It’s likely that you’ve seen at least one car accident while driving in California. Have you ever stopped to think about what you would do if you’ve been involved in one? Robert May, car accident attorney and founder of The May Firm, offers these suggestions to keep in mind if you ever find yourself in this situation.

The Steps

1. Call the Police. Whether the car accident is minor or severe, alerting the police to the scene is important to capture the details on the record. The police will take statements, from you, the other driver and witnesses. They will document the case, note any injuries and oftentimes also will determine who is at fault for the collision. If the police are not called, this creates a difficult situation, since the facts are then in a “he said/she said” situation.
2. Get Medical Treatment. Don’t delay receiving medical treatment for your injuries. Even if you are conscious and able to move, it’s best to get checked out by a medical professional just in case. Get to a hospital or doctor’s office right away to get the treatment you need and document your injuries.
3. Take Photos and Video. Use your cell phone to take photographs of your car and the other car while you’re still on the accident scene. Video of where the accident occurred is also useful when building a case. Also, ask witnesses for their names and phone numbers in case they need to be contacted for more information later.
4. Don’t Call Your Insurance Company. This may be a surprising piece of information. Your first phone call should be to a car accident attorney, and not to your insurance company. Your insurance company, just like the other party’s insurance company, has their own best interests at heart, not yours. An attorney will help protect you from any misstatements or missteps that you may make early along in the case.

Contact The May Firm

If you have been involved in a car accident on California’s roadways, call The May Firm as soon as you can. We are knowledgeable car accident attorneys who have handled hundreds of these types of cases and recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Call us at 844-MAYFIRM, or visit MayFirm.com. Your initial consultation is free. We are here to help you through the aftermath of your car accident.