Steps in the Car Accident Claims Process in California

Being involved in a motor vehicle collision can be a frightening and stressful experience. While you should be focusing on healing from your injuries, you have to simultaneously deal with the car accident claims process. With help from the right car accident attorney in Los Angeles, you can move forward from your crash and take the correct steps with confidence.

Report the Accident

Call 911 right away from the scene to report the car accident. In California, drivers are required to notify law enforcement of any motor vehicle collision that results in injuries, deaths or at least $1,000 in property damage. 

It is wise to report even a minor car crash, however, so that it is documented. A police report will contain a detailed record of the accident scene that can be used as evidence during your insurance claim. If the police do not visit the scene, you are required to submit an accident report within 10 days.

Gather Information at the Scene

If you can, collect information and evidence while you are still at the scene of the crash. You can use this to build and support your car accident claim. Helpful evidence can include the other driver’s name and contact information, photographs of both vehicles and the accident scene, pictures of your injuries, eyewitness statements, and your police report number.

Keep Up With Your Medical Care

You need to get immediate medical attention as a crash victim to protect your physical health and legal rights. If you weren’t transported to a hospital in an ambulance, visit the nearest emergency room for prompt injury diagnosis and treatment. Keep up with your doctor’s treatment recommendations and collect copies of your medical records and bills.

File an Insurance Claim

Call your own car insurance company right away to notify them of the crash. Do not admit fault for the car accident. If you weren’t at fault, contact the other driver’s car insurer to file a claim. During your initial conversations with an insurance representative, don’t agree to give them a recorded statement. Instead, state that you will be speaking to a lawyer and will submit a written statement later.

Enter Into Settlement Negotiations 

If the other driver’s insurance company offers you a quick settlement, don’t accept. The initial settlement offer will most likely be less than you deserve, as the insurance company will want to save money. Instead, contact an attorney for assistance with settlement negotiations. A lawyer will accurately determine the value of your claim and negotiate on your behalf for a fair and full settlement. 

Pursue a Car Accident Lawsuit

The majority of car accident claims in California reach successful settlements. However, there are situations where a trial is required to deliver fair results. If an insurance company has wrongfully denied your claim or refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, for example, your lawyer may recommend going to court. Your case may still settle at any time before the start of the trial.

How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help With the Claims Process

An experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer in California will have all of the information, experience and resources to help you achieve the best possible results for your case. Contacting a Los Angeles car accident attorney can lead to connections to crash experts, exceptional representation during settlement negotiations or an injury trial, and personalized advice and guidance throughout the claims process. You can trust a lawyer to handle your case effectively while you focus on recovering from your car accident injuries. Contact our attorneys in Los Angeles for a free case evaluation to learn more about the car accident claims process.