{"id":5715,"date":"2021-09-03T09:00:31","date_gmt":"2021-09-03T16:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/?p=5715"},"modified":"2022-01-20T07:40:00","modified_gmt":"2022-01-20T15:40:00","slug":"top-5-things-you-need-to-do-immediately-after-an-accident","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/top-5-things-you-need-to-do-immediately-after-an-accident\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 Things You Need to Do Immediately After an Accident"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Steps_to_Take_After_an_Accident\"><\/span><strong><span class=\"fontstyle0\">Steps to Take After an Accident<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66272ff57e07a\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66272ff57e07a\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/top-5-things-you-need-to-do-immediately-after-an-accident\/#Steps_to_Take_After_an_Accident\" title=\"Steps to Take After an Accident\">Steps to Take After an Accident<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/top-5-things-you-need-to-do-immediately-after-an-accident\/#Step_1_Safety_and_Medical_Care\" title=\"Step 1: Safety and Medical Care\">Step 1: Safety and Medical Care<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/top-5-things-you-need-to-do-immediately-after-an-accident\/#Step_2_Call_the_Police\" title=\"Step 2: Call the Police\">Step 2: Call the Police<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/top-5-things-you-need-to-do-immediately-after-an-accident\/#Step_3_Documentation\" title=\"Step 3: Documentation\">Step 3: Documentation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/top-5-things-you-need-to-do-immediately-after-an-accident\/#Step_4_Notify_Insurance\" title=\"Step 4: Notify Insurance\">Step 4: Notify Insurance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/top-5-things-you-need-to-do-immediately-after-an-accident\/#Step_5_Hire_an_Attorney\" title=\"Step 5: Hire an Attorney\">Step 5: Hire an Attorney<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/top-5-things-you-need-to-do-immediately-after-an-accident\/#Potential_Pitfalls\" title=\"Potential Pitfalls\">Potential Pitfalls<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/top-5-things-you-need-to-do-immediately-after-an-accident\/#Benner_Law_Firm_Experience_You_Can_Trust\" title=\"Benner Law Firm: Experience You Can Trust\">Benner Law Firm: Experience You Can Trust<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle0\">There are few things more traumatizing than being involved in an accident, especially if you or a loved<br \/>\none has sustained injury. And, despite the best efforts of California\u2019s Office of Traffic Safety, serious traffic<br \/>\ninjuries have increased 7.8% in the last several years. It\u2019s essential you know what to do after an accident<br \/>\nto ensure you\u2019re protected both physically and legally. In the San Diego, California area, turn to Benner<br \/>\nLaw Firm for <a href=\"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/\">reliable guidance for all personal injury claims<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle0\">If you\u2019ve already experienced an accident and failed to take one of these steps, <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">don\u2019t worry<\/span><span class=\"fontstyle0\">. Our clients<br \/>\ncome to us in all stages of a personal injury claim and we can help no matter where you\u2019re at.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Safety_and_Medical_Care\"><\/span><em><strong><span class=\"fontstyle0\">Step 1: Safety and Medical Care<\/span><\/strong><\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"fontstyle3\"><strong>Take Care of Yourself<\/strong>: <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle0\">Seek medical care even if you don\u2019t feel injured. Injuries can show up<br \/>\ndays or even <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">weeks <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle0\">after an accident. Additionally, if you wait to seek medical care, insurance<br \/>\ncompanies can use this delay to refuse your claim.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"fontstyle3\"><strong>Keep All Documents<\/strong>: <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle0\">Retain a copy of the doctor\u2019s report and bills for your insurance claim.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Call_the_Police\"><\/span><em><strong><span class=\"fontstyle0\">Step 2: Call the Police<\/span><\/strong><\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle0\">Always contact the police after an accident (with the exception of minor fender-benders). Under California<br \/>\nlaw, you are required to call the police if anyone has sustained an injury.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Documentation\"><\/span><em><strong><span class=\"fontstyle0\">Step 3: Documentation<\/span><\/strong><\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle0\">It can be difficult to <a href=\"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/car-accidents\/\">keep a level head in the middle of an accident scene<\/a>, but it\u2019s important to get all<br \/>\nnecessary information as soon as possible:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"fontstyle3\"><strong>Other driver\u2019s info<\/strong>: <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle0\">Full name, contact info, and insurance. If possible, take a picture of the other<br \/>\ndriver\u2019s license, insurance card, license plate, and any damage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"fontstyle3\"><strong>Witnesses<\/strong>: <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle0\">If there were witnesses, get their contact information since the police or insurance<br \/>\ncompany may question them about the accident.