help your case tenfold after the initial shock. The Law Offices of Rosenstock and Azran recommend calling the authorities as soon as possible. A medical professional will check you for injuries, and an officer will question you, which will be very helpful for your case later.
There are many reasons why car accidents happen in Encino, California. Distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, and disobeying driving rules come at a high cost. Unfortunately, the aftermath is a complicated legal route that can be difficult to handle by yourself. Here are the essential steps you should take in a car accident to handle the situation appropriately and get the compensation you deserve.
Call the Authorities
The first thing on the list is to call 911 and request an ambulance and the attendance of the police. Please answer all their questions thoroughly but do not make any assumptions. If you are unsure about what happened, disclose that to the officer. A complete police report is essential in insurance claims. It will help your lawyer determine your case and what your options are.
Make sure that you exchange insurance information with the other involved parties. Information such as name, address, and telephone number is vital for insurance purposes. In cases of a hit-and-run accident, the process can be even longer, and a lawyer can be required to build your case.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Even if you do not want to make an insurance claim on the spot, contacting your insurance company to tell them that you were involved in a car accident is an essential step of the process. Obtaining compensation for your medical expenses and car repairs can take a long time, and not all insurers will be willing to provide it, and if they do, it won’t be a fair amount.
Despite California’s strict auto insurance laws, it’s not uncommon for drivers to lack good insurance. And even when they do, it is primarily basic coverage which means you will not be able to obtain compensation for all your losses. In such cases, you will have to file an insurance claim under your auto insurance policy.
Get Legal Representation
Getting what is rightfully yours can be more challenging than it seems. Even your own insurance company might delay giving you the compensation or will provide you with as little as possible. Protecting your rights will be complicated while recovering from a car accident. For example, disputes about left turns and red lights can be tricky, and establishing a guilty party can be tiresome.
Some law firms offer one free consultation to inform you if you have a strong case. Hiring a lawyer to conduct extensive analyses of your claim (including injuries, complaints, and symptoms) and recognize your situation’s fine details can benefit your financial recovery. A dedicated attorney will do everything needed to stand up for your rights in court and fight for your personal injury claim. If required, they will also prepare a lawsuit against the insurance company.
