You are probably a safe driver. You have worked hard to make sure you do not place yourself or others in harm’s way when you get behind the wheel of a car. On the other hand, not everyone is as safe as you. Therefore, a motor vehicle accident can still happen at any time. Particularly in the state of California, motor vehicle accidents are common. Even though it may seem like an accident is relatively minor, even a small accident can lead to serious injuries. Therefore, you need to know what to do next. If you have recently been involved in a car accident, what steps do you need to take? Take a look at the helpful California car accident guide below.
Take a Deep Breath and Call 911
The moments after a car accident can be incredibly emotional. Therefore, you may not be thinking straight. You could be concerned, unclear as to what exactly just happened. That is why you need to start by taking a deep breath. Calm yourself down. Then, call 911 and report the accident. Ask for emergency services to come to the same. Then, if you can do so, exit your car safely. Move a safe distance away from your motor vehicle, if you can. You do not know what type of damage your vehicle has sustained. If you can move away from it safely, you should.
Always Go To the Doctor After a Car Accident
Even though you may feel fine immediately after a car accident, you always need to go to the doctor. After a motor vehicle accident, there is a lot of adrenaline going through your body. Therefore, even if you are injured, you may not feel any pain or discomfort. If you delay medical care, existing injuries could get worse. If emergency medical personnel want to treat you at the scene, allow them to do so. Even if they do not recommend you go to the emergency room, you could still schedule a follow-up appointment with your primary care doctor to make sure you do not have any other injuries that need to be taken care of. Make sure you receive a comprehensive medical exam following a motor vehicle collision.
File an Insurance Claim To Get Your Car Repaired
Once you are confident in your medical treatment plan, you should reach out to your insurance company to get your car repaired. If the accident was not your fault, you may need to file a claim with the insurance company of the other driver. Every driver is required to have car insurance in order to operate a motor vehicle. The insurance information of the other driver should be included in the police report. If it is not included, you need to reach out to the officers who responded to the scene to get that information. That way, you can get your car repaired.
Contact a Lawyer To Review Your Options
Finally, after all, other issues have been taken care of, you should reach out to a lawyer to get your options reviewed. If the accident is not your fault, and you sustained serious injuries, the other driver should be held responsible. Even though their insurance policy should cover the cost of your injuries, you want to make sure that you are being treated fairly. Make sure that your rights are vigorously defended by relying on a trained, experienced personal injury attorney in California to represent you and your best interests.
You Do Not Have To Go Through This Process Alone
Ultimately, a car accident can happen at just about any time. Even though it is normal to be concerned and stress following a car accident, keep in mind that you do not have to go through this alone. Particularly if you are going through this for the first time, you may not know what to do next. That is why you should reach out to a trained professional for assistance. You deserve to focus on your medical recovery. Why not let a trained expert handle the other aspects of your car accident? Do not hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.
