Getting into a car accident can be a truly frightening and unforgettable experience. It can be really hard to fully recover from such an ordeal. It is critical to recruit an experienced car accident lawyer who can figure out a solid plan to seek financial compensation from the party responsible for the accident. This can be a good first step toward seeking some semblance of closure. Being properly represented and knowing what to do after a car accident in Fullerton can make a difference.
Car Accidents in Fullerton
It is a big decision to choose whether to pursue a legal case against the one who caused your accident. Nevertheless, doing so might be vital to your healing process. When you decide to pursue legal action, you are going to want to make an informed choice about who to hire. You’ll want a Fullerton car accident lawyer who treats your case seriously, provides you with consistent and reliable updates, and understands what’s at stake for you. Otherwise, you might not get your desired outcome.
The town of Fullerton intersects with five major California highways and sports a substantial population. It’s less than an hour from Los Angeles, which means that it might see some tourist traffic. When you combine the possibility of out-of-town visitors with significant highway traffic, there is a considerable chance of car accidents occurring in Fullerton.
In 2021, California’s OTS reported 814 injury and fatal car accidents in Fullerton. It’s always important to stay alert and focused when behind the wheel. While you may consider yourself a safe driver, the others on the road may not be. If you decide to move forward with a legal case, you should keep in mind the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in California, which is two years.
The state will give you two years, in most cases, to file a car accident claim. If you are unable to file one before two years have passed, there is a strong chance that your case will be dismissed, and your chance to seek compensatory damages will pass by.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Fullerton
Never forget that every action you take in the aftermath of a car accident is critical to the success of your case. Everything will be taken into account when the time comes to file a police report and pursue an accident claim. You must keep as clear a head as possible and make informed decisions at the right moment. Otherwise, you risk tainting your case and making it difficult for you to seek compensatory damages. Here are some steps you can take to make sure things go right:
- Keep Calm: It might seem next to impossible to remain calm after being involved in a car accident, particularly a bad one. Still, it is recommended that you try your hardest to keep a clear head as you navigate this difficult process. Giving in to panic won’t help you in the slightest, so you should try hard just to ignore it.
- Don’t Flee the Scene: The worst thing you could do for your situation is try to flee the scene of the accident. If you are caught fleeing, you could be charged with serious legal penalties, including a hit-and-run. If you are involved in an accident, you need to remain at the scene and report the incident to the proper authorities.
- Call 911: As soon as you can, you should call 911. Get law enforcement and EMTs to the accident scene as quickly as you can. Having authority figures at the site to take control of everything can provide you with a sense of assurance that the incident is being handled properly.
- Check for Injuries: Make sure you check yourself and any of your passengers for injuries. You might be in shock, and shock can prevent you from feeling your injuries. Look for blood, bruising, sprains, broken bones, and protrusions. If you can’t seem to find any injuries but you’re still in pain, make sure you say something to the EMTs. Your injuries might be internal.
- Call a Lawyer: When you have gathered enough evidence for your claim and are ready to pursue legal action, you should reach out to a car accident lawyer. They can work hard to proceed with your claim.
FAQs
Can Someone Take Legal Action Against You for a Car Accident If You Have Insurance in California?
Yes, someone can take legal action against you for a car accident, even if you have insurance in California. While insurance usually covers most of the damages, the injured party can still take action against you if their claimable damages exceed your policy limitations. If they think the insurance settlement isn’t enough, they can proceed with a claim against you.
Should I File a Police Report for a Minor Car Accident in California?
Yes, you should file a police report for a minor car accident in California. While not technically legally necessary for minor car accidents, it is generally a good practice to always file a police report when you are involved in a car accident, regardless of how innocuous it may appear.
Do You Need a Police Report to File an Insurance Claim in California?
No, you do not need a police report to file an insurance claim in California. However, having an insurance claim can greatly strengthen your position and make it much easier to prove certain details. You should always file a police report for a car accident, just to be safe. Nevertheless, you don’t always need one.
How Do I File a Police Report After an Accident in California?
To file a police report after a car accident in California, you should call 911 and get police officers to the accident scene promptly. When an officer responds to the scene, they will be the one who makes the report. If the accident is not severe and there is no need for an immediate response, you can contact your local police station to start a police report.
Contact Easton & Easton Today
At Easton & Easton, we can provide you with options for your car accident case. Reach out to us today to speak with a member of our legal team.
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