The fallout of a car accident is never easy. There is always so much to deal with, particularly when seeking financial compensation and starting to heal from your injuries, both physically and emotionally. A car accident can be devastating to your mental health, especially if it is a really bad one. Working toward a sense of peace or closure can be difficult, but knowing what to do after a car accident in San Bernardino can be a good place to start.
Car Accidents in San Bernardino
A car accident can be as devastating or unpredictable as it can get. Knowing what to expect from such an accident is impossible, as the circumstances surrounding the incident are always going to be different. Even the cause of an accident won’t be exactly the same twice. It could be caused by poor weather conditions, a badly maintained road, a distracted driver, a drunk motorist, or just a case of terrible luck for everyone involved.
San Bernardino is one of the most populated cities in California. A higher population often means a significant increase in infrastructure, particularly highways to accommodate all the local drivers and out-of-town visitors. San Bernardino has four major highways going through it, and that means a lot of potential for car accidents.
In 2021, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were 1433 vehicle accidents that caused injury or death in the San Bernardino area. These accidents could be attributed to speeding, distracted driving, or drunk driving, all of which are generally leading causes of car accidents in the San Bernardino area.
If you decide that pursuing legal action against the party responsible for your accident is worth fighting for, then there are a few things you may want to keep in mind regarding your future claim. To start, you want to pay attention to California’s prescripción for personal injury claims, which include car accident claims. The state will give you two years to develop your case, gather evidence, speak with a San Bernardino car accident lawyer, and file a claim.
What to Do After a Car Accident in San Bernardino
Every action that you take after your accident is going to be reflected in the strength of your accident claim, so it is important that you make smart decisions and react logically, not emotionally, at the time of the accident. Making the wrong decisions can cause your claim to be denied and make you lose out on compensation. These measures can preserve your life and claim:
- Keep Calm: It is important to stay calm during times of significant crisis. Admittedly, that can be very challenging in an intense situation. Panicking isn’t going to help you and will likely only make things worse for you. After an accident, calm yourself down and do what you can to assess your situation.
- Don’t Flee: Whatever you do, do not flee the scene of an accident. Being charged with a possible hit-and-run is the last thing you want to deal with. Under California state law, you are required to stay present after being involved in an accident, particularly a bad one that involves injuries, death, or severe property damages. Failure to do so could result in legal penalties.
- Llama al 911: As soon as you get the chance, you need to call 911 and get the authorities to the scene as quickly as you can. You will want police officers to secure the accident site and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to check for any injuries that survivors might have.
- Look for Injuries: If the accident was really bad, you might be suffering some shock. If you’re in shock, you likely won’t know about any other injuries. Be sure to check yourself for those injuries and do the same for any passengers you have. Keep a look out for bone protrusions, broken bones, sprains, bloody spots, and wet areas. If you’re in pain but can’t find an injury, make sure you tell the EMTs.
- Mueve tu coche: If you are physically able to do it, you might want to move your car out of the way of oncoming traffic so you don’t cause another accident.
- See a Lawyer: Once you are ready to file your claim, you should reach out to a car accident lawyer and get started on building your case.
Preguntas frecuentes
Do You Need a Police Report to File an Insurance Claim in California?
No, you do not need a police report to file an insurance claim in California. However, having one readily available can greatly strengthen your case and help the process go more smoothly than it would if you didn’t have one. A police report is an official record of the accident, which can really speed up the insurer’s evaluation process.
What Do You Say After a Minor Accident?
After being involved in a minor car accident, there are many things you could say. Be polite, be civil, and be cooperative. Above all, do not admit fault for the accident. This can seriously damage the validity of your claim. Even apologizing can be seen as admitting fault. Stick to the facts of the accident, and don’t try to figure out who was at fault.
Will My Insurance Go Up If Someone Hits Me in California?
Generally, your insurance rates should not go up if somebody hits you in California. Only the driver who is at fault should have their insurance rates rise because they are the ones who caused the accident. The victim usually does not have their rates go up unless they are found to be at least partially at fault. Then, their rates might go up a little.
How Do I Know If I Should Contact a Lawyer?
It is generally good practice to always contact a lawyer any time you are dealing with a legal situation, including the aftermath of a car accident. A good lawyer can help you make important decisions regarding your claim, make sure you aren’t harassed by insurance companies, and seek a proper settlement that you feel comfortable accepting.
Reach Out Today
At Easton & Easton, we can build a strong case for compensation. Acércate to us today to speak with a team member about a consultation.
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