Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer - Advicecase Personal injury lawyers

What to do after you get into a car accident?

If you are involved in a car accident, the first thing you should do is make sure that you and any passengers in your vehicle are not injured. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance. If there are no injuries, move your vehicle to a safe location if it is blocking traffic or if it is not safe to remain where it is. You should then call the police to report the accident and wait for them to arrive at the scene.

While you are waiting for the police to arrive, you should exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. It’s also a good idea to take photos of the accident scene and any damage to the vehicles involved. If there are any witnesses to the accident, try to get their contact information as well.

After the police have finished their investigation and you have received any necessary medical treatment, you should contact your insurance company to report the accident and begin the process of filing a claim. You may also want to consult with a lawyer who is experienced in handling car accident cases. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and options and can provide valuable assistance in negotiating a settlement or representing you in court if necessary.

What does California law say about car accidents?

California law requires drivers involved in a car accident to stop their vehicles at the scene of the accident and exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved. If there are any injuries, the driver is required to call 911 and request medical assistance. If there are no injuries, the driver must report the accident to the police if the damage to any vehicle involved in the accident is over $1,000, or if anyone was injured or killed. California is a “fault” state when it comes to car accidents, which means that the driver who caused the accident is responsible for any damages or injuries that result from the accident. However, the state also has a rule of “comparative negligence,” which means that the number of damages that a person can recover in a car accident claim may be reduced by their percentage of fault for the accident. It’s important to note that the specific laws and regulations governing car accidents can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident and the specific details of the case. If you have been involved in a car accident in California, it’s always a good idea to consult with a lawyer who is familiar with the state’s laws and can guide how to proceed.

Does a car accident affect insurance?

It’s generally a good idea to consult with a lawyer after a car accident, especially if the accident resulted in significant property damage or injuries. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and options and can represent you in negotiations with the other driver’s insurance company or court if necessary. A lawyer can also help you get the compensation you deserve if you were injured in the accident. However, if the accident was minor and there were no injuries or significant property damage, you may not need to consult with a lawyer. In that case, it’s usually enough to exchange information with the other driver and file a claim with your insurance company.

Do I need to consult a lawyer if I get into a car accident?

What types of car accidents are there?

There are many different types of car accidents, and they can be caused by a variety of factors. Some common types of car accidents include:

Rear-end collisions, happen when one vehicle hits the back of another vehicle that is stopped or moving slowly. These accidents are often caused by distracted or inattentive driving.
Head-on collisions occur when the front of one vehicle hits the front of another vehicle. These accidents can be very serious and often result in injuries or fatalities.
Side-impact collisions, happen when the side of one vehicle is hit by the front or back of another vehicle. These accidents are also known as “T-bone” collisions.
Single-vehicle accidents occur when a car hits a stationary object, such as a tree or a utility pole. These accidents can be caused by factors such as speeding, distracted driving, or poor road conditions.
Rollover accidents, happen when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof. These accidents are often caused by factors such as excessive speed, sudden turns, or uneven road surfaces.

Overall, the type of car accident that occurs will depend on the specific circumstances and factors involved in the accident.

Hit & Run accidents

A hit-and-run accident is a type of car accident in which the driver of one of the vehicles involved in the accident leaves the scene without providing their contact information or offering assistance to anyone who may have been injured. This is illegal in most places, as drivers are required by law to stop and provide their information after an accident. Hit-and-run accidents can be particularly dangerous because the driver who fled the scene may not have called for help, leaving anyone who was injured without medical assistance. If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, it’s important to try to get as much information as possible about the other vehicle and driver and to contact the police and your insurance company as soon as possible.

What to do after a hit-and-run accident

If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, it’s important to remain calm and take the following steps: Check for injuries: If you or anyone else involved in the accident has been injured, call 911 for medical assistance. Do not try to move anyone who is seriously injured or unconscious. Move your vehicle to a safe location: If your vehicle is not damaged or blocking traffic, move it to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot. If your vehicle is damaged or blocking traffic, turn on your hazard lights and wait for the police to arrive. Call the police: Even if the other driver has fled the scene, it’s important to contact the police to file a report. The police will investigate the accident and may be able to help you find the other driver. Gather information: If possible, try to get as much information as you can about the other driver and vehicle. This may include the make and model of the other car, the license plate number, and any identifying features of the driver or vehicle. If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to get their contact information as well. Contact your insurance company: After the accident, contact your insurance company to report the hit-and-run. Your insurance company will help you file a claim and will advise you on what to do next. Overall, it’s important to stay calm and take the appropriate steps after a hit-and-run accident. These steps will help ensure that you and anyone else involved in the accident are safe, and will help you get the compensation you deserve.

Different ways to get compensated after an accident

If you have been injured or suffered property damage in a car accident, there are several ways you can seek compensation: File a claim with the other driver’s insurance company: If the other driver was at fault for the accident, you can file a claim with their insurance company to seek compensation for your injuries and property damage. The insurance company will typically investigate the accident and negotiate with you to reach a settlement agreement. File a personal injury lawsuit: If the other driver’s insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, or if the other driver does not have insurance, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation. In a personal injury lawsuit, you will need to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident and that you suffered injuries or property damage as a result. File a claim with your own insurance company: If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company to seek compensation. This type of coverage protects you if you are in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or who does not have enough insurance to cover your damages. Overall, the best way to get compensated after a car accident will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. It’s always a good idea to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your rights and options and can advise you on the best way to seek compensation.

What medical treatments do I need to do after an accident

Many different types of medical injuries can result from a car accident. Some common injuries include Whiplash: This is a common injury that occurs when the neck is suddenly and forcibly thrown back and forth, causing strain to the neck muscles and ligaments. Symptoms of whiplash can include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): These are injuries that occur when the brain is damaged by a sudden impact on the head. Symptoms of a TBI can range from mild (such as a concussion) to severe (such as loss of consciousness or memory). Broken bones: A car accident can cause bones to break or fracture. Common sites for broken bones in car accidents include the ribs, collarbone, and legs. Internal injuries: A car accident can also cause internal injuries, such as damage to the liver, spleen, or other internal organs. These injuries may not be immediately apparent and may require medical testing to diagnose. Soft tissue injuries: These are injuries to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Examples of soft tissue injuries include sprains and strains. Overall, the type of medical injuries that result from a car accident will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident, such as the speed of the vehicles involved and the location of the impact. It’s always important to seek medical attention after a car accident, even if you do not think you were seriously injured. Does the accident attorney provide medical referrals?

What if the accident was partially my fault

In cases where comparative negligence applies, the amount of damages that a person can recover in a car accident claim is reduced by an amount that is equal to their percentage of fault for the accident. For example, if a person is found to be 25% at fault for a car accident, they would only be able to recover 75% of the total damages from the other parties involved in the accident. This is because they are considered partially responsible for the accident and therefore are not entitled to recover the full amount of damages. It’s important to note that the rules regarding comparative negligence can vary depending on the state where the accident took place, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a lawyer who is familiar with the specific laws in your state.