Woodland Hills 
Car Accident Lawyer

What to Do If You Are Involved in a Car Accident

Collisions and car wrecks are frightening experiences, regardless of how major or minor they may be. Many people are unsure of what to do immediately after a car accident, but there are a few things you can and should do in order to protect your health, safety, and rights.

If you are involved in a car accident, make sure you do the following:

• Stay at the scene: Never leave the scene of an accident until you have been cleared to do so. If you flee the scene, it is considered a hit-and-run. You can face serious criminal penalties, especially when injuries are sustained.
• Check on all drivers and passengers: If you are able to, check on all parties involved in the accident to determine if anyone needs medical attention. Never move an unconscious person or someone complaining of neck or back pain unless their life depends on it. Call for help if medical attention is needed. If everyone is okay, assess property damage.
• Exchange information: Get names, phone numbers, addresses, drivers’ license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information from all drivers involved. If there are passengers, also obtain their names, numbers, and addresses. You also want to gather contact information for any witnesses at the scene.
• Take pictures: If you can, take pictures at the scene of the accident, all vehicles involved, and any damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle related to the accident. Be sure to get photos of any injuries as well. Photos will help determine who is at fault in case of disputes, serve as important pieces of evidence if your case goes to court, and can help determine compensation for your claim.
• Call the police: Whenever there is evidence of property damage, injury, or death, the police must be called. Always gather officer names and badge numbers and request that a police report be filed.
• Avoid discussing the accident: You should not discuss the accident with anyone except your attorney, your insurance company, and the police. Never talk to the other insurance company; refer the call to your lawyer instead.
• Seek medical attention and keep track of your medical treatment: Seek medical attention immediately and anytime you have been involved in more than a fender bender. Note any doctors or other medical professionals you received treatment from. Keep a detailed record of dates, times, treatments, and/or medications you receive. Request a copy of all medical reports and expenses. Keep a record of how your injuries have impacted your daily life. Include any time off work, missed routine activities, and how the injuries have affected your family life and personal life.
• Inform your insurance company: Review your insurance policy and then contact your insurance company immediately. Explain the facts of the accident clearly. Obtain and review any police report filed so you can check for accuracy and determine who was at fault. Keep a detailed account of all conversations with insurance company representatives and be sure to take note of their names, phone numbers, and job titles.
• Request vehicle valuation: Request insurance adjuster’s estimation of vehicle valuation. If you are satisfied, proceed with getting estimates from body shops for repairs. If you don’t agree with the insurance adjuster, get at least two independent valuations and report back to the initial insurance company. Contact an experienced Woodland Hills car accident attorney if you still can’t agree on a value.
• Reject early settlement offers: Never sign a release with the other insurance company. Refer all offers to your lawyer. Never accept an offer until all medical treatments have concluded, and you have been fully released by your medical provider. Always consult with an experienced personal injury attorney prior to signing any legal documents related to your accident.
• Consult with an experienced Woodland Hills auto accident lawyer to answer your questions: Auto accident claims can be complicated, especially if injuries were sustained in the accident. A personal injury attorney can help ensure you receive a fair settlement and recover maximum compensation for your injuries.

Contact Our Woodland Hills Car Accident Attorney Today

If you would like to discuss your car accident case with an experienced and highly skilled lawyer, contact the Woodland Hills car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Ali Taheripour and request a consultation today. We offer contingent fees, meaning you do not pay unless we win your case. We also offer legal services in Spanish and we can travel to meet you if you are not able to make it into our office for your consultation.