Car accidents happen every day on the busy streets and highways of Los Angeles. Whether it’s a fender bender on the 101 or a serious collision on the I-5, knowing what to do after a crash can protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover fair compensation. At LA Injury Attorneys, our Los Angeles car accident lawyers have decades of experience helping clients through these difficult moments. Below is a step-by-step guide to follow after a car accident in California.
Step 1: Ensure Safety First
The first priority after any accident is safety. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. Check yourself, your passengers, and others involved for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. In serious cases such as truck accidents or motorcycle accidents, emergency medical care is essential.
Step 2: Call Law Enforcement
California law requires drivers to report accidents that cause injury or significant property damage. Police reports provide critical evidence for insurance claims and future legal action. If you are in Burbank or surrounding areas, ask the responding officer how to obtain a copy of the report, as it will support your claim with auto accident attorneys.
Step 3: Document the Accident Scene
Evidence can disappear quickly. Use your phone to take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and visible injuries. If witnesses are present, collect their names and contact information. In cases like pedestrian accidents or cycling accidents, witness testimony is often key to proving liability.
Step 4: Exchange Information
California law requires drivers to exchange their name, address, driver’s license number, and insurance details. Avoid discussing fault at the scene. Even a simple apology can be misinterpreted by insurance companies later. Our team at LA Injury Attorneys has seen insurance adjusters use these statements to minimize settlements in cases ranging from rideshare accidents to DUI accidents.
Step 5: Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, some injuries such as whiplash or traumatic brain injuries may not show symptoms right away. Visiting a doctor creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the accident. This is especially important for victims of slip, trip, and fall accidents, where insurance companies often argue that injuries were pre-existing.
Step 6: Report the Accident
California requires you to report accidents to the DMV within 10 days if someone was injured or if property damage exceeds $1,000. You must also notify your insurance company promptly. However, be cautious as insurance adjusters are trained to reduce payouts. Having a lawyer on your side ensures your rights are protected.
Step 7: Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
The final and most important step is to contact an experienced Los Angeles car accident attorney. At LA Injury Attorneys, our team includes former insurance adjusters and defense attorneys who know exactly how insurance companies operate. We handle everything from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers, and we fight aggressively if your case goes to trial. Whether you are facing a wrongful death claim or a straightforward car accident, we are here to help.
Why Choose LA Injury Attorneys?
At LA Injury Attorneys, customer satisfaction is our number one priority. You pay nothing unless we win your case. Our history of multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements shows our commitment to justice for accident victims across California, including Burbank, Los Angeles, and beyond. Knowing what to do after a car accident in Los Angeles can make the difference between a denied claim and a life-changing settlement. If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Contact the trusted team at LA Injury Attorneys for a free consultation today.