A car accident can be a serious disruption to your life. It can cause severe injuries that might take a lifetime to fully recover from, if you do so at all. Healing from a car accident, both physically and mentally, can be a long and painful process. That’s not even including the toll it can take on your finances and your insurance if you don’t pursue legal action with the help of an experienced lawyer. Knowing what to do after a car accident in Tustin can save you a lot of grief.
Car Accidents in Tustin
It is important to keep in mind just how unpredictable and terrifying a car accident can be, particularly a bad one. They really can come out of nowhere to completely change your life for the worse. They can be caused by:
- Distracted drivers
- Drunk drivers
- Fatigued drivers
- Equipment failures
- Poor weather conditions
- A badly maintained road
- Bad luck
When it is clearly somebody else’s fault, seeking legal retribution can be a healthy way to start the healing process.
Tustin experienced 410 injurious or fatal car accidents in 2019, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. The city is located within the larger metropolitan area of Los Angeles, which means it is surrounded by a substantial amount of infrastructure, including highways and busy tourist areas. The larger the number of out-of-towners, the higher the chance of a significant accident being caused by people who don’t know the roads.
If you get into an accident in Tustin, you will likely be assisted by the Tustin Police Department or the Orange County Fire Authority, as it provides fire protection in the city. If you decide to pursue legal action in the aftermath of your accident, you should know California’s statute of limitations on personal injury claims, including car accident claims. You will have two years from the day of your injury to start pursuing a strong case and file for compensatory damages.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Tustin
Everything you do in the immediate aftermath of a car accident in Tustin, CA is going to affect the validity and strength of your future accident claim. It is important that you try to make mindful decisions with the knowledge that they will affect your future. A good personal injury lawyer can determine the most effective way to pursue a case, but it begins with how you act after the accident. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Keep Yourself Calm: It may seem counterintuitive to stay calm after being in what is likely one of the most chaotic and scary events in your life. Panicking might be your first instinct, and that’s perfectly understandable. Still, you should try your hardest not to panic and to keep yourself together. Calm down, take a deep breath, and start assessing your situation.
- Stay at the Scene: If you are thinking about just cutting your losses and leaving the scene, do not do it. Fleeing the site of an accident, especially a bad accident, can open you up to substantial legal penalties if you are caught. You should stay where you are and report the incident to the authorities.
- Call 911: Make sure you call 911 as soon as you possibly can. Getting law enforcement officials and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to the scene is vital to your case’s survival, as you will likely need a police report when filing your claim.
- Move Your Car: You may want to consider moving your car out of the middle of the road and onto the shoulder, provided the police tell you that it’s okay to do so. The last thing you want is to accidentally cause another accident. If you’re too injured or the car is damaged, you can just leave it there. It will be moved at some point.
- Document the Scene: When the police tell you it’s okay, you can start documenting the scene of the accident and gathering evidence for your own records. Take pictures of your injuries, the vehicle damage, the road conditions, and any posted signs. Make sure you get the contact information of any witnesses who are willing to help you out.
- Speak With a Lawyer: When you are ready to file your claim, you should consider reaching out to an experienced car accident lawyer who can figure out the next steps for your case.
FAQs
When Should I Call a Lawyer?
It is recommended that you call a car accident lawyer as soon as you are able. Having a lawyer early on in your situation can help make things go smoother and provide you with peace and reassurance throughout your case. Your lawyer can also make sure you don’t miss any important filing deadlines.
How Long Do Accidents Stay on Your Insurance Record in California?
Generally, a car accident stays on your insurance record for around three years in California. Depending on the situation, it can remain there for up to five years. If it is a particularly bad accident with brutal consequences, it might remain there for up to 10 years. The more serious the violation, the longer it will stay on your record.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim in California?
Settling a car accident claim in California takes as long as it needs to take. Every car accident case is different, with each case having its own details that need to be considered. If a car accident case is fairly simple and straightforward, it might be settled in a matter of months. If it’s more complex, it might take over a year.
How Do I Remove an Accident From My Driving Record in California?
Generally, there is no real way to remove an accident from your driving record in California. It will simply be automatically removed after a certain amount of time, depending on the gravity of the situation. If the accident resulted in someone’s death or a serious amount of property damage, it may never leave your driving record.
Contact Us Today
At Easton & Easton, we can figure out a plan for seeking compensation after a car accident. Reach out to us today to speak with a member of our firm.
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