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What To Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles

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What To Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles

Getting into a car accident can be stressful and traumatizing. It is important to know what to do next, whether a small bump or a major crash. In Los Angeles, accidents are common due to heavy traffic, and following proper procedures after a crash is important.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) often responds to these incidents, and your immediate focus should be to seek medical attention. Following the right steps after a car accident ensures your safety and helps protect your legal rights.

At Vaziri Law, we can help you after a car accident in LA. Learn more about what to do after a crash, and contact us for a free case consultation.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Call us at 310-777-7540

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents happen for many reasons, but certain causes are more common. At the motor vehicle accident scene, it is important to ensure your safety, inspect your car for property damage, and call the Los Angeles police department for help. A few common causes of car accidents include:

Distracted Driving

Here are some common forms of distracted driving that contribute to accidents:

Texting while driving

Many drivers in Los Angeles use their phones while behind the wheel, which can divert their attention from the road. A momentary glance at a text message can lead to serious accidents. California law prohibits texting while driving to prevent these dangerous situations. Distracted driving can lead to serious injuries, including brain injuries.

Eating while driving

Grabbing a quick bite during a commute may seem harmless, but eating while driving takes your hands and focus away from controlling the vehicle. This distraction can lead to delayed reactions, increasing the risk of accidents on busy Los Angeles streets.

Speaking to passengers

Deep conversations with passengers can distract from the road. Even if drivers think they're paying attention, talking to others in the car can slow down how quickly they react to changes in traffic.

Drunk Driving

Here are some key factors about the dangers and consequences of drunk driving:

Slower reaction times

Alcohol reduces a driver's ability to react quickly to traffic signals or other cars, increasing the risk of accidents. This slow reaction time increases the likelihood of a serious crash.

More accidents at night

Drunk driving happens more often at night, and since it's harder to see it's dark, alcohol makes driving even more dangerous.

Legal consequences

In California, if you drive drunk, you could face major fines, lose your driver's license, or go to jail. The consequences extend beyond the crash, affecting a person's financial standing.

Tired Driving

Here are some key dangers associated with tired driving:

Falling asleep while driving

Tired drivers are likelier to doze off, even for just a few seconds, which can lead to devastating accidents. Driving while feeling fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence.

Slower reaction time

When someone is tired, it takes them longer to notice and react to changing road conditions, such as cars stopping or turning. This makes driving when you're tired dangerous, especially on fast highways.

Bad decisions

Being tired makes it harder to make smart driving choices. Motorists might drive too fast or follow other cars too closely, leading to accidents.

Maintenance Issues

Here are some common maintenance-related issues that can contribute to accidents:

Brake failure

Worn-out brakes can lead to accidents by preventing vehicles from stopping in time. Regular brake maintenance is essential to avoid rear-end collisions, especially in a traffic jam.

Tire blowouts

Poor tire maintenance can result in tire blowouts, causing drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Sudden tire failure can lead to accidents, particularly at high speeds.

Engine malfunctions

If your car isn't properly maintained, engine issues can occur, leading to sudden breakdowns. This can be very dangerous on busy roads, as it may result in rear-end collisions or roadside accidents.

Bad Weather

Here are some common weather-related issues that lead to accidents:

Slippery roads

Rain can make roads slippery, increasing the chances of cars losing traction and spinning out of control. Drivers must exercise caution during bad weather to prevent accidents.

Reduced visibility

Fog, rain, or even heavy winds can limit visibility on the road, making it hard for drivers to see other cars or objects. Reduced visibility often leads to collisions in poor weather conditions.

Hydroplaning

When roads are wet, vehicles can hydroplane, losing contact with the road and sliding uncontrollably. This phenomenon is common during rainstorms and often leads to dangerous accidents in Los Angeles.

What to do after a car accident in Los Angeles?

What to do after a car accident in Los Angeles?

Knowing what to do after a car crash in Los Angeles is critical to protecting your health and legal rights. The first step is to check for injuries and ensure everyone is safe.

Once immediate safety concerns are addressed, it's important to leave information with other drivers involved and contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your options. Medical help, even for small injuries, keeps you safe and helps if you need to make an insurance claim or take legal action.

Ensure you follow these ten steps after a car accident in Los Angeles:

  • Check for injuries: The first thing to do after a car accident is to see if you, or others, have sustained any injuries. If anyone is hurt, call for medical assistance right away. Even if injuries seem minor, seeking medical attention is important to prevent further complications.