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"fontstyle3\"><strong>Police report<\/strong>: <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle0\">Obtain a copy of the police report from the local police records division. Get the<br \/>\nname and badge number of any officers who were on the scene.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"fontstyle3\"><strong>Medical<\/strong>: <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle0\">After your medical checkup, keep a copy of the doctor\u2019s report to include in your<br \/>\ninsurance claim.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"fontstyle3\"><strong>Your own account<\/strong>: <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle0\">Memories fade over time, so either write down or record your full account of<br \/>\nwhat happened as soon after the accident as you can.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Notify_Insurance\"><\/span><em><strong><span class=\"fontstyle0\">Step 4: Notify Insurance<\/span><\/strong><\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle0\">In California, you need to report accidents to your insurance carrier within 24 hours. Don\u2019t assume the<br \/>\nother driver will do it\u2014you <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle2\">both <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle0\">should report it. In California you also have to report accidents to the DMV<br \/>\nwithin ten days that resulted in personal injury or over $750 in damages.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_5_Hire_an_Attorney\"><\/span><em><strong><span class=\"fontstyle0\">Step 5: Hire an Attorney<\/span><\/strong><\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle0\">Unfortunately, it\u2019s not always easy to get your medical and property claims paid in full through insurance<br \/>\ncompanies. If you\u2019re in San Diego county including Chula Vista, Escondido, El Cajon, or Oceanside, we<br \/>\ncan help you seek the financial compensation you deserve.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Potential_Pitfalls\"><\/span><span class=\"fontstyle0\"><strong>Potential Pitfalls<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle0\">There are a number of pitfalls you could run into trying to finalize your settlement:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"fontstyle3\"><strong>Uninsured Driver<\/strong>: <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle0\">If the other driver was uninsured, you have the option to sue them for<br \/>\ndamages and\/or have your own insurance cover the cost.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong><span class=\"fontstyle3\">Consider All Costs<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"fontstyle0\">: The total costs of your accident are likely higher than just your medical or<br \/>\nauto bills. Additional costs may include personal property that was inside the car, time missed<br \/>\nfrom work, or lost childcare.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"fontstyle3\"><strong>Make Sure Medical Costs are Final: <\/strong>Injuries sustained from <a href=\"\/is-your-car-accident-claim-going-to-settle\/\">car accidents<\/a> can have lasting<br \/>\neffects. Have a clear idea of future medical costs and have them written out by your doctor.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"fontstyle3\"><strong>Low First Settlement Offer<\/strong>: <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle0\">Insurance companies don\u2019t like paying out claims, and they\u2019ll often<br \/>\nsend a low initial offer. This is where an attorney with experience in personal injury can help push<br \/>\nback and negotiate a better deal.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"fontstyle3\"><strong>Statute of Limitations<\/strong>: <\/span><span class=\"fontstyle0\">Report the accident to your insurance provider and the DMV on time,<br \/>\nand get immediate medical care. The longer you wait, the higher the chances that the other<br \/>\ndriver\u2019s insurance company will use this as evidence against you.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Benner_Law_Firm_Experience_You_Can_Trust\"><\/span><strong><span class=\"fontstyle0\">Benner Law Firm: Experience You Can Trust<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"fontstyle0\">If you\u2019ve been in an accident that caused personal injury or extensive property damage, call us today to<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/contact\/\">speak with an experienced and trustworthy partner<\/a>. At Benner Law Firm in San Diego, we\u2019ll give you the<br \/>\npersonal attention and care you deserve.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Steps to Take After an Accident There are few things more traumatizing than being involved in an accident, especially if you or a loved one has sustained injury. And, despite the best efforts of California&rsquo;s Office of Traffic Safety, serious traffic injuries have increased 7.8% in the last several years. It&rsquo;s essential you know what [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5718,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[52],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5715"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5715"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5715\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5720,"href":"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5715\/revisions\/5720"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5718"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5715"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5715"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bennerlawfirm.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5715"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}