So you have been in a Car Accident in the State of California. You know the accident is not your fault. You were injured. What should you do?
The first thing two things you need to do are; (1) get the other drivers information, and (2) get medical help; not necessarily in that order.
When you get the other drivers information, try to get as much information as possible, such as all of the information on their drivers license, their phone number, the year, make, model, license plate and vin number of their vehicle, the color of their vehicle, and even a description of the driver and their passengers. You also need to get their insurance information.
Without the other driver’s information, your chances of recovery in the accident are slim to none.
I have had people with great cases, who could not recover because they failed to get the information of the person who hit them.
Most uninsured motorist coverage policies also require you to identify the person who hit you.
With respect to your injuries, you need to seek immediate medical treatment. If you feel like you need to be transported by paramedic to the emergency room, chances are that you are probably right. It is better to error on the side of caution.
Even if you do not have medical insurance, all emergency rooms are required to treat you, and stabalize you. Go to the emergency room if you need to.
When you go to the doctor, make sure you tell the doctor about all of your problems; do not underestimate your complaints.
I cannot tell you how many people I have talked to who are hurt bad, yet when they describe their complaints, they hold back. How can a doctor treat you if you do not tell them what is hurting?
I know you are also concerned about getting your vehicle repaired, finding temporary transportation, and so on.
The best thing you can do now is to retain a personal injury attorney for your California car accident case.
There are many damages that you may be entitled to such as all out of pocket expenses related to the accident, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and so forth, which you have no clue how to value or go after on your own.
Further, if you are married, you spouse may also have a cause of action for loss of consortium even if they were not in the car with you.
I estimate that a reputable personal injury attorney such as myself, can get you more money in your pocket for your personal injury case, than you would ever get on your own in 99% of all cases.
The reason is simple, personal injury cases are complex.
The insurance companies exist for one thing only; to make a profit, not pay you money. If they can, they will try to get you to settle for pennies on the dollar for what your case is actually worth.
They may offer you a couple of thousand dollars on a case that may be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
They know that if you are unrepresented, that you are an easy mark!
Don’t be a victim a second time around. You should be worried about getting better, and not about fighting the insurance company. Let me do that for you.
If you have been injured in a car accident, or any other motor vehicle accident in the State of California, give me a call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day at 800-816-1529 ext. 1.
By California Car Accident Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © March 3, 2011
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