Being in a car accident can be a truly traumatic experience. Depending on the exact details of the incident, you could be dealing with serious injuries while also trying to conduct a legal battle. The most effective thing you can do for yourself and your case is to hire a car accident lawyer who can handle the larger details and take the necessary steps to protect your rights. You may be wondering what to do after a car accident in Garden Grove. Here are some measures you can take.
Garden Grove Car Accidents
It is important to keep in mind that a car accident can essentially come out of nowhere. Car accidents can be minor inconveniences, tragic disasters, or something in the middle. It depends entirely on the nature of the accident, what caused it, who was involved, and the injuries sustained, both physical and emotional. The resulting trauma can be tough to overcome, but seeking financial compensation from the right people can be a good start.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were 610 car accident victims who were injured or killed in 2021 in Garden Grove alone. Garden Grove has some fairly dangerous intersections, such as Hester Street and Lampson Avenue, which have been the site of frequent accidents. Being in Orange County, Garden Grove has a significant population and heavy traffic on a daily basis. The Garden Grove Police Department can sometimes spend a great deal of time assisting with car accidents.
If you decide to pursue legal action against the party responsible for your accident, it is important that you adhere to California’s statute of limitations for a car accident claim, which is two years. The state gives you two years from the date of your injury to:
- Establish grounds for your claim.
- Build up a strong enough case.
- Gather the evidence you need.
- Consult a Garden Grove car accident lawyer.
- File a claim for compensatory damages.
What to Do After a Car Accident
The steps you take in the immediate aftermath of a car accident will determine the validity and strength of your case. It is vital to your future claim that you take the right measures to protect yourself and reinforce your claim. Having the mental focus to make informed decisions in a time of crisis can make all the difference. Here are some important ways to make sure your claim is protected after a car accident:
- Don’t Panic: After the accident, your first instinct may be to panic. While it’s understandable to have this kind of reaction, it is vital that you try to fight this urge and stay calm. Panicking won’t help your situation and could just make things worse for you. Get yourself under control, take a few deep breaths, and start to assess your situation with as clear a head as you can.
- Don’t Flee the Scene: It is absolutely imperative that you do not flee the scene of the accident. In California and elsewhere, any driver who is involved in an accident that results in an injury to a person or someone’s death must immediately stop their vehicle and report the accident to the proper authorities. Otherwise, you could face severe legal penalties.
- Check for Injuries: Depending on how severe the accident is, you could be dealing with really bad injuries. You might be unaware of these injuries because of shock. You should check your body for injuries and do the same for any passengers. Look for protrusions, red spots, wet areas, sprains, bruising, and broken bones. If you can’t find any injuries but are still in pain, be sure to tell the EMTs.
- Call 911: As soon as you physically can, you should call 911 and get law enforcement and EMTs down to the scene.
- Move Your Car: If you aren’t too injured, you may want to consider moving your car out of the road before it inadvertently causes another accident.
- Gather Evidence: Once you have been checked out by EMTs and given the all-clear by the police, you can start gathering evidence from the scene. Take photos of your injuries, the damage to all cars involved, the road conditions, and any posted signs. Get the contact information of any witnesses.
- Exchange Information: You and the other driver will need to exchange contact and insurance information.
- Tell Your Insurance: You should notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
- See a Lawyer: When you are ready to file a claim, reach out to a car accident lawyer.
FAQs
What Do I Do If I Am in a Car Accident in California?
If you are in a car accident in California, you should try your hardest not to panic. Instead, do whatever you can to make sure your accident is properly documented. Whatever you do, never admit fault for the accident but remain civil to the police and the other driver. The time for legal action will come.
What Happens If I’m at Fault in a Car Accident in California With Insurance?
If you are at fault for a car accident in California with insurance, it will be your insurance company who is responsible for paying the other driver damages, at least up to the limits of your policy. California operates under “pure comparative negligence,” which means your own compensation could be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What Should I Do After Almost Getting Into a Car Accident?
If you are almost in a car accident, you should immediately pull over to the side of the road and calm yourself down. A near-miss car accident can be overwhelming and seriously distract you. You should check your vehicle for damages and call the authorities if needed. The most important thing to do is get yourself under control.
What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in California?
It is difficult to determine beforehand what the average car accident settlement might be in California. Every car accident case is going to be different. Certain factors have to be taken into consideration, such as the severity of your injuries and the decision of the insurance company. Your lawyer’s negotiation skills may also affect the final amount.
Contact Us Today
At Easton & Easton, we can develop a strong car accident case. Contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can.
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