One of the most dangerous things we do daily is driving a car. We don’t realize it but the very act of driving involves piloting a huge hunk of metal at high speeds- it’s a wonder we don’t have more accidents. Unfortunately, no matter how hard we try, there are always going to be accidents. This is why we have written this article, in keeping with the recommended advice from Accident Attorney Orange County.
We hope that you are never in an accident but if you ever are, this advice will keep you out of it, and ensure you are in compliance with the laws. So, read carefully, and keep it in mind.
- Don’t Leave the scene
If someone has been injured or killed in the accident, then do not leave the scene unless the police arrive. If you leave the scene of the accident and it involves injury, then you could get charged with a “hit and run”, which carries with it serious penalties, including a 10,000 fine, as well as a year in jail with the possibility of more.
However, if the only damage is to property, then you may leave provided you identify yourself to everyone involved including insurance information.
- Seek medical intervention for injured parties
While waiting for law enforcement to arrive, take a moment to assess the damage and injuries of everyone involved. If anyone is hurt, immediately organize medical attention for them by calling for an ambulance. Timely medical intervention can save a life, so it is of vital importance that it reaches as quickly as possible.
- Begin documenting the scene
In case the accident turns into a legal issue, and you need to hire a car crash attorney Los Angeles, you want good documentation of the entire incident. This means that you should not only acquire the contact information of everyone involved, but document the
- Damage to your car and other vehicles
- Damage to other property
- Injuries
- Other evidence of the accident, such as skid marks, broken plants, or other debris
Timely documentation ensures that the memories of the case stay fresh in your head, and you have ample proof of your situation and do not have to rely on unreliable hearsay.
It will also help if at this time you note down everything else you remember about your trip, so that you have all the information you need. This can include information like
- Who you were traveling with
- The reason for your trip
- The time of day
- Any other relevant details
- Consult a car accident attorney in Orange County to see if you need any legal assistance
As soon as you have left the scene of the accident, reach out to a Bakersfield car accident lawyer for guidance on whether you have any rights or remedies. They will be able to provide you with first-hand advice, and their experience will prove invaluable in negotiating with insurance.
There are a few things that you have to do after that they can help you with, and these are
- Notifying insurance companies: You will need to make sure that you notify the insurance company of the at-fault driver to get the claims process started.
- File an insurance claim
- Negotiating a settlement: If you are not happy with the insurance company’s offer, you can ask your lawyer to help you negotiate a better deal
To make sure that you always have access to this information, download and print a copy of this article and make sure that you have a copy in your car. You can also write down the numbers of a Car Accident Attorney Los Angeles, so that you have immediate access on short notice.
These blogs are meant purely for educational purposes. They contain only general information about legal matters. They are not legal advice, and should not be treated as such. If you have any specific questions about any legal matter you should consult with an attorney.