With an average population of around 1.3 million people, San Diego is California’s second-largest city and the eighth-largest in America. Like in other big American cities, millions of vehicles use San Diego’s roadways daily. With the busy roadways comes the increased likelihood of car accidents.
According to a 2020 California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) report, 15,043 people sustained serious injuries or died in road accidents across San Diego County. Besides the likelihood of a car accident leaving you with a catastrophic injury, it can also leave you with costly medical bills, lost wages, and lost earning capacity.
Getting fair compensation is critical for road accident victims. However, car accidents are traumatic and can confuse victims about what to do, including how to seek compensation. If you or a loved one are a victim of a San Diego car accident due to someone else’s negligence but are unsure about what steps to take, a San Diego car accident attorney can help.
Car accidents are common in San Diego and across California and can be due to drunk driving, distracted driving, reckless driving, poor weather, and hazardous road conditions. In most cases, the cause of an accident may not be immediately clear and can leave the victim wondering who will pay for damages.
While knowing who is legally liable for your damages is critical, it may not be your biggest concern after a car accident. In most cases, your well-being is your priority. Accordingly, below are some of the steps you can take after being involved in a car accident.
Step 1: Seek medical treatment. You should seek treatment for your injuries before anything else, including accepting first-aid services from emergency responders. You should seek medical evaluation even if you don’t have visible injuries. Having a medical record is critical for a successful claim.
Step 2: File a police report. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you or someone else should call the police and report the accident. The police report is crucial when filing a personal injury lawsuit, including helping identify the at-fault party.
Step 3: Gather relevant evidence. You should document everything at the accident scene as soon as possible, including taking pictures. You should also collect the other driver’s contact information.
Step 4: Contact a car accident lawyer. You should avoid discussing the accident with third parties, including insurers, without an attorney. In addition to their traumatic nature, car accidents involve a legally complex process, especially regarding compensation. However, a skilled and experienced San Diego car accident lawyer can help you navigate the process, including negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf.
While taking the above actions as soon as possible is advisable, it is not always possible, especially if you have sustained serious injuries. However, a loved one or a well-wisher can act on your behalf, including calling for emergency response.
A car accident can leave you with severe injuries requiring lengthy and costly medical treatment. While California law entitles you to compensation in an accident due to another’s negligence, recovering damages is often legally complex. However, a San Diego car accident lawyer can help you.
If you are in San Diego and the surrounding areas, contact our skilled and experienced car accident attorney at The Law Office of Samuel G. Lynn P.C. Sam Lynn is knowledgeable about all aspects of car accidents and is committed to helping you get compensation for your injuries as you focus on recovery. Contact him today to schedule a consultation and for more information about his services.
Posted Jun 2016