Southern California Drivers: What to Do After a Car Crash

Feb 28

Being involved in a car crash can be a traumatic and disorienting experience. As an Orange County personal injury attorney, I've guided hundreds of clients through the aftermath of automobile accidents. Let’s walk through the essential steps to take immediately after a crash and in the days that follow to protect your health, rights, and potential legal claims.

Take Immediate Action at the Crash Scene

1. Ensure Safety First

If you're able to, move your vehicle to a safe location and turn on your hazard lights. Can't move? Stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until emergency services or help arrives. Remember, your safety and the safety of others should be your primary concern right now.

2. Call Emergency Services

You might think a minor accident doesn't warrant calling 911, but trust me - it's always better to make that call. When the police arrive, they'll create an official accident report, talk to any witnesses, and check if any traffic laws were broken. If anyone's hurt, they'll make sure medical help is on the way. This documentation will be invaluable later for your insurance claim or legal case.

3. Document Everything

Your smartphone is your best friend in this situation. Take plenty of photos showing the damage to all vehicles involved, and don't forget to capture the entire accident scene. Make sure you get pictures of any skid marks, debris, traffic signs, and even the current weather conditions. The license plates of all vehicles involved are important, too - you'd be surprised how often people try to change their story later.

Medical Attention is Critical

1. Get Examined Immediately

Here's something I tell all my clients: even if you're feeling okay right now, you need to get checked out by a medical professional, whether that’s your primary doctor, chiropractor, or the emergency room. Many serious injuries, especially whiplash and internal trauma, don't show up right away. Getting prompt medical attention isn't just about your health but about creating an official record of your injuries. You’ll need that if you decide to file a claim. Plus, it's better to know about any potential issues now rather than waiting until they become more serious.

2. Follow Your Treatment Plan

If your doctor recommends treatment, make sure you stick with it. That means going to all your follow-up appointments, taking any and all prescribed medications, and completing any prescribed therapy sessions. Keep track of everything you do, from your medical visits to the receipts for your medications and any medical equipment you need. You'll want this documentation later, and it shows you're taking your recovery seriously.

Protecting Your Legal Rights

1. Watch What You Say

I've seen many cases where people hurt their claims by saying too much at the accident scene. Don't admit fault or apologize - even saying "I'm sorry" can be used against you later. When you're talking to others involved in the accident, stick to the facts. It's also smart to stay quiet about the accident on social media. If insurance companies start calling, let them know you'll have your attorney handle those conversations.

2. Gather Important Information

While you're at the scene, make sure to get the basics from everyone involved. You'll need names and contact details from all drivers, their insurance information, and contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened. Get the badge numbers of the responding officers too, and make sure you know how to get a copy of the police report later.

Quick Takeaways

First things first: get somewhere safe if you can. That can be the side of the road or even a parking lot. Next, call 911 even if it’s just a minor accident. You'll want that police report later.
Take lots of pictures. When you're dealing with insurance companies, they’re never going to take your word at face value.
Don't skip the doctor's visit, even if you feel fine. Some injuries aren’t apparent right after an auto accident.
Watch what you say - a simple "I'm sorry" could be taken as you admitting fault for the accident.
Keep any and all documentation related to the accident. Every receipt, every doctor's note, every piece of paper matters if and when you decide to file a claim or lawsuit.
Don't go it alone. Hire an experienced personal injury attorney to help you with getting fair compensation.

Insurance and Documentation

1. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly, but:

Provide only basic facts
Don't give recorded statements without legal counsel
Don't accept initial settlement offers
Keep copies of all correspondence

2. Start an Accident File

Create a dedicated file containing:

Photos and videos from the scene
Medical records and bills
Insurance correspondence
Work absence documentation
Repair estimates
Witness contact information

When to Contact an Attorney

1. Signs You Need Legal Representation

Consider hiring an attorney if:

You sustained significant injuries
The other driver was uninsured/underinsured
Fault is disputed
Multiple parties are involved
Insurance companies are pressuring you to settle

2. Benefits of Legal Representation

An experienced personal injury attorney will:

Protect your rights
Handle insurance negotiations
Gather and preserve evidence
Calculate fair compensation
File necessary legal documents
Represent you in court if needed

Help Others Stay Safe and Informed

Auto accidents are never fun, but knowing what to do can make all the difference. If you found this helpful, consider sharing it with your friends and family. We all hope we'll never need this kind of information, but it's better to be prepared. Have questions about handling a car crash that I haven't covered? Drop a comment below or give our office a call - we're always happy to help.

References

Remember, while this post shares helpful information, it's not a substitute for legal advice. Every accident is different, and talking with a qualified personal injury attorney is the best way to protect your rights and interests.

Geoff Rill