Not everyone recognizes the rights they have after being involved in something so serious such as a car accident. There are plenty of situations that may arise, however, that makes this a difficult situation to endure.

Knowing what you should do after a car accident is important to give you the ability to pursue legal action and seek compensation. Here are some of the steps you can take following the car crash to help protect your rights and put yourself in a favorable position moving forward.

Exchange Information but Watch What You Say

After the accident, you want to make sure you’re exchanging the right information with the responsible party. This includes contact information, driver’s licenses, and most importantly, information regarding the insurance company and coverage.

If the other party was negligent, you’ll most likely be dealing with their insurance company to seek compensation.

However, realize that some of the things you say can be used by the opposing party as an admission of guilt if they are attempting to put the blame on you for the accident. For instance, apologizing or saying you didn’t see the other driver may make it seem as though you were at fault, so be careful what you say.

Take Pictures of Everything That Can Help You

Most people wait to take pictures of the actual damage to their car. This can be a mistake because there are a number of factors to consider when taking photos. Here’s what you should consider when taking pictures:

Taking pictures of the damage to your vehicle can help the insurance company understand exactly how the accident occurred based on the location of the damage.
Taking pictures of the scene of the crash can show negligence in some ways such as missing traffic signals, tire marks on the ground to indicate speeding, and more.
Taking pictures of any visible injuries you might have sustained. This can show that the injury was a result of the crash.

Get Medical Treatment from EMTs or the Hospital

Seeking medical attention as soon as possible can be very helpful for a number of reasons. First and most importantly, you can begin getting treatment for any injuries you may have sustained so you can work towards healing.

Secondly, you’ll be able to acquire medical records that can be used in legal action. Medical records are often proof that your injury was directly caused by the accident and not a pre-existing condition. This takes away an argument from the defendant in the matter.

Contact a San Diego Car Accident Attorney

Following a crash, there are a number of obstacles that stand in your way when it comes to seeking compensation. The insurance company is there to try and devalue your claim. The legal matters can make stress and anxiety a staple in your everyday life.

However, by hiring a lawyer, you can work to protect your rights and holding the responsible party accountable for their actions. An attorney can help you file the right paperwork in a timely manner, along with the necessary resources and evidence to seek the maximum compensation you deserve.

An attorney can also navigate the process to help you understand whether a settlement or trial is the better route for you. At the end of the day, this is the most effective manner in helping you move forward after such a serious accident.

Choosing Klein, DeNatale, Goldner, Attorneys at Law

Backed by 70 years of experience, our San Diego car accident attorneys know how difficult this situation can be. Suffering serious injury forces individuals to pay for medical expenses and rehabilitation, while also losing income from the inability to work.

Our team at Klein DeNatale Goldner works hard and has the track record to prove it. We are never afraid to push the status quo if it means giving our clients the peace of mind they deserve after a car accident. We go the extra mile and it shows every single time.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, know that you have rights to hold the negligent party accountable. You need strong legal representation on your side, and that’s why we’re here.

Call us today at (661) 485-2100 to schedule your free consultation and discover what legal options you may have.