Tiemann Law Firm in Forbes Magazine

call for a free consultation

(916) 999-9000
Home > Accident Attorney > WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT CHECKLIST?

Written by Jelena Tiemann and Peter B. Tiemann

Last Updated : December 22, 2021
REQUEST FREE CASE REVIEW

Posted on Thursday, February 21st, 2019 at 11:25 pm    

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.

Categories: Accident Attorney, Accident Injury, Attorney At Law, California, Car Accident

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Client Testimonials

Herb T. Testimonial
Quote

The Tiemanns were referred to me by a friend and I am exceptionally happy with the service I received. I had never been in an accident before. I had no idea what to do. Jelena verbally explained how everything would work to me, and she and Peter handled everything. I didn't have to lift a finger once. They went above and beyond for me and I am extremely grateful. I pray I won't ever need this type of assistance again, but I will definitely be referring them to friends and family.

Jennifer T. Testimonial
Quote

I highly recommend The Tiemann Law Firm! I had never before been in a situation where I sustained injury and had to seek legal representation. I was nervous, traumatized, and had no idea what to expect. Jelena, Peter, and their staff walked me through each step of the process. They explained everything in detail. They patiently answered all my questions, responded quickly to every email, text message, phone call, etc. I felt totally prepared for each new phase of the legal process. Furthermore, they were fearless in their defense of me. In certain situations, when I felt attacked or scared my attorney protected me like I was family. Their diligence, honesty, integrity, and compassion provided a true sense of healing and closure for my family and I. The Tiemann Law Firm accomplished more for me than I ever thought possible and I am forever grateful.

S.B. Testimonial
Quote

Here's the thing... Nobody really thinks much about lawyers until they need one.  Well, we needed one!  The Tieman Law Firm came through for us in a big way. They were professional, courteous, thorough, and had excellent staff as well.  Highly recommended...

Jereme S. Testimonial
Quote

No one wants to have to hire a lawyer, but if you do. I prefer Tiemann Law. They helped a family member who was injured on the job, and the company did not want to compensate him even though, the injury occurred on the job on company time. Jelena was always professional in explaining the lengthy process of fighting a large corporation. 2 years later he finally is receiving the deserved compensation.

Hanna Padilla Testimonial
Quote

From the very start of my case the Tiemann Law Firm was wonderful. Perter came all the way to my home to sit down and talk to me about my options. He made me and my partner feel very comfortable and promised us he would take the very best care of my case. Peter kept me informed every step of the way and was always on top of things. everything was done in a timely manor and I always felt like I was the only case he was working on because he was so fast. In the end Peter got me back way more money than I ever expected. I would recommend this law firm to everyone. I am very happy with the outcome of my case thanks to the Tiemann Law Firm! Thank you!