Important Steps to Take After an Accident

Located in Walnut Creek, California, our attorneys at Brand Peters PC understand that being involved in a car accident can be a shocking and stressful experience.

While accidents are unpredictable, knowing what steps to take afterward may protect your health, legal rights, and future. This guide outlines the important actions we advise you to take immediately following an accident and how they can help protect your safety and legal rights.

Step #1: Confirm Safety and Check for Injuries

The first step we recommend after any accident is to make sure your safety and the safety of others involved are prioritized. If possible, move the vehicle to a safe location, such as the shoulder of the road or a nearby parking lot, to avoid further collisions.

It’s important to check yourself and any passengers for injuries, even if they seem minor. Adrenaline can often mask pain, so we advise assessing everyone’s condition thoroughly.

If anyone is injured, we strongly urge calling 911 right away. In California, it’s required by law to report accidents that result in injury or death.

Step #2: Call the Authorities

Regardless of how minor the accident may seem, we always recommend calling the police to report it. An official accident report from law enforcement is crucial when filing insurance claims or if there’s a dispute about fault.

The police will document the scene, interview witnesses, and provide a detailed report, which can serve as valuable evidence later on.

Step #3: Exchange Information With the Other Driver

After verifying each party’s safety, we advise exchanging information with the other driver involved in the accident. This includes:

• Contact Information: Exchange full names, phone numbers, and addresses with the other driver to facilitate communication for any follow-up or insurance purposes.
• Driver’s License Details: Share your driver’s license number and state of issuance with the other driver. This helps confirm that both parties involved are legally licensed to drive.
• Vehicle Information: Provide the make, model, year, color, and license plate number of the vehicles involved in the accident. This is crucial for insurance claims and any potential legal proceedings.
• Insurance Information: Exchange the name of your insurance company, policy number, and insurance contact details. This information is essential for filing claims and resolving liability issues.
• Accident Location: Note the exact location of the accident, including the street name, intersections, and any identifiable landmarks. This information will be important for police reports and insurance investigations.

If there are witnesses present, it’s critical to gather their contact information as well. Witness statements may play a crucial role in determining fault and clarifying details for the authorities or insurance companies.

Step #4: Document the Scene

We highly recommend taking time to document the accident scene thoroughly. This step may strengthen your case if there are disputes over fault. Make sure to capture and document the following details:

• Photos of the Scene: Take clear photos of the accident scene from multiple angles, including vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and any other relevant details. This visual evidence can be crucial for insurance claims and determining fault.
• Driver and Vehicle Information: Document the other driver’s contact information, driver’s license number, vehicle make and model, license plate number, and insurance details. This information is essential for filing claims and legal purposes.
• Accident Location and Conditions: Write down the exact location of the accident, including street names, intersections, and landmarks. Also, note weather conditions, time of day, and any contributing factors, like traffic or road hazards.
• Police Report: If the police are called to the scene, document the responding officer’s name, badge number, and contact information. Be sure to obtain a copy of the official police report or the report number for future reference.
• Witness Statements: If there are any witnesses, document their contact information and brief statements about what they saw. Witness accounts may help clarify the events of the accident.
• Your Own Notes: Write down your own account of the accident while the details are fresh. Include information about how the accident occurred, the direction of travel, and any important observations about the other driver’s behavior.

The more detailed your documentation, the better protected you’ll be during insurance claims or potential legal proceedings.

Step #5: Notify Your Insurance Company

It’s crucial to notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Most insurance policies require prompt reporting, and failure to do so could jeopardize your coverage.

Provide your insurer with all the necessary details, including the other driver’s information, the police report number, and any photos or evidence you collected from the scene.

Your insurance company will guide you through the claims process, and they may arrange for an adjuster to inspect the damage to your vehicle.

Step #6: Keep Track of Accident-Related Expenses

In the aftermath of an accident, we recommend keeping detailed records of any expenses related to:

• Vehicle Repair Costs: Track all expenses related to vehicle repairs, including estimates, repair shop invoices, and any costs for parts and labor. If the car is totaled, keep documentation of its replacement value.
• Medical Bills: Keep records of all medical expenses related to your personal injury, such as emergency room visits, doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, medication, and any future medical treatments. This includes out-of-pocket expenses like co-pays and deductibles.
• Lost Wages: Document any time you miss work due to injuries sustained in the accident. This includes time off for recovery, medical appointments, and any long-term loss of income if you’re unable to return to work.
• Car Rental and Transportation Costs: Track expenses for a rental car or alternative transportation while your vehicle is being repaired. Keep receipts and rental agreements for reimbursement from your insurance company.
• Property Damage: Document any damage to personal belongings inside the vehicle at the time of the accident, such as electronics, clothing, or other valuables. Keep receipts or estimates for their replacement or repair.
• Legal and Insurance Fees: Keep track of any legal fees, court costs, or increased insurance premiums related to your personal injury. This also includes any costs associated with hiring an attorney or filing insurance claims.

Documenting these expenses may be helpful when the time comes to file a personal injury claim.

Step #7: Understand Your Legal Options

If you’re facing significant injuries or damage, or if fault is being disputed, it’s essential to consult with a personal injury attorney. As experienced personal injury attorneys in Walnut Creek, we may help you understand California’s personal injury laws and protect your rights.

We negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, gather additional evidence, and help you argue to receive compensation for your injuries and damages.

Step #8: Be Prepared for Potential Legal Action

Even if the accident seems straightforward, legal action may still be necessary if there are disputes about fault or if insurance companies refuse to pay compensation. In such cases, having a personal injury attorney who is experienced in car accidents on your side may make a difference.

We work to build a strong case, representing your best interests in court or during settlement negotiations.

Turn to Experienced Legal Professionals

Accidents are unpredictable, but knowing what to do afterward may make a difference in how you recover physically, financially, and legally. If you’ve been involved in an accident in Walnut Creek, following these steps may help you work through the challenges of the situation. Brand Peters PC proudly serves those in Walnut Creek, California as well as those in Contra Costa County, Alameda County, and Solano County. Contact us today.