What to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is notorious for having some of the worst traffic congestion in the country and also the world. Being the second-largest city in the United States, many residents use cars to get around, and commuters from outside the city use their vehicles to get to work downtown. LA car accident statistics show that such conditions create the perfect setting in which to have a car crash, which can lead to the question of what to do after a car accident in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles car crashes can result in outcomes ranging from minor damages to serious, life-threatening injuries. Therefore, if you are living in or around the Los Angeles area, it is critical to understand the general steps that should be taken after a car crash. That way, you can protect your rights and ensure that you can pursue the compensation you are entitled to if applicable.

Dealing With the Direct Aftermath of an LA Car Accident: Steps to Take

If you are involved in a crash with your motor vehicle, this can include a direct collision with other cars while driving on the road, or it can entail hitting a car or other object that is stationary, such as a parking lot crash. No matter the type of crash that you had in California, the general steps that you will need to take include:

• Pull Over Immediately: By California law, vehicles that are involved in collisions on roads or motorways are required to pull to the side of the road, outside the major lanes of traffic. If you drive away from the scene of an accident, this can lead to criminal charges. You should pull over to an area that is safe from further danger, such as oncoming traffic, fires, or potential explosions.
• Check for Medical Emergencies: Check to make sure that you have not been seriously injured and that the other people around you are not having a medical emergency. If someone has a serious or life-threatening injury, you should call 911 right away.
• Exchange Information: You will need to exchange contact information with the other parties involved in the accident, including contacts for their insurance company. If any witnesses are present, it’s important to collect their information so that they can provide witness testimony later if applicable.
• Comply With Law Enforcement: If law enforcement is on the scene at the time of the crash or if they arrive at the scene later, it is important to comply with their requests for contact information, driver’s license, vehicle registration card, and proof of insurance. You have the right to remain silent if any additional information is requested of you.
• Collect Immediate Evidence: Take pictures and videos of the crash scene, including the associated motor vehicles and injuries. Make notes about the time, date, and place of the crash, what happened that led up to the crash, and details that occurred during and after the incident. Such evidence can help support a future claim for compensation if the other driver was at fault.
• See a Medical Professional: Even if you do not believe that you sustained injuries from the car crash or that your injuries were minor, it’s important to have a medical professional evaluate your injuries.

After you have collected initial evidence and visited a medical professional for injuries, it’s critical to seek experienced personal injury legal representation. A seasoned attorney can help you get compensation for the economic and non-economic damages associated with your Los Angeles car crash. They can analyze evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue a claim if necessary.

FAQs

Q: Do I Need to Report My CA Car Accident to the DMV?

A: If your car accident resulted in damages that are worth more than $1,000, or if another party was even slightly injured in the accident, then you must report the accident to the DMV within 10 days of the accident occurring. Accident instances are reported to the DMV using an SR-1 Report, and this must be submitted, even if law enforcement has already been notified of the accident.

Q: Do I Need to File a Police Report After a Minor California Car Accident?

A: If anyone was killed or injured at the scene of your California car accident, then you will need to report the accident details in writing to the local police department or California Highway Patrol within 24 hours of the accident happening. A dedicated LA personal injury lawyer can determine whether you will need to report your accident and help you submit the report to the relevant authorities.

Q: Can I Get Disability Support After an LA Car Accident?

A: Yes, if the injuries associated with your car accident do not allow you to carry out certain work-related functions as you were able to before, thus limiting your ability to work permanently, then you can be entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). However, you must be able to prove that you have a severe physical or mental disability that prohibits you from working.

Q: How Long Do I Have to Sue After a California Car Accident?

A: If you have been injured in a California car accident that was caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party, then you have a statute of limitations of two years to file a claim against them. In such settlements, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages associated with your claim, including compensation for medical bills and pain and suffering.

Get Strong Legal Representation After Your Los Angeles Car Accident

Los Angeles car accidents can be particularly overwhelming due to the congested conditions in which they occur. This can leave accident victims at risk for further harm directly after the accident. Therefore, not only do accident victims suffer physical and financial damages, but they also experience serious emotional harm.

A dedicated personal injury lawyer from The Law Offices of Christian J. Amendt can work closely with you to help you pursue all the types of compensation that you are entitled to, thereby optimizing your settlement. Reach out to our skilled legal team today to get the post-accident support you need.