WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT CHECKLIST?

Traffic in Sacramento can be challenging. For Sacramento residents, car accidents are nothing out of the ordinary. However, do you know what you should do if you are involved in a car accident? The steps you take immediately after a car accident can have a significant impact on your ability to recover full compensation for an accident claim. Our Sacramento car accident lawyers have compiled a short car accident checklist. In the aftermath of a car crash, it can help to have a checklist to remind you what you need to do.

California Car Accident Checklist

1. Stay Calm and Call 911
   Always call the police to report a traffic accident. If the police are not dispatched to the accident scene, make sure you file an incident report to document the collision for an insurance claim.
2. Move to a safe location if possible.
   Injuries may prevent you from moving. If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic to a safe location and turn on your emergency lights.
3. Be courteous but do not admit fault.
   Exchange driver’s license information and insurance information with the other driver. Do not admit fault or discuss the details of the accident.
4. Take photographs and make videos.
   Photographs and videos of the accident scene can be very helpful when you file an accident claim. Try to take as many photographs as possible, but never take photos if doing so will put you or others in danger.
5. Gather as much information at the accident scene as possible.
   Make notes at the accident scene to help you remember important details about the crash. If anyone witnessed the crash, ask the person for his or her name and contact information.
6. Ask the officer how to get a copy of the police report.
   Make a note of the officer’s name and badge number with notes about how to get a copy of the police report.
7. Report the accident to your insurance company.
   Write down the claim number and the name and contact information for the insurance adjuster. Make sure to get information about repairing your vehicle if you were at fault for the crash.
8. Seek medical attention for injuries.
   If you did not go to the hospital after the accident, you might want to see your family doctor. It is always a good idea to see a doctor after an accident for an examination. Do not delay medical treatment. A delay in treatment could make an injury worse. It could also hurt your chance of recovering compensation for an injury claim.
9. Obtain estimates to repair your vehicle.
   If the accident was not your fault, the insurance company for the other driver should instruct you how to have your car repaired. If the vehicle is totaled, you should receive fair market value for the vehicle. Be very careful when signing any documents related to vehicle damage to avoid releasing the insurance company for physical injuries and damages.
10. Keep detailed notes.
    Track your medical treatment, document expenses, and keep detailed notes about each conversation related to the accident or your injury.
11. Get a copy of the police report.
    If you intend to consult a Sacramento car accident attorney, your attorney will take care of this step for you.
12. Contact a Sacramento car accident attorney.
    Before you provide statements to the insurance company or sign any documents, you should seek legal advice to determine your rights and options for recovering compensation for your claim. You can also discuss other steps that you may need to add to your car accident checklist.

The Tiemann Law Firm offers free consultations. Call (916) 999-9000 to speak with a member of our legal team about your car accident checklist.