California Auto Accident Lawyer

If you are injured in an automobile or truck accident, you can easily be overwhelmed by everything that you will have to deal with. Keep in mind a few basic steps as you move forward through the aftermath of the accident. Always take care of yourself first.

• Get medical attention
• Take pictures of your injuries
• Make sure pictures are taken of the vehicle damage
• Contact your attorney
• Let your attorney handle all communication with opposing insurance and attorneys

You need to keep these points in mind. There are very good reasons for each one of them. The reasons for these steps lie in the fact that the consequences of accidents can lead to adversarial proceedings: matters become divided between “your side” and “their side”. Anyone from “their side” is not your friend, whether it is the other driver, his or her lawyers, or the insurance company representing the other driver.

MEDICAL ATTENTION

When you have been the victim of an accident involving a car or truck, the most important thing to do is to take care of your physical injuries.  It is also important that you always follow the directions of your doctor from that point on. Do not try to “rush” your recovery. If the doctor tells you to refrain from certain types of activity, do not attempt them

DOCUMENT YOUR INJURIES

If you have the opportunity, take photographs of your injuries. Use the camera on your cell phone or tablet or any other means, if you can. Equally important for you is that you keep track of all documents for your treatment. The reports of emergency personnel and doctors will be an important component of your case. Be sure to have all continuing instructions from your doctor at hand. If there are any changes in your treatment, add those documents to your file and also be sure to inform your attorney of these facts.

DOCUMENT VEHICLE DAMAGE

If possible, take photographs of your car or truck at the site of the accident. Take multiple shots, from several different angles, so the full nature of the damage can be seen. If it is not possible to do this at the scene of the accident, do it as soon as possible afterward, and before any work is done on the vehicle. Keep all the documents for the repairs together: estimates, invoices, service orders, any paperwork connected with the incident. These also are documents that you should copy and give to your lawyer.

SEEKING LEGAL HELP

In the case of any serious accident that involves personal injury, your wisest course of action is to seek the help of a legal advocate. This professional will keep a clear head in dealing with all aspects of the aftermath of the accident. The service the lawyer provides protects you from mistakes that can be made because you are dealing with the stresses and upsets of the event. Your attorney will advise you of the specific steps you will need to take in dealing with the accident and insurance.

LET THE ATTORNEY DEAL WITH THE CASE

The most important thing for you to remember when pursuing a personal injury claim is that anything you say in public can become a “matter of record.” Comments you make on social media sites (such as Facebook) can be used against you. Talking with your friends about matters can be used against you.  Even though as social creatures it is part of human nature to want to talk about things that happen to you, remember that discussing such matters can negatively impact your injury claim.  If any insurance company attempts to speak with you about the accident, tell them to speak to your lawyer. If the insurance company for the other party contacts you with an offer, do not comment on it one way or another, but rather tell them to approach your attorney.

When injured in an accident, securing the services of a good personal injury lawyer will provide you with peace of mind in a time of trouble. Your lawyer will work to get the best results for you.  Don’t hesitate to get an advocate who will fight for you, as any delay can also compromise the value of your injury case.

We have offices throughout California to serve you.