Car accidents happen every day in California but too often, those involved don’t know what their next step should be. They may think that if there were no major injuries, that there’s no reason to file a report. This simply isn’t true. Read on to learn more about why it’s so important to report your car accident sooner rather than later. Then reach out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you’ve been involved in a car accident where injuries occurred.
There are two things to think about when reporting a car accident
There can be many causes of car accidents, from drunk driving to distracted driving, from faulty equipment to running a red light. One thing that’s true of every car accident is that it’s not convenient. It can be devastating and can cause everything from minor injuries to catastrophic injuries. Many drivers aren’t sure what to do after an accident. The truth is that there are two things you’ll want to think about when reporting your car accident: Making sure you’re meeting the requirements of both your insurance policy and the law.
Medical care is always the first priority after a car accident
Before we get into the things you must do after a car accident, we want to be clear: This all takes place after you and others get medical care. If there is an injury, then you should get to a hospital or call an ambulance. Do not spend time collecting information at the scene if you or a loved one is in serious need of medical care.
Your insurance company is likely the central contact point
In most car accidents, the central contact point is going to be your insurance company. That said, this isn’t always in the case. Some accidents may require a lawsuit to ensure you get the full damages you’re owned. Even if the accident was partially your fault, if someone else is more at fault then you may have grounds for a personal injury case.
There is a statute of limitations on car accidents in California
When we say that reporting your car accident sooner rather than later is important, there are a few reasons that’s true. First, there is a statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits. In most cases, that limit is two years but in some cases, such as those involving the government, it could be as short as six months after the accident.
Evidence is lost as the days go on
If you wait too long, you’ll also miss out on important evidence. This could be physical evidence at the scene of the crash or the statements of witnesses. As every day goes by, the chance of them not recollecting the details of the accident goes up.
As you can see, the sooner you reach out to a personal injury attorney, the sooner you can move on with your case. To learn more about your options, reach out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas today at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
