Car accidents can be overwhelming, terrifying, frustrating, and even traumatizing. You could be dealing with life-altering injuries, which can be very difficult to fully heal from and completely change your quality of life for the worse. If you ever find yourself dealing with the fallout of a car accident, it is very important that you retain experienced legal counsel for your situation. In addition, knowing what to do after a car accident in Huntington Beach can make things easier.
Car Accidents in Huntington Beach
You should never forget just how frightening and devastating a car accident can truly be. In the right circumstances, it can be a catastrophic nightmare that completely changes the trajectory of your life. You often never have any time to mentally prepare for what’s about to happen. In the end, your physical, mental, and emotional health can all be put in jeopardy. A car accident in such a populated area as Huntington Beach can make things even worse.
Huntington Beach is one of the most frequently visited and popular beach cities in California. When a major city also has a significant tourist scene, it can greatly increase the chance of car accidents occurring. Huntington Beach has multiple highways running through or around the city, and highway traffic can also increase the potential for car accidents. If you’re in an accident, the Huntington Beach Fire Department will likely be the city agency to help you.
In 2021, the California Office of Traffic Safety reported 924 car accidents in Huntington Beach that resulted in injury or death. This is a significant number that can be decreased gradually through basic awareness. If you decide to pursue legal action in your car accident case, you need to pay close attention to the prescripción for personal injury claims in California, which includes car accident claims.
The state generally gives you two years to pursue legal action. If, for whatever reason, you cannot file your claim before two years have passed, it is likely that your case will be dismissed outright, and you won’t be permitted to file for compensation at all. Building a strong case can take time, so you should start doing so as soon as you can.
Qué hacer después de un accidente de coche en Huntington Beach
You need to make sure that the actions you take after a car accident will reflect positively on you when the time comes to file your claim. The most effective way to do that is to try to make informed decisions at the time of the accident and keep a consistent level of calm. Thinking things through can really make all the difference during a time of crisis. Here are some vital steps you can take at the time of the accident to make sure your claim is protected:
- Be Calm: Making a conscious decision to be calm may seem impossible, especially in the immediate aftermath of a car accident. Still, it is recommended that you try your hardest to hold yourself together. Panicking can only make your situation worse. You need to keep yourself calm, take a few deep breaths, and assess your situation.
- Do Not Flee: Upon getting into an accident, you may only want to get out of there. It is very important that you don’t flee the scene. You could end up charged with a hit-and-run, which would make things considerably worse for you. The only thing you should really do is call the authorities and report the accident, especially if it is a bad one. Otherwise, you could face serious legal penalties.
- Llama al 911: You should call 911 as soon as you are physically able. If you are too injured to make the call, you should try to get somebody else’s attention and have them call on your behalf. Having law enforcement and EMTs on the scene may provide you with a sense of assurance.
- Documenta la escena: When the police tell you it’s okay to do so, you should start gathering evidence at the scene and documenting everything for your own records. Take a lot of pictures of your injuries, the vehicle damage, and the road conditions. It could also be useful to get the contact information of any witnesses who may want to help.
- Acuda a un abogado: When you are ready to make your claim, you should speak with an experienced Huntington Beach car accident lawyer. They can develop your case into its strongest form.
Preguntas frecuentes
Should You Always Call the Police After a Car Accident in California?
Generally, you should always call the police after a car accident in California. While you may not necessarily be legally required to report a minor accident, it can never hurt to involve the law, as they can make sure things go the right way. If the accident is bad, you are legally required to involve the police.
What Happens If You Don’t Report a Car Accident in California?
If you fail to report a car accident in California that involves an injury, a death, or substantial property damage, you could face serious legal penalties. You could be faced with a large fine, lose your driving privileges, or even face jail time if the accident was serious enough. You should always report a car accident just to be safe.
How Much Should I Settle For?
The amount of money you will be offered by the at-fault driver’s insurance company will reflect its estimate of your costs, which is likely intentionally far less than you actually need. If you feel that you deserve more, work with your lawyer to develop a number that accurately reflects what you’ve been through. You never have to accept a settlement amount you feel is insulting or inaccurate.
Do I Need to Tell My Insurance Company?
Yes, you need to notify your insurance company as soon as possible that you have been involved in a car accident. Every insurance carrier has a different timeframe in which it wants you to report an accident. If you don’t report it promptly, there is a decent chance that your insurance carrier might take adverse action against you. You shouldn’t violate your policy.
Póngase en contacto pronto
At Easton & Easton, we know how to deal with a car accident claim. Póngase en contacto con nosotros to speak with a team member about how we can assist with your case.
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