The numbers are sobering. More than 250,000 car accidents with injuries occur in California annually. Sadly, about 5,000 people lose their lives in car accidents in the Golden State yearly. Just the city of Modesto saw more than 1,200 accidents, resulting in 15 deaths in 2023.
The most important consideration following a car accident is to ensure your well-being and that of any passengers in your vehicle. Next, it’s essential to document what has just occurred so that any legal claims you make can be established to support your case.
Get a Medical Evaluation
Visit a doctor following your car accident to obtain an official record of your injuries. This will also show proof that you received the necessary treatment. Do not delay medical assistance because the insurance companies can then turn around and say that your injuries were not serious enough or had zero to do with the crash.
Visual Documentation Matters
Keep a photographic record of the car accident scene. Today, most cellphones feature a camera, and this device offers the best and most convenient method of documentation. Not only snap photos of any wounds, cuts or bruises you sustained, but also capture images from every side of the crash, including close-ups of dents on the vehicle, broken glass, skid marks, debris on the road, weather conditions, etc.
Keep a Personal Journal
Not only are photographs important to maintain, but a written journal of any injuries you sustained and how these injuries may be impacting your daily life is key. Also, collect medical reports (your own copies) that show the doctor’s diagnoses, treatment plans, prescriptions and follow-up care you receive.
Witness statements and police reports are also other relevant information to verify and strengthen your case.
Documentation Can Impact Your Compensation
Following a car crash in California, every detail you record can significantly affect your injury claims and the compensation you can recover.
For example, three factors will play a role in your case:
- Documentation of your medical treatment.
- Proof of lost wages and earning capacity.
- Confirmation of pain and suffering.
Maintaining accuracy of all these details will help your personal injury attorney best represent you when negotiating with insurance companies and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident
A seasoned lawyer will tell you that knowledge is your best defense. You have rights that need to be protected. Properly documenting all these moments is pivotal. Professional help is required because car accidents can lead to complex legal scenarios.
Hiring a lawyer has many advantages. These include safeguarding the outcome of your case from insurance companies that use all kinds of maneuvers, using expert negotiation with all parties involved, handling all the legal paperwork, meeting the deadlines and giving you a professional assessment of how much your claim is truly worth.
No one in California ever dreams of getting into a car accident, but unfortunately, it’s happening more and more each year. Whether the crash involves head-on collisions, rear-end accidents, side-impact collisions or rollover accidents, it’s crucial to act immediately.
Observe and collect evidence, document everything, keep copies, and seek legal advice from a team of expert personal injury lawyers. What you do right after the accident can significantly impact your chances of getting fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Martin Gasparian is the founder of Maison Law, a California Personal Injury Law Firm. Martin is a graduate of Georgetown University Law School and has been practicing law in California 2004. His practice focuses on helping injury victims know their rights and recover just compensation.
