California's busy highways make it a state with 3,104 people killed and 223,128 people injured in traffic collisions in 2013. Whether you're a driver that causes an accident or a passenger involved in an accident that you had no fault in, you need to follow the appropriate steps to protect your rights after an accident.
The steps you'll want to take immediately following an accident, include:
- Call 911 to report the accident, or call the local police if no injuries are apparent.
- Obtain the name, number and address of all witnesses and drivers involved. Obtain license plate numbers for all vehicles involved in the accident.
- If safe and there aren't further concerns of injury, take photos of the vehicles involved in the accident. You'll want to take photos of the accident scene, roadway and anything else of importance following the accident.
- Write down the events that led to the accident in detail and reiterate these details to the officer who is present at the accident.
- Contact your insurance company or your agent immediately to file your claim.
- Report your accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days if damages or injuries exceed $750. Failure to report the incident to the DMW may result in suspension of your license.
Accident scenes are filled with emotions and tension. There's risk of ""permanent injuries and loss of income are often the unwanted consequences that follow a car accident,"" states the Law Offices of Zappenttini & Bradley.
You'll want to avoid:
- Arguments with the opposing driver or anyone at the scene of the accident.
- Telling your side of the story to the other driver – save your story for the police.
- Don't sign anything from the opposing driver offering to pay your deductible.
The best thing that you can do in these situations is to remain calm and wait for the authorities to come to the scene of the accident. If you're injured, you should wait for help and avoid any actions that may lead to further injury.