Automobile accidents are a leading cause of catastrophic injuries. Every day people all over the San Francisco area drive cars and trucks to get where they need to go. And every day, someone in the San Francisco area is injured in an automobile accident.
As a San Francisco Car Accident Attorney, I regularly see people involved in these accidents that are seriously injured because of someone else’s negligence.
Automobile accidents can involve crash-worthiness factors, rollover and stability forces, and other product liability issues. Moreover, the injuries resulting from these collisions can include traumatic or mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI), even from seemingly minor impacts or simple whiplash-type accidents.
When you have been injured in an automobile accident, whether in San Francisco or anywhere in California, the last thing that anyone is thinking about is what information you need to gather. However, there are simple steps that you can take that will help you in your immediate situation and aid you later should you decide to pursue a claim against the other driver.
Here are a couple of tips on handling yourself immediately after an accident.
- Stay calm. No matter what is happening around you, try and remain calm and focused.
- Check for injuries. Immediately after an accident you may be in shock and not even realize that you are injured. Do not worry about the damage to your vehicle. Focus on whether or not you or any of your passengers are injured. And if you are in doubt, call an ambulance immediately.
- If you or someone with you is able, turn on your hazard lights and use the appropriate warning devices like cones, triangles, or flares for safety.
- Even if you think the accident was “minor” call the police.
- Don't sign any documents.
- Get the other drivers contact and insurance information and make notes about anything pertaining to the accident that they might say to you. Also, get witness information if you can.
- Be polite and do your best to determine if anyone else was injured in the accident. Limit your discussions about the accident. Don’t speak with others about it unless you need to. For instance, the police may want to ask you questions, but you are under no obligation to answer questions from the other driver or anyone else. And if you are in shock or feel too injured to speak with the police, make sure you tell them so.
- If you have a camera or a cell phone with a camera, and you are able to take pictures or someone else is able to do so for you, take pictures. Photograph the accident scene and the damage to the vehicles involved in the accident.
- Finally, remember that while getting all this information is important, the most important thing to focus on is your safety and the safety of the others involved in the accident. Make sure that you and your family get the medical attention you need immediately following the accident and only focus on the issues listed above if you are able.
After the accident an insurance company representing the other driver may contact you. Here are a few tips that will help you deal with these folks.
- Don’t talk to an insurance company if you have not spoken with an attorney first. The insurance company has a job to do – represent the interests of its insured – not help you. So, speak with a San Francisco injury attorney before talking to the other driver’s insurance company. You’ll be glad that you did.
- Focus on your injuries and getting the medical care and attention that you and your family need. Now is not the time to be stoic or ignore any pain or injuries that you may be experiencing. Don’t be a tough-guy – get help.
- Organize all the documents and papers that you have regarding the accident and your medical care – the police report, letters from an insurance company or the company involved in the accident, any paperwork from the hospital, ambulance, or any doctors that may have seen. Keep all of this together and organized; it will help you tremendously if you decide to consult with an attorney.
- Finally, if you have been injured and you believe that it was the other driver’s fault, speak with an attorney. You have rights and you will need help in dealing with the insurance company.
I maintain and manage a blog – San Francisco Injury Law Answers – this blog covers many common questions that folks have after an accident - or when they have been injured due to the negligence of another. Take a moment to look at it and if you or your family has been injured in an automobile accident in the San Francisco Bay Area, please contact me at (415) 293-8231 – I'll be happy to speak with you about your accident and see if I can help.
I take every case very seriously. I make sure that all avenues and potential theories of recovery are explored. My commitment to the ethical and passionate representation of my clients’ rights begins the moment a case is accepted and continues until the case is resolved through trial or otherwise.
