Being involved in an accident that isn't your fault can feel overwhelming and stressful. This traumatic event can change everything in seconds, but knowing the right steps can protect your rights. You need to understand what to do after a car accident, even if it's not your fault, to get fair compensation. Taking the correct actions helps your car accident claim succeed. The accident details matter for determining fault and recovering the compensation you deserve.
Taking the correct actions helps your car accident claim succeed. The accident details matter for determining fault and recovering the compensation you deserve. Nazaryan Law and its experienced car accident attorney can guide you through this process and help ensure you receive the compensation you're entitled to.
Your safety comes first when an accident happens. Check yourself and others for physical injuries immediately. Move away from traffic if possible to prevent additional accidents.
Look for any physical injuries on yourself and other parties involved in the crash. If anyone is seriously hurt, don't try to move them unless there's immediate danger. Get everyone away from the vehicles involved and traffic if it's safe to do so. To alert other drivers to the collision, turn on the hazard lights. Stay calm and help others remain calm while waiting for help to arrive.
To report the car collision and request medical assistance, dial 911 right away. Even minor-looking injuries can become serious later without proper medical care. The responding police will record the accident scene and draft a formal police report. Medical attention helps protect your health and creates important records for your car insurance claim. Without taking responsibility or acknowledging culpability, tell the police officer the whole truth about what transpired.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, prompt medical attention is crucial for both health and legal documentation purposes.
Collecting information at the accident scene strengthens your insurance claim significantly. Exchange information with all drivers and document everything you can safely. Obtain contact details from witnesses who witnessed the car accident.
Obtain the other driver's full name, contact information, and insurance details as soon as possible. Write down their driver's license numbers and license plate numbers from all vehicles involved. Ask for their vehicle registration and auto insurance policy details. Share your insurance information and contact details with the other parties. Don't discuss who caused the accident or admit any fault during this exchange.
Take pictures of all vehicle damage from multiple angles, if possible. Document the accident scene, including street signs, traffic lights, and road conditions. Photo any visible physical injuries you or others have sustained. Record each car's license plate number that was involved in the collision. These photos become valuable evidence when you file a claim with insurance companies.
Ask the responding officers how to get a copy of the police report they created. This report contains important accident details and the officer's assessment of what happened. The police report helps with determining fault and supports your third-party claim. Police reports are a major source of information for insurance adjusters evaluating auto accident claims. Request the report number and information about when it will be available.
Contact your own insurance company as soon as possible after the accident occurs. Report the car accident even though it wasn't your fault. Your insurance provider needs to know about any accidents involving your vehicle.
Call your insurance company within the time limits required by your auto insurance policy. Provide them with an unbiased account of what happened without admitting fault or accepting blame. Provide all the contact and insurance information you collected from other drivers. Tell them about any physical injuries and medical attention you received. Inquire about rental car insurance in case your car requires repairs.
Examine your insurance policy to find out what protections are available to you. Verify if you have uninsured motorist coverage in case the at-fault driver is uninsured. Understand your policy limits and what expenses your insurance will cover. Inquire about the repair process and how to have your vehicle's damage assessed. Determine whether you need to use a specific repair shop or if you can choose your own.
The Insurance Information Institute provides comprehensive guides on understanding your auto insurance coverage and claim procedures.
Getting legal help protects your rights when the accident wasn't your fault. An auto accident attorney expertly negotiates with insurers to maximize your compensation.
Even in cases where you are not at fault, insurance companies frequently attempt to reduce benefits. The other driver's insurance company can blame you for the collision or contest liability. A car accident lawyer protects you from unfair tactics and ensures you get fair compensation. They understand legal liability laws and know how to prove the at-fault party's responsibility. Legal representation becomes especially important if you suffer serious physical injuries.
Your attorney handles all communication with insurance adjusters, allowing you to focus on your recovery. They know the true value of your car accident claim, including future medical expenses. Lawyers have experience negotiating fair settlements that cover all your losses completely. They can take your case to court if the insurance company doesn't offer adequate compensation. A free consultation helps you understand your rights without any financial risk.
Continue medical treatment as recommended by medical professionals, even if you feel better. Document all medical care and expenses related to your injuries from the car accident.
