Dealing with a car accident is not an easy feat to accomplish on your own. The resulting trauma, both physical and emotional, can be overwhelming and difficult to move past. When seeking financial restitution for what you have been through, an experienced car accident lawyer can figure out a solid plan for your case. Throughout the entire experience, it may be vital for you to know what to do after a car accident in Brea. Otherwise, you might make mistakes that could cost you your rightful compensation.

What To Do After A Car Accident in Brea?

Car Accidents in Brea

You should always remember just how devastating and random a car accident can truly be. They often come out of nowhere, and you have no real time to prepare for them. The resulting devastation can cause untold damage to your physical, mental, and even emotional health. The cause of your accident could be virtually anything, including a distracted driver, a tired motorist, a drunk driver, bad road conditions, poor weather, or even mechanical failure.

Brea is a fairly populated city in Orange County and isn’t that far from Los Angeles. Therefore, Brea has the potential to absorb some of the larger city’s tourists and out-of-towners. Several major highways pass right through Brea, which increases the potential for car accidents. When you have increased tourism and highway traffic, you often have accidents that result from people who are unaware of how the traffic works in the area.

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s statistics, there were 195 fatal or injurious car accidents in the Brea area in 2021. This is a significant number, but it can be reduced by simple awareness. If you are in an accident in Brea, you will likely be assisted by the Brea Fire Department as well as local law enforcement.

If you decide to pursue legal action against the party responsible for your accident, you should try to pay close attention to California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, such as car accident claims. The state will give you two years to:

  • Figure out the legal justification for your claim.
  • Formulate a strong enough argument.
  • Collate the necessary evidence.
  • Hire a reputable Brea car accident lawyer.
  • File your claim for damages with the right court.

What to Do After an Accident in Brea

All that you do after an accident is going to be reflected in both the police report and your claim. You want to make sure to protect yourself and your claim. Otherwise, you could end up making crucial mistakes that might cost you your compensation. Being able to make informed decisions at the right moment can make all the difference. Here are some important actions to take:

  • Don’t Panic: Whatever you do, try your hardest not to panic. Remaining calm can make a real difference during a chaotic situation. It may appear counterintuitive not to panic after a car accident, but it doesn’t help anybody. It might just make things worse. Keep yourself calm, take some deep breaths, and assess your situation.
  • Don’t Flee: If you attempt to flee the scene of the accident, you will certainly only make things much worse for yourself. Being charged with a hit-and-run is also not going to help anybody, much less you. If you get in an accident, stay put and report the accident to the proper authorities.
  • Call 911: You need to call 911 and get the proper authorities out to the accident scene as soon as you can. You will want police officers to secure the crash site and EMTs to check survivors for injuries.
  • Gather Evidence: Once the EMTs check you out for injuries and the police clear the scene, you can start gathering evidence for your own records. Be sure to take plenty of photos of your injuries, all the vehicle damage, and the road conditions. Make sure you get the contact information of any witnesses who are willing to help you out.
  • Talk to a Lawyer: When you are ready to pursue your claim, you should reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer who can effectively prepare your case.

FAQs

Who Would Cover a Car Rental After an Accident?

Generally, if you have that type of coverage, your own insurance would cover your car rental after an accident while your own vehicle is being repaired or replaced. The at-fault driver’s insurance may also cover the cost of a rental up to a certain amount. It depends on everyone’s coverage. A good lawyer can assist you with figuring this out.

What Would Cause My Car Accident Case to Take a Long Time to Finalize?

Many different factors could cause your car accident case to take longer than usual to finalize. Every car accident case is different, so there is no guaranteed amount of time that your case will last. It can take some time to find and assemble sufficient proof to show the full extent of the case and your injuries, and that can add to its duration. The at-fault party’s insurance company may contest and delay the case. An experienced attorney can often accelerate the timeline of a given claim.

Do I Need a Lawyer If I Was Already Offered a Settlement?

If the other driver’s insurance has already offered you a settlement, you should first hire an attorney to review it. Having a good lawyer on your side means that you could get a potentially better deal. The other driver’s insurance company’s main goal is to pay you as little as possible. If the settlement feels insulting and should be bigger, a lawyer can help you make that a reality.

Who Pays Medical Bills in a Car Accident in California?

Generally, it is the at-fault driver who would be responsible for paying medical bills in a car accident in California. The driver who is found to be liable for the accident is also held responsible for reimbursing the other driver for any damages that they caused, including medical expenses and property damages.

Contact Us Today

At Easton & Easton, we can provide you with sound legal counsel for your case. Contact us to arrange a consultation.