When you are involved in a car accident, it is vital that you take the proper steps to protect not just yourself but also your future accident claim. A car accident has the unfortunate potential to cause you life-changing injuries and change the trajectory of your life for the worse. The most effective thing you can do is try to pursue legal action against the one who caused the accident. Knowing what to do after a car accident in Anaheim can make quite a difference.
Car Accidents in Anaheim
Regardless of where they occur, a car accident can be an overwhelming situation to endure on your own. The sudden shock of the accident itself, the confusion of the aftermath, and the subsequent legal strife can all be a considerable weight when it’s just you. That’s why retaining the services of an experienced car accident lawyer in Anaheim can be so beneficial to your case. Having someone on your side who understands what’s at stake can only enhance the outcome of your claim.
Anaheim is one of the most populous cities in the entire state of California, and it is the home of many different tourist attractions that bring in visitors from all over the world. This considerable influx of tourists can sometimes mean an increase in car accidents, as there are a lot of drivers on unfamiliar roads who might accidentally cause something to happen. If you are in an accident, you will likely be relying on the Anaheim Fire Department for paramedic services.
Statistics collected by California’s Office of Traffic Safety report 2084 injury and fatal car accidents in the Anaheim area in 2021. That’s a substantial number that may be reduced gradually with simple, consistent awareness. If you ultimately decide that pursuing legal action against the negligent party is the route you want to take, you should always keep in mind the prescripción for personal injury claims in California, including car accident claims.
In California, you generally get two years to file a claim for compensation. If you cannot, for whatever reason, file your claim before two years have passed, there is a good chance that your case will be dismissed entirely, your claim will be denied, and your chance to be compensated will pass.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Anaheim
You should never forget that the actions you take in the immediate aftermath of a car accident will influence the strength of your case when you decide to file. Try your hardest to make the right decisions at the right time, which can be rather difficult in such a chaotic situation. Knowing what to do after a car accident may not be inherently obvious. Here are some important things you can do to make sure you are protected:
- Mantén la calma: It might not seem easy, and it probably won’t be, but you need to try your hardest to stay calm and not panic. It might be your natural instinct to panic, and you will need to fight that with logical thought as hard as you can. Panicking will only make everything worse for you. Keep yourself together, take a few deep breaths, and start checking yourself for any injuries.
- Don’t Flee: You may want to just leave the scene and try to forget this ever happened. That’s the worst thing you could do. Fleeing the scene of an accident in California can lead to severe legal penalties. You are required to report an accident to the proper authorities, especially if the accident is a bad one.
- Compruebe si hay lesiones: Make sure you start checking yourself for injuries as soon as you can. You might be in shock, which can make it hard to feel any injuries. You need to check your own body and any passengers for injuries. Look for red spots, protrusions, broken bones, sprains, and any bruising.
- Llama al 911: Get the authorities involved as soon as you can. You are going to want law enforcement officials and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) on the scene promptly. Having them there may even provide you with some sense of assurance.
- Document the Accident Scene: Once the police give you the all-clear and the EMTs have checked you out, you can start gathering evidence on your own and documenting the accident scene for your own records. Take photos of your injuries, the damage to all vehicles, the road conditions, and posted signs. Speak to any witnesses who may wish to help you as well.
- See a Lawyer: When you choose to file your claim, you should reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer who can develop your claim further and make a plan.
Preguntas frecuentes
Do I Have to Report an Accident to the DMV in California?
Yes, you need to report a car accident to the DMV in California. Either you, your insurance agent, or a legal representative appointed by you must report the accident to the DMV within 10 days using an SR-1 report if the accident resulted in an injury, someone’s death, or over $1,000 in property damage.
What Do I Do If I Hit a Parked Car in California?
If you hit a parked car in California, you should stay calm and assess the situation. Check everyone in your car for any injuries, pull over to the side, and do what you can to find the owner of the parked car. If you are unable to find them, leave a note on their windshield explaining what happened, along with your name, address, and insurance information.
What Do I Do in a Car Accident in California?
If you are ever involved in a car accident in California, the most important thing you can do is keep yourself calm and call the police. Check yourself for any injuries, exchange insurance information with the other driver, and wait for the authorities to arrive. Be sure to document the scene when you have the chance.
Should You Always Call the Police After a Car Accident in California?
It is recommended that you always call the police after a car accident in California. If the car accident resulted in significant damage or injury, you are legally required to notify the police. If it’s a minor accident, you don’t need to call the police, but you should, just to be safe. Having the law present can provide a sense of relief and assurance.
Reach Out Soon
Easton & Easton can help you with your car accident case. Póngase en contacto con nosotros to schedule a consultation when you are ready.
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