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What You Should Do and Not Do After a North Hollywood Car Accident

June 27, 2024 – Sean Shamsi

north hollywood car accident

If you’ve been injured in a North Hollywood car accident, you may be feeling frustrated, worried, and unsure of what to do next. You might be concerned about paying bills, finding the right medical treatment, and recovering lost wages. Additionally, you may be worried that you missed taking important steps to secure your legal and financial future and now wonder if it’s too late to take action.

The truth is, even if you didn’t handle everything perfectly at the scene of the accident, there are still actions you can take to protect your rights and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses. In this blog post, we’ll help you understand what you should have done, what steps you can still take now—such as seeking medical attention, documenting your injuries and expenses, and consulting with a lawyer—and what mistakes to avoid that could weaken your claim.

So, whether you’re dealing with the immediate aftermath of your accident or you’re weeks into the process, keep reading to learn how you can protect your interests, assert your rights by taking informed actions, and work towards the best possible resolution for your case if you’ve been injured due to another’s negligence.

What You Should Do After a Car Accident

  1. Ensure your safety and call for medical assistance if needed. Immediately after the accident, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 and request medical assistance right away. If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent further accidents. If the vehicles are not drivable, turn on your hazard lights and wait for help to arrive.
  2. Report the accident to authorities. In California, you’re legally required to report any accident that results in injuries, death, or significant property damage to the police or California Highway Patrol within 24 hours. Failing to do so can result in legal consequences. Additionally, California is an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is liable for the damages. Having an official report is crucial for supporting your claim and establishing who is at fault.
  3. Gather evidence at the scene. If it’s safe, take steps to gather evidence that will support your claim. Start by photographing vehicle damage, injuries, and the surrounding area, including road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and any other relevant details.

    Obtain contact and insurance information from the other driver(s) involved, including their name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance policy number. Additionally, get statements and contact information from any witnesses to the accident, as their testimonies can be crucial in supporting your version of events.

    Make a note of the weather conditions, time of day, and any road hazards or obstructions that might have contributed to the accident. Ensure you get the name and badge number of the responding police officers, and ask how you can obtain a copy of the police report. Gathering comprehensive evidence at the scene can significantly strengthen your case and help establish the facts when pursuing compensation.
  4. Seek medical attention and follow through with treatment. Even if you don’t feel pain or believe your injuries are minor, it’s essential to get a thorough medical evaluation as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately but can have serious long-term effects if left untreated.

    Seeking prompt medical attention not only protects your health but also creates a record of your injuries, which is crucial when pursuing compensation. After your initial medical evaluation, follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations, attend all scheduled appointments, and keep detailed records of all medical visits, treatments, and expenses related to your accident.
  5. Document your injuries and expenses. In addition to medical records, maintain a detailed journal of your injuries and how they impact your daily life. Keep all receipts and records of expenses related to the accident, such as medical bills, prescription costs, travel expenses for medical appointments, and any other costs incurred due to the accident. This documentation will be essential when pursuing compensation for your injuries and losses.
  6. Notify your insurance company. Promptly inform your insurance provider about the accident, providing them with accurate details about what happened. However, be cautious when communicating with insurance adjusters and avoid admitting fault or discussing your injuries in detail until you’ve consulted with an attorney.
  7. Consult with a skilled North Hollywood car accident lawyer. Working with an experienced North Hollywood car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, assess your case, and pursue the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other accident-related losses.

What You Should Not Do After a Car Accident

  1. Do not leave the scene. Leaving the scene of an accident, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage, is a crime in California. Remain at the scene until you have exchanged information with the other driver(s) and spoken with the police.
  2. Do not admit fault. Avoid admitting fault or apologizing for the accident, even if you believe you may have contributed to the collision. Stick to the facts when discussing the incident with the police or other parties involved.
  3. Do not neglect medical treatment. Don’t ignore or downplay your injuries. Failing to seek prompt medical attention can not only jeopardize your health but also make it more challenging to prove the extent of your injuries when pursuing compensation.
  4. Do not provide recorded statements to insurance companies. Be cautious when communicating with insurance adjusters, especially from the other driver’s insurance company. Avoid providing recorded statements or signing any documents without first consulting your attorney.
  5. Do not accept a quick settlement. Don’t feel pressured to accept an initial settlement offer from the insurance company. These offers are often lower than what you may need to cover your current and future accident-related expenses. Consult with your attorney to ensure any settlement offer is fair and adequate.
  6. Do not post about the accident on social media. Refrain from discussing the accident, your injuries, or any legal matters on social media platforms. Insurance companies and opposing attorneys may use your posts to undermine your claim or argue that your injuries are less severe than you allege.

By following these dos and don’ts, you can protect your rights and increase your chances of securing the compensation you need to move forward after a car accident. Remember, an experienced North Hollywood car accident lawyer can be your advocate throughout the process, helping you navigate the legal complexities and fight for the best possible outcome.

Don’t Wait to Get the Legal Support You Need After a Car Accident

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in North Hollywood, CA, and are searching online for “accident lawyers in Los Angeles, CA,” you may be feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by the number of attorneys available, leaving you confused and unsure of who to choose or what to do next.

At The Shamsi Law Firm, APC, we understand the pain and emotional struggles that car accident victims face. That’s why we’re here to provide the guidance, support, and representation you need to navigate this difficult time and get your life back on track.

With over 17 years of experience, Los Angeles car accident lawyer Sean Shamsi personally handles all personal injury cases, ensuring that every client receives the individual attention they expect. Our firm knows how to stand up to big insurance carriers, and we’ve recovered millions for clients just like you when the insurance companies unfairly denied their claims or offered lowball settlements.

We know you need closure and the opportunity to move on with your life after an accident that wasn’t your fault. By choosing The Shamsi Law Firm, you’ll have an experienced advocate guiding you through every step of the process, fighting for your rights, and working tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and more.

Take advantage of our free consultation and no-fee policy – you only pay us if we win your case. Don’t wait to get the legal support you need. Contact The Shamsi Law Firm today by calling us at (818) 764-7640(818) 764-7640 or fill out our online form.

Let us help you fight for justice and seek compensation for your injuries so you can get closure and move on with your life.

Copyright © 2024. The Shamsi Law Firm, APC. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

The Shamsi Law Firm, APC
13209 Saticoy St.
North Hollywood, CA 91605
(818) 764-7640(818) 764-7640
https://shamsilaw.com/

No Fee Unless You Win

Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Call Us: (818) 764-7640

Questions or Schedule An Appointment? Call Us:

(818) 764-7640

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