A car accident can be a life-altering event, leaving you shaken, injured, and unsure of what to do next. Acting quickly and following proper steps after the incident can make a significant difference in protecting your legal rights and securing fair compensation for damages.
Antaramian Law, APC brings years of experience in personal injury law to serve car accident victims in California, including those in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County, Ventura County, and Kern County.
What sets Antaramian Law, APC apart is the personalized care and rigorous representation they provide. Andrew Antaramian spent several years defending insurance claims before dedicating his practice to helping accident victims, so he understands how to advocate for you.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, contact Antaramian Law, APC for legal guidance to help you get justice.
Accidents often occur without warning. Knowing what to do after a collision can positively affect your health, safety, and potential legal claims.
Your safety and the safety of others involved should be your top priority. Check for injuries before doing anything else. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance. Even if injuries don’t seem severe, getting prompt medical attention is highly recommended, as some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately.
If your car is obstructing traffic, pull to the side of the road, if possible. Turn on your hazard lights, and set up flares or warning triangles if available. Staying in an active roadway can increase the risk of further injury or damage.
Contact law enforcement, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. The responding officer will create an official accident report, which could be critical for legal and insurance purposes. Be honest, but avoid admitting fault, as this determination will be investigated based on evidence.
Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Jot down the following information for all parties involved:
Name, phone number, and address
Insurance company name and policy number
Vehicle make, model, and license plate number
If there were witnesses, ask for their contact information, as well. Their statements may support your case later.
Capture photos or videos of the accident scene, including:
Vehicle damage
Skid marks or debris on the road
Traffic signals or signs near the scene
Any visible injuries
This documentation can serve as evidence in support of your case.
Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Stick to the facts; anything you say may be used against you during the claims process.
Before speaking with the other party’s insurer or signing any documents, consult with a car accident attorney. They can keep you from unintentionally saying or doing anything that could harm your case.
Some key California laws to consider when dealing with the aftermath of an auto accident include the following:
Under California law, any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 must be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days. Failing to file a report may result in penalties or suspension of your license.
California operates under a “pure comparative negligence” system. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be entitled to recover damages. However, compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, your compensation will decrease by 20%.
In California, the time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit related to a car accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. For property damage claims, the time frame is extended to three years. Filing outside this period could result in the dismissal of your case.
California drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage, including $15,000 for the injury or death of one person, $30,000 for the injury or death of multiple individuals, and $5,000 for property damage. While uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory, it can be valuable if the other driver lacks adequate insurance.
Here are some situations where reaching out to an attorney after a car accident is highly beneficial.
Severe injuries: Accidents involving significant injuries often lead to larger financial claims that insurance companies may contest.
Disputed liability: If there’s disagreement over who was at fault, a lawyer can help gather evidence and build a strong case.
Insurance company disputes: Insurers sometimes attempt to reduce payouts or deny valid claims. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf.
Wrongful death claims: If you’ve lost a loved one in a collision, legal assistance is imperative to seek justice and compensation for damages.
Andrew Antaramian started his career defending insurance companies in personal injury cases. As a defense attorney, he saw the devastating impact accidents had on victims and their families. Searching for a more meaningful legal path, he transitioned to representing car accident victims, helping them rebuild their lives.
His in-depth understanding of defense strategies allows him to advocate effectively for his clients. Antaramian Law, APC serves clients across Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County, Ventura County, and Kern County. Call today to see how he can assist with your situation.
A car accident can be a life-altering event, leaving you shaken, injured, and unsure of what to do next. Acting quickly and following proper steps after the incident can make a significant difference in protecting your legal rights and securing fair compensation for damages.
Accidents happen. But when they occur on someone else’s property and leave you with injuries, it can raise questions of negligence and responsibility.
