Steps to Take After a Car Accident

A car accident is an unexpected event leading to inconveniences and undesirable results. Car accidents are devastating, especially when severe injuries are involved. Both minor and major accidents cause injuries of differing degrees. The injuries can be immediate or manifest later, such as a brain injury. Knowing what to do after an accident is crucial for your recovery and future well-being. Our experienced personal injury attorney in Sherman Oaks has composed a list of important steps to take after an accident so you can take to protect yourself.

1. Remain at the Scene
   You should always remain at the scene after an accident. Leaving the scene can put you at risk legally, especially if someone was injured or killed. In addition, it can make it difficult to file a claim later if you do leave the scene.
2. Check For Injuries
   It is extremely important to check to see if all occupants of the vehicles involved are safe. This ensures that there are no life-threatening injuries. However, if any injuries are identified, medical attention should be sought early. After an accident, victims often experience high levels of adrenaline causing minimal or no instant pain. This does not mean that the body is fine and there is no damage. The symptoms of injuries can sometimes take days or weeks to manifest and may not be visible on X-rays. This is why it is essential to seek proper medical attention as soon as possible.
3. Call the Police
   If you are involved in an accident, it is important to call the police and file a police report, if possible. This ensures that the scene is protected and investigations into the cause of the accident are documented. In addition, it is important to make a note of the officer’s badge number and get a copy of the report. This will help everyone involved, including your auto accident lawyer and the insurance company.
4. Exchange Information and Jot Down Relevant Information
   Exchanging information with all parties involved is extremely important to your case. Be sure to collect the following information of the driver(s) involved, such as their full name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, license plate number, insurance company and policy number, make, model, and color of the vehicle(s) involved. You should also make note of where the accident occurred, road conditions, and weather, as these factors can also play a role in how the accident occurred. 
5. Obtain Witness Information
   If there was anyone who witnessed the accident, it is important to obtain their contact information, as their statement will be a crucial form of evidence in your case. This can help narrow down the cause of the accident and help determine liability. 
6. Document the Scene
   Gathering evidence is extremely important for building a solid case. Taking pictures of the property damage and injuries are very important details that will play a crucial role to your case. Pictures can support your claim, tell how bad your injuries were, and determine the extent of damages caused, and much more. When reviewed by experts, photos provide essential validation of how the accident occurred and the extent of it as well. When people do not take pictures, it comes down to your word against that of the other driver, making it hard to prove the extent and cause of the accident. Our team will also work hard to retrieve traffic camera footage and/or nearby security camera footage.
7. Contact an Attorney
   It is imperative to contact an experienced car accident lawyer in Sherman Oaks after an accident to protect your legal rights. The sooner you contact a legal professional, the sooner our team will be able to begin gathering and preserving evidence, and building a strong case.