The First Four Things to Do After Being Injured in a Car Crash

By Eugene Bruno on June 30, 2023

Car accidents are a fact of life in California. No matter how diligently you drive, you cannot control the actions of other drivers. Your actions after a crash can make a difference in what compensation you receive from the responsible parties. The following are the first four things you should do after a car accident.

Seek Medical Attention

If you have been hurt in a car accident, your priority is to get medical treatment for your injuries. Call an ambulance if necessary. Otherwise, see your doctor as soon as possible, even if you do not believe your injuries are serious. A thorough medical exam may identify hidden injuries that were not apparent immediately after the crash. It can also establish a record of your injuries and provide documentation to support your claim for compensation.

Contact the Authorities

It is important to report a serious traffic crash to the police or other authorities. The investigating officer will prepare a report documenting crucial details about the accident. Make sure you obtain a copy of the police report when it is available.

Collect Evidence

If you are able, collect as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident:

• Exchange information with other parties involved in the crash, including driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance information, phone number, and current address. Use your cell phone to take pictures of the other driver’s documents and license plate.
• Get names and contact information for any eyewitnesses to the accident.
• Take pictures of the accident scene, including the relative positions of the vehicles involved, the damage to the vehicles, any skid marks or crash debris, and any visible injuries you or your passengers sustained.
• Take plenty of pictures from different angles and distances to clearly document the location of the accident, weather conditions, traffic signs and signals, and any other relevant factors.
• If you have a dashcam installed in your vehicle, preserve the footage of the accident as evidence in your claim for compensation. If you do not have a dashcam, find out if the other driver does, or reach out to other drivers who may have witnessed the crash.

Consult with an Experienced San Diego Car Accident Attorney

It may be wise to consult with a San Diego car accident lawyer even before you notify your insurance company. Definitely contact an attorney before making any statements to the other driver’s insurer. Insurance companies are in business for profit, and their goal is to minimize their payouts. Any statements you make could be used against you.

After a car accident with injuries, your best chance of recovering full compensation for the losses you have suffered is to have an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney handling your claim. We can assist with investigating your accident, determining fault and liability, and securing evidence in your case. Our seasoned car accident lawyers can calculate the full extent of your damages, negotiate skillfully with insurance companies for the compensation you deserve, and present a compelling case to a jury if necessary. We can protect your legal rights and handle the details of your claim while you recover from your injuries.

Why Choose Us?

At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we have a 99.7% success rate. We have recovered tens of millions of dollars for thousands of satisfied clients. We are honest, ethical, and aggressive. Our firm offers personalized attention, and our legal team is accessible 24/7. We have more than 40 years of experience helping accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve. If you have been seriously injured in a car crash, contact us at (619) 209-6066.