Whether it is gathering evidence, exchanging information with the other parties involved, or seeking medical attention, knowing about the necessary actions to take following a car accident helps with addressing injuries and preparing for possible legal action.
According to a report by the California Highway Patrol, the number of deadly car crashes in Fresno County has been on the rise. In January 2022, there was an 80% increase in the number of people who died on the roads compared to the same period in 2021. [1]
Steps to Take After an Accident in Fresno, California
In the chaotic aftermath of a car accident, knowing the right steps to take can make a significant difference in ensuring your well-being and protecting your legal rights. At Goldberg & Loren, we understand the challenges that follow an accident, and we’re here to guide you through the process.
1. Ensure Safety First
When facing a road emergency, the priority should always be safety. To ensure safety first, remember to pull your vehicle out of traffic to avoid any further accidents if you can. Make sure everyone is as safe as possible and administer any necessary first aid.
Regardless of the situation, always prioritize safety for yourself and your passengers.
2. Call Emergency Services
If you are involved in an accident, call emergency services by dialing 911 as soon as you can. When the police arrive, provide a statement to the responding officer and ask for their name and badge number. Request that they file an accident report and find out how to obtain a copy of the report for your records.
Try to stay calm throughout the process to ensure that all necessary information is gathered accurately.
3. Gather Information
After ensuring safety and involving law enforcement, the next step is gathering information. This process involves collecting essential details about the accident to facilitate subsequent actions.
Begin by obtaining the contact details of the other party involved, including names, addresses, and phone numbers. Exchange insurance information to get an understanding of the coverage involved.
If there are eyewitnesses, approach them and gather their contact information. Their statements may serve as valuable evidence in insurance claims or legal proceedings.
Use your smartphone to take photos and videos capturing vehicle damage, license plates, and the overall situation. Visual documentation can be useful in supporting your case.
The goal at this stage is to gather as much relevant information as possible to support your insurance claim or any potential legal actions. Being thorough in collecting details will strengthen your case.
4. Seek Medical Attention
Seeking medical attention promptly is often overlooked in the aftermath of a car accident. Even if injuries initially seem minor or non-existent, getting a medical evaluation is necessary.
Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately. Prompt medical attention ensures that any underlying injuries are identified and addressed early on.
Medical records serve as documentation for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Keeping detailed records of treatments, diagnoses, and related expenses strengthens your case. Delaying medical attention may exacerbate injuries and prolong recovery time.
If you decide to pursue a personal injury claim, having a documented record of medical evaluations and treatments helps establish the connection between the accident and any subsequent health issues.
5. Consult a Car Accident Lawyer
After reporting the accident to your insurance company, consult with a Fresno car accident attorney, who can educate you on your rights, assess the gathered evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement while advocating for your interests.
In the event of litigation, they will guide you through the legal process, maximizing compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and more. This approach ensures peace of mind, allowing you to focus on recovery while they handle the legal aspects, ensuring a comprehensive and effective response to the aftermath of the car accident.
Types of Compensation Available After a Car Accident in Fresno
In a personal injury claim, individuals can seek compensation for various damages arising from the accident.
- Medical Expenses: Medical costs related to healthcare services, medications, and rehabilitation related the the accident can be covered.
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings: Lost wages refers to income lost during recovery and potential future earnings due to long-term disability.
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering refers to compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish resulting from the injury.
- Loss of Consortium: Loss of consortium refers to the impact on the spouse including companionship, services and intimacy.
- Property Damage: Coverage is available for replacement costs for damaged property, such as vehicles.
- Punitive Damages: These are awarded for particularly egregious or intentional actions to punish the wrongdoer.
- Disability and Disfigurement: Disability and disfigurement compensates for permanent disabilities or disfigurements impacting appearance and quality of life.
The specific damages awarded depend on case circumstances.
If you have been in a recent car accident in Fresno, book a free consultation with Goldberg & Loren’s car accident attorneys today.
FAQs
Consult with a personal injury attorney soon after reporting the accident to your insurance company. They bring legal expertise to assess evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, guide through potential litigation, and work towards maximizing compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and other related costs. Early consultation ensures timely protection of your rights and a strategic approach to your case.
If the other party is uninsured or underinsured, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may come into play. Consult with your insurance provider and consider seeking legal advice to explore options for recovering damages in such situations.
In California, the Statute of Limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe may result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.
Source:
[1] Your Central Valley. (n.d.). https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/chp-data-shows-rising-number-of-deadly-crashes-in-fresno-county/