Save all medical bills, treatment records, and medication receipts from your accident injuries. Keep a journal of your symptoms, pain thresholds, and the ways that injuries interfere with your daily activities. Keep track of every appointment you have with physicians, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers. These documents substantiate your claim for compensation and demonstrate the severity of your injuries. Organized medical documentation helps your lawyer build a stronger case.
Avoid accepting any settlement offers until you finish all necessary medical treatment. Some injuries worsen over time or require additional procedures you can't predict initially. Once you accept a settlement, you can't ask for more money later. Let your doctor determine when you've reached maximum improvement before considering settlement offers. Your car crash attorney will advise when it's appropriate to negotiate with insurance companies.
For severe injuries, specialized catastrophic injury legal representation may be necessary.
You have the right to recover compensation for all losses when someone else caused your accident. Understanding these rights empowers you to confidently pursue your claim.
Financial recovery may be available for your medical costs, lost income, and suffering. The at-fault driver's insurance should pay for your medical bills and vehicle repairs. You're entitled to compensation for income you lost while recovering from injuries. Property damage compensation covers repair costs or the replacement value of your vehicle. Pain and suffering damages recognize the physical and emotional impact of the accident.
The settlement process typically takes several months from start to finish after you complete medical treatment. A demand letter outlining your damages will be sent to the responsible driver's insurance by your lawyer. Insurance companies usually respond with a counteroffer that requires negotiation to reach fair compensation. Most cases settle out of court, but your attorney will file a lawsuit if necessary. The timeline depends on the severity of the injury, the level of insurance cooperation, and the complexity of the case.
Certain mistakes can hurt your car accident claim and reduce your compensation significantly. Avoiding these errors protects your rights and strengthens your case.
Never admit fault or say you're sorry at the scene of the accident, even if you're just being polite. These statements could influence how insurers assign fault. Let the police and insurance adjusters investigate to determine who is at fault for the accident. Stick to facts about what happened without speculating about causes or blame. Even saying "I didn't see you" can be interpreted as an admission of fault.
Insurance companies often make quick, low settlement offers, hoping you'll accept them before understanding your full damages. These early offers rarely cover all your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. Don't sign anything or accept money without consulting a car accident lawyer first. Your injuries may require more treatment than initially expected, which could result in increased total damages. You deserve compensation for all accident-related losses, both present and future.
In California, the deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party is two years from the accident date. However, it is recommended that you navigate the insurance claims process as soon as possible after the accident occurs.
You have three years from the accident date to file a property damage claim. These deadlines are strict, and missing them can result in the loss of any compensation. Starting early also helps preserve evidence and witness memories while they're still fresh. A skilled car accident attorney will handle deadlines and protect your rights during the entire process.
The California Courts website provides detailed information about the statute of limitations for personal injury and property damage cases.
An experienced car accident lawyer significantly increases the value of your settlement through expert negotiation and case preparation. They understand insurers' claim evaluation process and which evidence is most impactful. Lawyers have relationships with medical experts who can testify about your injuries and future needs.
They calculate the true cost of your damages, including future medical care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Your attorney will fight against lowball offers and demand fair compensation for all your losses. If negotiations fail, they're prepared to take your case to trial to get the maximum compensation possible.
Our law firm has successfully handled thousands of car accident cases where our clients weren't at fault. We understand California traffic laws and know how to prove liability against negligent drivers. Our team has extensive experience dealing with all major insurance companies and their tactics.
We provide personalized attention to every client and keep you informed throughout the entire process. Our track record of successful settlements and verdicts demonstrates our commitment to maximizing client compensation and achieving optimal outcomes. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Don't let insurance companies take advantage of you after an accident that wasn't your fault. Our experienced legal team offers free consultation to evaluate your case and explain your options. We'll review the accident details, assess your damages, and develop a strategy to maximize your compensation. Visit our Woodland Hills, San Fernando, or Victorville office for a complimentary case evaluation.
Our "No Fees Unless We Win" policy means you risk nothing by getting legal help. Contact us today to protect your rights and start building a strong car accident claim for the compensation you deserve.
Nazaryan Law Car Accident & Injury Lawyers
601 S Brand Blvd, Suite 301, San Fernando, CA 91340
Phone: (818) 900-1888
Artin has a strong track record of securing substantial compensation for clients in motor vehicle accidents, catastrophic injuries, and complex homeowner insurance claims.
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