12 Things to Remember After a Car Accident

The 12 Best Steps to Take Foll0wing an Orange County Auto Accident

Car Accidents Orange County Ca.

12 Things to Remember After a Car Accident – Auto accidents happen throughout Orange County California on a daily basis. From small bumper to bumper motor vehicle accidents, to very serious car accidents with catastrophic injuries to unfortunate fatalities.

Many of us travel daily on the streets and freeways of Orange County and  local cities like: Costa Mesa, Rancho Santa Margarita, Laguna Hills, Placentia, Villa Park, Westminster, Lake Forest, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Cypress, Fullerton, Laguna Beach, Santa Ana, Tustin, Irvine, Los Alamitos, Orange, La Palma, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel, Buena Park, La Habra, Newport Beach, Stanton, Dana Point, Seal Beach, Mission Viejo, Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, Brea, and Yorba Linda California. We need to be very vigilant and alert to watch, help or remember what to do after an auto accident in Orange County California. Read about what steps to take after a car accident to ensure your best interests and to protect your rights.

Protect Your Rights by Following These Simple Steps Following a Motor Vehicle Collision

What happens after a car accident is often dependent on what steps are taken in the event of an auto accident. Here are 12 steps on how to deal with a car accident, what to do in a car accident and what to do after a car accident to protect your interests and rights.

12 Things to Remember After a Car Accident

1. 1. 1. 

         12 Things to Remember After a Car Accident

         Stop – Don’t ever drive away from the scene of an accident, including a minor auto accident.

      2. Stay Calm – Emotions tend to run high after a car accident. Try to remain calm in order to take care of what you need to take care of. Don’t engage in an argument with the other driver, even if they were at fault.
      3. Protect the Scene – Set up flares or put car flashers on to alert other drivers of an accident scene. This helps prevent another accident from occurring.
      4. Phone the Police – It’s always wise to call the police to have a formal report filed for the insurance company. A car accident without police report may raise suspicion with the insurance company. If the insurance adjuster writes down “car accident no police called,” it’s just a red flag.
      5. Make an Accurate Record – When the police arrive, tell them the facts of what happened. Don’t speculate or guess. When asked about being injured and are uncertain, say “not sure” instead of no. It’s not uncommon for pain and injuries to arise hours after the actual collision. Check the accuracy of the other driver’s account also.
      6. Take Photos – Take photos of the accident scene, car damage and visible injuries for personal records and insurance company records.  This can easily be done with a cell phone equipped with a camera. Just don’t interfere with the ongoing police investigation.
      7. Exchange Information – Obtain the name, address and phone numbers of everyone involved in the auto accident, including passengers. Plus, obtain insurance information from the other driver and name and contact information of any witnesses. Get the police report number in order to obtain the police report later. Often, the scene police office will afford this information. Just be sure to get it all.
      8. Report the Accident to Insurance Company – Notify the insurance company as soon as possible after the auto accident. Insurance companies require fast reporting and full cooperation with car accident claims.  Inquire about any medical benefits on insurance coverage. If no medical benefits are provided, use  primary health insurance coverage.

Auto Accident Injury

1. 1. 1. Get Medical Attention – Medical attention should be sought, even for minor injuries. Even minor impacts can cause concussions or injury to the spinal cord. Seek medical attention from a family physician or the local emergency room. Depending on the extent of injury, short-term or long-term medical care may be needed.
      2. Get the Rest Needed – An auto accident can take an emotional toll, even if there is no personal injury. Take the time needed to recoup and relax. It will help relieve the stress associated from being in an auto accident.
      3. Keep Records – Keep a file of all accident-related documents, such as police report, medical bills, claim number, receipts for a rental car and all other expenses related to the auto accident. These documents will be needed to prove damages incurred from the auto accident.
      4. Protect Your Rights – Contact a car accident lawyer in California if a personal injury has resulted from an auto accident. This is one of the most important steps to take when considering what to do after a car accident. Car accident lawyers in California are there to advise clients what to say and what not to say to insurance adjusters. Plus, a personal injury lawyer helps clients receive fair compensation for pain and suffering and other damages. Even if the insurance company offers a settlement, it’s likely lower than what an accident lawyer can attain.

Contact a Local Orange County Auto Accident Attorney –

If you, a family member, friend, or co-worker you know needs help with an Orange County Car Accident on either the many highways and freeways in Southern California. Please call a personal injury attorney with experience in auto injury cases. Call Now: (714) 265-7526