What to Do After a Car Accident in California- Get professional advice on how to deal with the situation and make sure your rights are safe. If you had a car accident in California, know what to do next. This helps protect your rights and may get you fair pay. Read the steps, learn the common causes, and see why a skilled California car lawyer can help.
California Car Crash Facts: Be Ready
Car crashes cause many injuries and deaths in California. The latest report shows over 164,000 injuries and 3,751 deaths from crashes. California has the most crash injuries in the U.S.
Across the nation, car crashes are the second top cause of accidental death. Many crashes can be stopped by safe driving and by knowing what to do after a crash.
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in California
Know what causes most crashes to stay safe and to collect proof if you get hit.
DUI (driving drunk): About 32% of fatal crashes.
Intersection crashes: More than half happen at intersections. These include rear-end and left-turn crashes.
Speeding and distracted driving: Texting, phone use, and high speed cause many serious injuries.
If a careless driver hits you, a California car lawyer can help prove fault and get you money.
What to Do After a Car Crash in California
Crashes make people feel shocked. Do these steps to keep safe and protect your rights:
- Move to safety.
- If you can, move your car out of traffic. Check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Call the police.
- Ask officers to come and make a report. The report helps with insurance or a lawsuit.
- Take photos and videos.
- Photograph damage, debris, skid marks, injuries, plates, and signs.
- Get medical care.
- Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Whiplash and internal injuries can show later.
- Tell your insurance.
- Report the crash right away, even if it was not your fault. This is key if the other driver has no or low insurance.
- To get your report, ask for CHP Form 190 from the California Highway Patrol. In big cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco, you can ask online.
When Police Reports Are Wrong
- Police try to get fault right, but they can be wrong. Many drivers get blamed wrongly.
- In one case, police blamed a motorcyclist fully. After experts reviewed the scene, the left-turn driver was 90% at fault at trial.
- If your report seems wrong, call a car accident lawyer fast. They can check, find proof, and fight the report.
Why You Need an Experienced Car Lawyer
Serious cases need expert review and tech tools like:
- โข Traffic or ATM video
- โข Witness talks and photos
- โข Black box data
- โข LIDAR and 3D maps
- โข Crash animations
- Juries want to see what happened, not just hear about it. Firms like Dolan Law Firm use tech and experts to build strong cases.
Understanding Californiaโs Comparative Fault Law
California uses comparative fault. You can still get money even if you share blame.
Types of Damages
- Economic: medical bills, lost pay, property harm.
- Non-economic: pain, suffering, mental harm.
Your total pay drops by your percent of fault. If you are 20% to blame on a $100,000 award, you get $80,000.
Why Pick Dolan Law Firm
- Dolan has 30+ years of experience and has won hundreds of millions for crash victims in California. They mix legal skill with modern tech to fight for clients.
- If you are hurt, do not deal with insurers alone. Call a California car lawyer for a free consult.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Rights
- A crash can flip your life. But the right steps can help you heal and get money.
- Stay calm and be safe.
- Call the police.
- Write down what you see.
- Get medical care.
- Call a good lawyer.
- With the right help, you can heal in body, mind, and money.
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