If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for your pain and suffering. Depending on the specifics of the incident, California personal injury laws typically allow car accident victims to obtain compensation to offset the costs associated with their medical care and any lost wages. Let’s take a closer look at steps you can take immediately following your accident to begin building a strong personal injury claim that could eventually win you financial compensation.
The Immediate Aftermath
Your top priority following a car accident is to determine whether anyone needs immediate medical attention. If so, call an ambulance. While you wait, gather as much information as possible, such as: the names, addresses, drivers’ license numbers, and insurance information of other drivers; the names and contact information of any witnesses; photographic evidence of any damage to the vehicles, road, or property; and any other notes about the accident itself.
Even if no one appears to be significantly injured, contact the police and request that an officer be dispatched to the scene. A police report will provide additional documentation and evidence of what occurred, and this information may prove to be useful when you file a personal injury claim.
As much as possible, avoid speaking to others who were involved in the crash. Do not admit fault or communicate with the other driver any more than you need to. Let the scene speak for itself.
Consult a Physician
Even if your injuries are minor, seek medical care. Having a healthcare professional document your injuries is key to building a coherent and successful personal injury claim. If necessary, seek a second opinion. The more documentation that exists pertaining to your injuries, the clearer it will be for claims evaluators to recognize how the incident impacted you.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Although it is not entirely necessary to hire a personal injury attorney to help you navigate the claims process, there are many aspects of this ordeal that can be overwhelming and stressful, especially if you are also trying to focus on healing from your injuries. For instance, one major hassle is dealing with the other driver’s insurance company. These representatives are often trained in underhanded tactics that trick you into admitting fault or otherwise undermining the validity of your claim. A seasoned personal injury attorney can handle these conversations on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery while trusting that your best interests are being protected.
To learn more about filing a personal injury claim following a car accident contact Hales & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation today at (951) 489-3320. We offer free initial consultations to clients in Murrieta, Temecula, and throughout southern California, and we are committed to helping our clients win the compensation they are owed.