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Driving on San Diego’s busy roads and highways requires diligence, concentration, and defensive driving. But even when you practice safe driving, others on the road may not be as responsible. When you are injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. Whether it is a minor or major car accident, knowing what to do after an accident can help you build a strong case. In this blog post, we discuss what you need to do after a car accident.
Contact the Police
If you are involved in a car accident in San Diego, it is imperative to contact local police or the sheriff's office immediately after the accident. Law enforcement will create an accident report and may be able to determine who was at fault for the accident. Law enforcement can also document the scene of the accident and call for emergency medical services if necessary.
Seek Medical Attention
Whether you sustain minor or major injuries, it is essential that you see a doctor immediately after your accident. Do not underestimate the severity of your injuries. Some accident injuries may seem minor at first, but they may end up leaving long-lasting complications. A proper medical diagnosis will not only be helpful in your physical recovery, but it can also help support a claim for compensation.
Collect Information About the Accident
If it is safe to do so, you should take down the names, license plate number, contact information and insurance information from other drivers involved in the accident. In some cases, there may be witnesses to the accident. Gathering witness information can also be helpful in supporting your personal injury case. Of course, law enforcement can help facilitate the exchange of this information if you are unable to do so.
Report to the DMV
It is advisable to report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within the accident’s location provided:
- There were property damages that exceeded $1000
- Someone was injured
- The accident resulted in the death of a victim
The DMV will monitor the drivers' driving history and determine the negligent operators. A San Diego car accident attorney from the Law Office of Elliott Kanter will help you figure out when and how to report a crash to the DMV.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Although our laws do not require drivers to report accidents to their insurance companies, the insurance company may require you to notify them soon after it occurs. Your insurance company can deny coverage if you fail to report the accident within a reasonable duration.
File A Compensation Claim
If someone else's negligence caused the car accident, you are entitled to file a compensation claim against their insurance company. There is a time limit to file a compensation claim in California, known as the Statute of Limitations. If you think you have a case, you should contact a San Diego car accident attorney for a free consultation to discuss your accident injuries.
Contact the Law Office of Elliott Kanter
There is so much to do after a car accident and it can be overwhelming to handle on your own. A car accident attorney can help you take the right steps toward receiving compensation for your injuries. At the Law Office of Elliott Kanter, our San Diego auto accident attorneys will offer the help you need to recover damages. Contact us today to book an appointment with one of our attorneys.
