No one wants to think about what they need to do after an accident. Naturally, we would all like to believe that we will never be involved in an accident. Statistics, however, tell us otherwise. Statistics vary, but your chance of being involved in a car accident at some point in your life is someone around one in five. Given the fact that accidents happen every minute of every day California and that your chances are fairly good of being involved in one at some point in your life, it is a good idea to know what to do after a car accident. That old saying “prepare for the worst and hope for the best” definitely applies here says California car accident attorney Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates. What you do immediately after a car accident can have far reaching consequences – both for your health and for your finances. While each car accident is unique, there are a few steps that every victim of a car accident should take.
1. When possible, move your vehicle out of traffic. Clearly, some accidents make moving your vehicle impossible or impractical, but when possible move over to the shoulder or into a nearby parking lot to prevent a secondary accident.
2. Call the police. Many people think that when the damage isn’t severe and no one is seriously injured that calling the police isn’t necessary. According to car accident attorney Emery Ledger, calling the police provides an official and objective report of the accident for later use.
3. Seek medical attention. In some cases, you will be taken directly to a hospital from the scene of the accident. If your injuries do not require immediate transport, take yourself to the hospital as soon as practical after the accident. You may think that you didn’t receive any injuries only to find out days, weeks, months or even YEARS later that you did indeed receive injuries from the accident. The only way you will know for sure – and the only way your car accident attorney can get you compensation for your injuries – is to be evaluate as soon after the accident as possible.
4. Get witness information. Don’t rely solely on the police report for witness information. While the report MAY include witness information, it may not be complete or accurate. Whenever possible get your own witness information.
5. Return to the scene of the accident and take photographs. Scenery can change over time and your car accident attorney may need accurate photos of the scene at the time of the accident.
6. Contact an experienced California car accident attorney. Some accidents can be handled without the need to hire an attorney, but until you have had your case evaluated by a car accident attorney you may not know what your legal situation is and what option you have.
Hopefully, you will never need to refer to any of this advice. If, however, you find yourself the victim of a California car accident and would like a free and detailed evaluation of your case, please feel free to contact the law office of Ledger & Associates at 1-800-300-0001 or visit them online at www.ledgerlaw.com
