What To Do Immediately After a Car Accident in California (Step-By-Step Guide)
- Home
- What To Do Immediately After a Car Accident in California (Step-By-Step Guide)
Car accidents happen every day across California — on the 405, the 101, the 5, and countless local streets. Knowing what to do even seconds after a crash can protect your health, strengthen your claim, and prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of you.
This guide explains exactly what steps to take to protect your rights after a collision.
This guide explains exactly what steps to take to protect your rights after a collision.
1. Check for Injuries & Call 911
Even if you feel “fine,” adrenaline can mask serious injuries such as concussions, internal bleeding, or spinal damage. Always request:
- A police response
- A written traffic collision report
- Medical evaluation
A police report is one of the strongest pieces of evidence in California car accident claims.
- A police response
- A written traffic collision report
- Medical evaluation
A police report is one of the strongest pieces of evidence in California car accident claims.
2. Exchange Information With All Drivers
Make sure to collect:
- Full names
- Phone numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- Insurance information
- License plates
Avoid discussing fault — insurance companies can use your words against you.
- Full names
- Phone numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- Insurance information
- License plates
Avoid discussing fault — insurance companies can use your words against you.
3. Take Photos & Videos at the Scene
Capture:
- Vehicle damage
- Road conditions
- Skid marks
- Weather
- Traffic signals
- Visible injuries
Video evidence can dramatically strengthen your injury claim.
- Vehicle damage
- Road conditions
- Skid marks
- Weather
- Traffic signals
- Visible injuries
Video evidence can dramatically strengthen your injury claim.
4. Get Medical Attention Immediately
Delaying medical care can:
- Make injuries worse
- Hurt your case
- Allow insurance companies to argue you weren’t really hurt
Always get checked the same day as the accident.
- Make injuries worse
- Hurt your case
- Allow insurance companies to argue you weren’t really hurt
Always get checked the same day as the accident.
5. Contact a California Car Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies will try to:
- Minimize your injuries
- Blame you
- Offer a low settlement
- Pressure you into a quick payout
At Alemi Law Group, we protect injury victims and negotiate aggressively with insurers.
- Minimize your injuries
- Blame you
- Offer a low settlement
- Pressure you into a quick payout
At Alemi Law Group, we protect injury victims and negotiate aggressively with insurers.
Get a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a California car accident, we’re here to help.
(818) 946-9911
info@alemilawgrp.com
(818) 946-9911 info@alemilawgrp.com
