What to do After a Car Accident
Insight from a Ventura Personal Injury Attorney
Being hurt in a car accident can be an emotional and painful experience. To build a successful case and recover compensation for any injuries you may have sustained, call our Ventura car accident attorney as soon as possible.
While you may think that since you are the injured party, you will automatically receive compensation that is often not the case. You will need to prove the liability and negligence of the other party, as well as that your injuries warrant compensation. That is why it is crucial for you to work with our firm!
Keep These Tips in Mind Following an Accident
No one expects to be involved in a car accident, but then it does happen, keeping certain tips in mind can be extremely beneficial.
Make sure you do the following:
- Remain on the scene: Never leave the scene of an accident unless you are cleared to do so by law enforcement. Leaving the scene could result in you facing charges for hit-and-run.
- Check on other drivers and passengers: Make sure everyone is ok before you check for property damage. Request medical attention if anyone is hurt. Refrain from moving anyone with neck or back pain or those that are unconscious until medical personnel arrive.
- Call the police: Any significant property damage, physical injury, or death means you need to call police. Obtain a copy of the police report to give to your attorney along with the name and badge numbers of the responding officers.
- Exchange information: Get the names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and car insurance information from all the drivers involved in the accident. Act politely, but do not apologize for anything, as this may be seen as admitting guilt. It is not always clear who exactly was at fault immediately after the accident.
- Talk to witnesses: Ask all witness of the accident what they saw and obtain all the relevant personal information from them.
- Speak with your insurance company: Inform your car insurer that you have been in an accident. Be honest and forthcoming with them and let them know if you have been injured. Withholding information from your insurer could cost you coverage for the accident.
- Retain receipts of your medical treatment: Take note of all doctor visits or consultations with physical therapists, chiropractors, or other medical personnel. Hold on to any bills for the treatment you have received so that they can be taken into account when assessing damages.
The last tip you should consider is hiring a personal injury lawyer. A Ventura car accident attorney will give you the best chance of recovering the maximum amount of compensation. Bryan Diaz Law, PC can work to obtain damages to pay your medical bills and lost wages if you have been hurt.
Contact us today to set up a consultation with our firm.