Getting over a car accident is never easy. Being involved in such a traumatic and sudden event can take quite a long time to get over. Even then, there are no guarantees that you won’t have lasting trauma. Healing can take its toll, and pursuing legal action against the party who caused the accident can be a good way to start that healing process or even find a sense of closure. Knowing what to do after a car accident in Moreno Valley can enable you to file a strong claim to recover the compensation you need.
Car Accidents in Moreno Valley
You never really know how damaging or unpredictable a car accident can be until it has already happened to you. A car accident can come out of nowhere to cause sometimes permanent damage to your life, along with your physical and mental health. All it really takes is one drunk driver, distracted motorist, road obstruction, or even a mechanical failure to create lasting traumatic memories for you and your passengers. Seeking legal recourse can enable you to move on from the incident.
Moreno Valley is one of the most populated areas in California and a part of the greater Los Angeles area. That means it may frequently see tourists who may not understand the highways. Several heavily traveled highways go right through Moreno Valley. As a result, there have been many fatal and injurious car accidents in the area, including 1,079 in 2021. The Riverside County Fire Department may be the one to help you in the event of an accident.
If you find yourself in a car accident around Moreno Valley, you may end up recovering in Kaiser Permanente Community Hospital or the Riverside County Regional Medical Center, whichever one is closest. During that recovery time, you may want to decide whether you want to file a claim against the other driver. If you do, you will want to keep in mind the prescripción for personal injury cases in California, which includes car accident claims.
California generally gives you two years from the day of your accident to:
- Put together a solid claim.
- Develop your most effective case.
- Collect the right kind of evidence.
- Speak with a seasoned car accident lawyer.
- File a claim to obtain compensatory damages.
If you can’t file your claim before two years are up, there is a good chance your case will be completely dismissed, and you won’t be able to seek damages. Building a good case can take time, so you should start soon.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Moreno Valley
Everything you do in the aftermath of a car accident is going to at least partially influence the outcome of your claim when the time comes to file. It is important to be cognizant of how to go about gathering evidence and speaking to authorities. You should try your hardest to make informed decisions at the right time:
- Keep Yourself Calm: Keeping yourself calm after a car accident may seem like an impossible task. It is important that you don’t become overwhelmed by panic, as that can lead you to make mistakes that could cost you your chance at compensation. Keep yourself together, take some deep breaths, and try to react logically, not emotionally.
- Don’t Flee: It is very important that you don’t try to flee the scene of an accident. Getting charged with a hit-and-run is the last thing you want. Under California state law, if you try to leave the site of a bad accident, you could be charged with serious legal penalties.
- Compruebe si hay lesiones: Depending on how bad the accident was, you might be dealing with shock. If you are in shock, you may be unaware of your injuries. You should check your body for wounds as soon as you can. Do the same for your passengers. Look for broken bones, anything protruding, sprains, wet spots, and blood. If you don’t find injuries but you’re still in pain, mention this to the EMTs when they arrive.
- Llama al 911: You need to call 911 and report the accident as soon as possible. Having law enforcement officials take control of the scene may provide you with some assurance, as will the presence of EMTs who can help survivors.
- Reúna pruebas: When the police and EMTs clear you and the scene, you can start gathering evidence and documenting the accident site for your own records. Take a lot of pictures of your injuries, your passengers’ injuries, the damage done to all vehicles, and the road conditions. Speak to any witnesses who are willing to help you.
- Hable con un abogado: When you are ready to take legal action, reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer.
Preguntas frecuentes
Should I File a Police Report for a Minor Car Accident in California?
While you legally don’t need to file a police report for a minor car accident in California, you should do so anyway. Having a valid police report attached to any accident can make the legal process go somewhat smoother. Even if the damage seems minimal, it can be good to have the law on your side, just in case.
What Happens If You Don’t Report a Car Accident in California?
If you fail to report a car accident in California, you could face significant penalties from both the police and the California DMV. You could be charged with substantial fines, have your driver’s license revoked, and even be faced with criminal charges if the accident involved serious injury, death, or property damage.
Should You Always Call the Police After a Car Accident in California?
Yes, you should always call the police after a car accident in California. Without law enforcement present, a variety of unfortunate things could happen. You could be guilted into admitting fault by the other driver or even assaulted by an angry driver. Having the law present can make everything go more smoothly and stay legal.
Who Pays for a Car Accident in California?
Since California is a fault state for car accidents, the driver who is found guilty of causing the accident is responsible for paying damages to the other driver. These can include medical expenses, property damage bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering. Your lawyer can figure out what damages to seek.
Reach Out Soon
At Easton & Easton, we know the most effective ways to help you and your case. Póngase en contacto con nosotros to speak with a team member for a consultation.
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