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In the aftermath of a car wreck, it can be difficult to know what to do next. You or another party may have suffered injuries, fault and liability for the accident may be in dispute, and there may be extensive damage to one or more vehicles. When you are involved in an auto accident, there is a list of things you need to keep in mind and other things you need to avoid. As experienced auto accident attorneys in the San Diego, California area, the team at the Law Offices of Elliott Kanter is here to provide you with the information you need.
Traffic Accidents in San Diego, California
According to statistics compiled by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, in 2017 there were 485,866 reported car accidents in the state of California. These accidents resulted in 276,823 injuries and 3,898 fatalities. These numbers are eye-opening in and of themselves, especially when 21,103 of the injuries or fatalities happened right here in San Diego County.
With more and more vehicles on our roadways, it is only becoming more important to understand the risks and be aware of what to do and what not to do when you’ve been in an accident. At the Law Offices of Elliott Kanter, we have years of experience helping clients who were involved in auto accidents, and we can provide some insight to help you make the right decisions following your accident.
What You Should Do After an Accident
Whether you were involved in a car accident, a truck accident, or a motorcycle accident, there are some very important steps to take immediately following the incident. Knowing what to do and what not to do could make or break your case for compensation. Immediately after you have been involved in an accident, you should:
- Call 9-1-1 — Police and other emergency personnel can help assess injuries, gather information, and make sure the details of the accident are recorded.
- Seek Medical Attention — Have a doctor determine the severity of your injuries and provide you with documentation for your treatment.
- Gather Information & Evidence — Taking photos of the scene, collecting names and contact information of involved parties and/or witnesses, and possibly acquiring any video recordings of your accident can be crucial to your case.
- Contact an Attorney — Choosing experienced legal representation is imperative and can increase your chances of success when pursuing compensation.
Conversely, you should be aware of what not to do following an accident. Do not assume you are uninjured if you feel fine immediately after the accident — seek medical attention anyway. Do not admit liability to the police or to the other party’s insurance company. Do not speak with or provide a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company without consulting with an attorney.
Why You Need an Attorney
After an auto accident, there are several different factors to work through. You may have suffered physical injuries. You may be dealing with law enforcement or various insurance companies representing different parties in the accident. Your injuries may leave you unable to work and unsure of how you will be able to pay your bills. You may even be left with a vehicle that is left undrivable due to extensive damage.
If this is the situation you find yourself in, you need to work with a dedicated team of attorneys to seek the best options available to you. Insurance companies will do everything they can to pay out the lowest amount, so having skilled legal professionals help you with your claim is important to maximize your result. Don’t attempt to work through this process on your own. We have the experience you need to pursue a favorable outcome.
Experienced Traffic Accident Attorneys in San Diego, California
After an auto accident, you need the assistance of knowledgeable attorneys you can trust. Dealing with physical injuries and insurance companies can make your life more difficult and complicated. Having proven attorneys to help guide you through the process will take some of that burden off of your shoulders and put you on a straight path to move forward.
We have been providing the sound legal guidance individuals and families need in the aftermath of their auto accidents for years, and we are ready to do the same for you. Contact the Law Offices of Elliott Kanter in San Diego, California today to schedule a free consultation.
