Getting into an accident can be incredibly stressful, but having some idea of what comes next can make it easier to move forward with your case and your life. That’s where the Laguna Beach Accident Victim’s Handbook comes in.

Your First Steps Following an Accident

Try to remain calm immediately following the accident and take steps to make sure that you and everyone else involved are safe. You should check to find out if anyone has sustained life-threatening injuries so that you’ll know whether to request emergency services when you call 911 and help everyone get to safety away from the flow of traffic.

The Importance of Filing a Police Report

In 2023, there were 134 serious accidents in Laguna Beach. You’re legally required under California Vehicle Code 20008 to report any accident resulting in injury or death within 24 hours. Calling the police to report the accident and request an investigator at the scene satisfies this legal requirement. It also comes with the added benefit of providing you with valuable evidence that can be used to support your personal injury claim.

When the police arrive at the scene, be courteous and stick to the facts when issuing your statement. Don’t try to explain who caused the accident or accept fault for it yourself. The police may also perform a full investigation, taking photographs or videos and examining the vehicles. Stay out of their way while they conduct their investigation.

In 2023, there were eight hit-and-run accidents in Laguna Beach. In these cases, it becomes even more important to contact the police and file a full report immediately, as the authorities may be able to track down the driver responsible for your crash so that they can be held criminally responsible for the hit-and-run and civilly liable for any injuries that occurred as a result.

You can request a copy of the police report online if the California Highway Patrol responded to the scene. If local law enforcement responded to the crash, you can visit the Laguna Beach Police Department Records Division to request a copy of the report.

Head to the Local Hospital Right Away

As soon as you’re given permission to leave the scene of the accident by the police, you should head to Mission Hospital Laguna Beach or another local medical facility to receive a full examination. Take this step even if you aren’t sure whether you sustained any serious injuries. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away but may still be medical emergencies.

Even if you were not severely injured, the doctor could catch issues that could impact your life and require medical care. Being able to prove that these issues were caused by the accident and not some intervening event can strengthen your personal injury claim.

What to Expect When You Head to Court

Your attorney can handle all of the details of your case for you, including negotiating with insurance companies and heading to court if it becomes necessary to resolve the dispute. They can explain the relevant personal injury laws and how to use them to your benefit, collect and analyze evidence, gather witness statements, and put together a case to support your claim. In most cases, personal injury claims are resolved in pre-trial negotiations.

If your case goes to trial, you can expect it to be heard at the Orange County Superior Court. You should speak with your lawyer about what to expect during this process. You may be called to the stand to testify as to what happened from your perspective, and you should be present for the trial. If you’re nervous, don’t worry. Your attorney can work with you every step of the way to make sure you’re fully prepared.

FAQs

Q: How Can You Write a Good Victim Impact Statement for a Car Accident?

A: You can write a good victim impact statement for a car accident by focusing on what your life was like before the accident and how it has changed since. This can give the judge an idea of how the collision has affected your day-to-day life. Focus on your physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial losses using specific, straightforward language.

Q: Do Police Officers Determine Who Is at Fault in a Car Accident?

A: Police officers do not officially determine who is at fault in a car accident. They investigate the scene, record the facts, gather statements, and put together a report. They may issue citations if traffic laws were violated, which can serve as strong evidence of fault. However, it’s insurance adjusters and sometimes courts that decide who was at fault for accidents based on police reports and other evidence.

Q: What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?

A: Things you should not say to an insurance adjuster include statements downplaying the severity of your injuries, such as “I’m fine” when asked how you are doing, and anything that could be construed as an admission of fault. You should avoid giving an official statement to the insurance adjuster until after you have spoken with a Laguna Beach personal injury attorney regarding your case.

Q: Why Should You Never Admit Fault in a Car Accident?

A: You should never admit fault in a car accident because if the other party’s insurance company can show that you were 100% at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages. Even if the insurance adjuster assigns you only a higher percentage of fault than is appropriate, your settlement could still suffer because it could be reduced commensurate with the amount of blame you receive for the accident.

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you’ve been in an accident in Laguna Beach, it’s time to hire a personal injury lawyer. Your attorney can help you review police reports and hospital records and understand what’s expected of you in the local courts.

You can trust the team here at Easton & Easton to provide aggressive advocacy for you and your rights throughout the legal process. We routinely work with professionals facing disruptions to their lives and careers, helping them secure high settlements that allow them to avoid the financial instability that can accompany severe injuries.

One out of every three of our settlements is for $100,000 or more, and we’ve recovered over $2 billion for our clients. However, past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits. Contact us to find out how we can help you.