  • Move to safety: If safe, shift your vehicle out of traffic to prevent further accidents. Remember that staying at the accident scene is required by law, but moving to a safer location helps avoid additional collisions.

  • Call law enforcement: A law enforcement officer should always be called to the scene of a car accident in Los Angeles. They will file an official report, which is important for potential legal actions and other insurance claims.

  • Exchange information: Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver involved. This includes names, phone numbers, driver's licenses, and insurance policy details. Accurate information is vital for resolving claims.

  • Take pictures: Record the accident scene by taking pictures of the damage to all cars or motor vehicles involved. Include pictures of the surrounding area, skid marks, and other relevant evidence. This visual proof will support your insurance claim.

  • Get witness statements: If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information and a brief statement about what they saw. Witness accounts can be useful in establishing what happened.

  • File an accident report: If the damage exceeds a certain amount, you may be required to file a report with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Los Angeles. This helps create a record of the incident.

  • Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention after the accident. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not be instantly noticeable but can cause long-term damage if left untreated.

  • Contact your insurance company: After gathering all necessary information, contact your insurance provider to file a claim. Please provide them with the accident report and other documentation to start the claims process.

  • Consider legal representation: If you believe someone else's negligence caused the accident, contact a Los Angeles car accident lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can help you receive fair compensation and protect your rights.

Why You Need a Lawyer To Help You After a Car Crash

After a car accident, dealing with insurance claims, fault issues, and legal paperwork can be overwhelming. A lawyer can guide you through California's laws and make sure you're doing everything correctly.

From reviewing the police report to handling negotiations with insurance companies, a lawyer ensures you comply with California's financial responsibility laws. By working with a lawyer, you can focus on recovering from your injuries while your lawyer handles the legal aspects of your case.

After a car crash, your lawyer can help collect and organize your medical records to show your injuries clearly. This is important when dealing with insurance companies, who often try to pay less. With your lawyer's help, you can feel sure you'll get the money you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Common Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident in LA

Common Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident in LA
  • Not calling law enforcement: Failing to report the car accident to law enforcement can complicate the claims process.

  • Not exchanging information: Forgetting to gather the other driver's license and insurance information can affect the claims process.

  • Skipping medical assistance: Not seeking medical assistance right after the accident can lead to more serious health issues later.

  • Not documenting the scene: Failing to document the accident scene with photos and witness statements weakens your case.

  • Not filing an accident report: If an accident report isn't filed with the insurance company, you could face legal trouble.

The Top Ways Our Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer Can Fight for Your Rights

Vaziri Law Group's personal injury attorneys work hard to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Vaziri Law Group investigates the accident and negotiates with insurance companies, helping you build a strong case.

We understand how challenging car accidents can be, so we are dedicated to easing the legal burden while you recover. With our experience in handling California car accident claims, we can secure the compensation you deserve.

Negotiate With the Insurance Company

Dealing with insurance adjusters after a car or motor vehicle accident can be tricky, especially if they try to minimize your claim.

Our car accident attorneys know how to handle these negotiations, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. We understand insurance companies' tactics and work to get you the full value of your car accident claim.

Investigate the Car Accident

Our legal team meticulously investigates every detail of your car accident. We gather evidence, review police reports, and speak to witnesses to build a strong case. This in-depth investigation allows us to clearly understand what happened and who is responsible.

Submit a Personal Injury Claim

Filing a personal injury claim is vital in securing compensation for medical expenses and other damages. Our attorneys handle the entire process, ensuring your claim is filed promptly. This helps maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries.

Take the Stress Off of Your Shoulders

Dealing with paperwork, insurance claims, and legal issues after a car accident can be stressful. Our car accident lawyers take care of all these details so you can focus on your recovery. We handle the legal complexities, allowing you to focus on healing. We always put our clients first.

Contact Our Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Contact Our Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you've been involved in a car accident in Los Angeles, California law requires you to take specific steps to protect your rights. At Vaziri Law, we can guide you through the process, from pursuing a personal injury lawsuit to filing insurance claims if necessary.

California car accident laws can be complex, but with our experienced legal team, you'll have the support and knowledge to make informed decisions.

Contact Vaziri Law Group today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the compensation and justice you deserve. 

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Call us at 866-795-2450

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