Car accidents, no matter how trivial, can impact your life negatively in multiple ways. Dealing with the consequences of a car accident can be stressful, as one can get physically injured and their vehicle can also be damaged. It is quite easy to feel confused about what to do next; however, if you act correctly right after the incident, you can not only save your rights but also be able to get fair compensation. For those in Whittier, affordable auto accidents attorneys in Whittier can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you take all the necessary actions to secure compensation.
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Prioritize Safety and Ensure Everyone is Okay After the Car Accident
Immediately after a car accident the first and most vital thing to do is to make sure that nobody is in danger. You have to check if there are any injuries among passengers, yourself, and others involved. If there are no visible injuries, but you still feel something is not right, it is very important that you call 911 immediately to get help. Even if the accident might seem like a minor one, bringing medical professionals to the scene can save you from the next step of the injury.
After that, if the circumstances are safe, move your car out of the traffic lane to prevent other accidents. In case moving your car is not possible, switching on your hazard lights will inform other drivers that there is a problem. However, even though you do not feel any pain now, you should still keep calm and not panic.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver and Witnesses
Once safety has been guaranteed, the following thing to do is to get in touch with the other party(ies) participating in the accident. Besides that, it would be a good idea to get as much information as possible from them: names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, insurance details, and vehicle make and model. This info will be very helpful in case you decide to file a claim with your insurance company or sue someone.
Besides getting this information from the driver of the other car, it would also be very good to talk to any witnesses that may have been present at the accident. The testimony of witnesses can have a decisive influence on the discharge of your case if, for instance, the problem of the one who is guilty arises. To facilitate the corresponding statements, be sure to ask the witnesses for their contact information, should your lawyer need to get in touch with them.
Document the Accident Scene with Photos and Notes
Making a lot of good photos of your collection of evidence is definitely and without any doubt a very essential and a very important aim in achieving a winning case. No matter how shaken up you are after the accident, taking pictures of the scene might represent the most crucial evidence later on. Snap shots of any visible damage to your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle, any road signs, traffic signals, skid marks, and even the weather conditions at the time of the crash.
Additionally, write down everything you can remember about the accident, including the events leading up to it. This documentation will help your attorney assess the case and provide them with all the details needed to advocate for you.
Seek Medical Attention Even if You Don’t Feel Injured
Sometimes, people involved in car accidents don’t feel the full effects of their injuries until hours or even days later. For example, whiplash, concussion, or soft tissue damage might not show any signs right away. That’s the main reason a really good idea would be to get to a doctor even if you are feeling okay now.
If a doctor is involved, the case is documented through the doctor’s set of patients’ records, which allows one to prove that the stored record of injury is sufficient when filing a claim for medical expenses, loss of wages, pain, and suffering. Most of the personal injury claims require medical documentation to prove the intricacy and degree of injuries, thus, it is very necessary that you get checked out.
The Importance of Consulting with an Attorney After a Car Accident
After a car accident, one of the most crucial actions is to get a lawyer straight away. The majority of people are of the opinion that they can do it alone without anyone’s help, especially when the other party’s insurance company comes in quickly with a settlement. In fact, insurance companies might be on the lookout for ways to deceive you and make you accept a settlement that does not cover the full extent of the damages.
Affordable auto accidents attorneys in Whittier can give you a comprehensive understanding of the claims process, the pros and cons of different settlement offers, and provide a negotiation service. Besides, they will be the ones to assure that you have not accepted less than what you deserve and also help you to get the highest compensation possible.
How to Handle Insurance Companies After a Car Accident
Insurance companies, on one hand, are a very important element in the claims process but, on the other, it is also quite significant to bear in mind that they act in a way that minimizes their costs. In the event of a car accident, insurance representing the other party may contact you and make some offer to you. Generally, these offers are the initial ones, they are lower than what you can get and they are not sufficient to cover medical bills, property damage, or pain and suffering.
Your attorney will go through your insurance policy and find out the best way to deal with the claim. They will represent you while negotiating a settlement that corresponds to the real cost of your injuries, medical treatment, car repairs, and lost wages.
Understanding Comparative Negligence in Whittier Car Accident Cases
The comparative negligence rule is adopted in California with regard to car accidents. Under this rule, if it is proved that you are partly responsible for the accident, your compensation can be reduced proportionally to the degree of your fault. An example will help to illustrate: if you are charged with 20% of being at fault for the accident, your settlement will be decreased by 20%.
An expert car crash lawyer will determine the percentage of blame for each person involved in the accident together with you. They will make sure that you are not the one who is unfairly blamed and that you get the maximum amount of compensation.
When You May Need to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident
To a certain extent, your situation might turn out that your insurance claim will not bring you compensation in the form of an adequate amount. When insurance companies fail to come to an agreement with one another, there is a need to take action. Thus, if you want to be compensated for the losses, you need to file a lawsuit necessarily. A lawyer can accompany you all through, from working, as your representative in court, to writing down legal papers.
Even though a lot of car crash cases are resolved without going through the court, a lawyer who is ready to fight for your case will not only give you reassurance but also ensure that your case is dealt with in a proper professional manner.
Working with HANNING & SACCHETTO, LLP. for Your Car Accident Case in Whittier
If you were unfortunately involved in a car accident in Whittier, it is crucial to find a law firm which is well-versed in the local legal market. HANNING & SACCHETTO, LLP. is offering legal support to those who are searching for justice and compensation after a car accident. The team of highly qualified lawyers is ready to help you if they can get you the best possible outcome of your case.
When you go with Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP, you are assured of a legal team that will be with you throughout the entire process, from collecting evidence to talking with insurance companies. The team is there for you, no matter the extent of the accident – from a minor fender bender to a serious collision, they will assist you in getting the compensation that you are entitled to for your injuries and damages.
