What to Do After a Car Accident in Hawthorne: A Step-by-Step Guide for Injury Victims

When you are involved in a car accident, it’s shocking, to say the least. If you are injured, it can be scary and painful. Many people do not know what to do after a car accident in Hawthorne, but being prepared in advance can help you if it happens to you.

In 2021, there were over 100,000 total crashes on Connecticut roadways, and there are roughly as many every year, as per the California car accident statistics. Knowing what to do can make the experience less stressful on everyone involved. When you are involved in an accident in Hawthorne, follow the recommended five steps below.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Hawthorne

1. The first thing you should do if you are involved in an accident is stop. It is a crime to leave the scene of an accident. Call 911 and report the incident immediately. Check that everyone is okay. If there are no serious injuries, move your car out of the way of traffic to a safe location off the street.
2. Exchange information with other drivers, including names, dates of birth, driver’s license numbers, addresses, license plates, insurance providers, policy numbers, and policy expiration dates. If possible, take a photo of their license, insurance, and vehicle plates to simplify the process.
   Take pictures (and/or notes) of the damage, other vehicles involved, and road conditions. Take note of the weather conditions at the time of the accident and any other pertinent details. If there are any witnesses or bystanders, collect their names and contact information as well.
3. Wait for law enforcement and emergency medical personnel to arrive. Do not refuse treatment, even if you think you are fine.
4. Provide your contact information to the police, but do not answer any questions regarding the accident that could incriminate you as being liable for the crash. Do not admit fault to other drivers, to anyone you are talking to on the phone, or to the police. Do not post details about the accident on social media or say anything that would imply responsibility for the accident.
5. Notify your insurance provider, and lastly, call a Hawthorne car accident attorney to discuss the collision. Do not discuss your accident with anyone other than your attorney. Additionally, you should not get repairs done to your vehicle without first speaking with your attorney. Your insurance company may request a copy of the police report for your accident, which you can easily obtain online.

It is important to note that either you or your insurance provider must legally report the collision via a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR-1) form and file it with the DMV within 10 days when there is an excess of $1,000 in damage to property or person, or anyone is even slightly injured or killed.

In the event that you receive any medical care or go to any doctor appointments due to your injuries, keep copies of all your paperwork and receipts. It’s easier to get these at the time of care rather than collecting them all later.

Special Situations

If you hit a parked car or other piece of property, try to find the owner. If you cannot find the owner, identify yourself by leaving a note with your contact information securely attached to the vehicle and report the collision to the police or California Highway Patrol.

If law enforcement is not present and someone is injured or killed, and the driver is unable to make a report of the accident, anyone who was in the car with the driver has a responsibility to make the report on behalf of the driver.

If you’ve hit an animal and it is injured, pull over out of the roadway and try to find the owner. If you cannot find the owner, call the City of Hawthorne Animal Control on their emergency line at (310) 675-4444 or call the closest Humane Society, the police, or the California Highway Patrol. You should not try to move the animal off the road, and you should never leave an animal to die when injured.

If you happen to witness an accident or are the first person to come upon the scene following the collision, pull off the road completely. Call 911 or signal for another person to call 911. Check for victims removed from vehicles (for instance, in the grass) and check for injuries. Do not move an injured person unless absolutely necessary (for instance, if there is a fire).

FAQs

Q: How Soon After an Accident Must It Be Reported in Hawthorne, CA?

A: Accidents must be reported to the police immediately in Hawthorne, CA, especially if anyone is injured or killed. All accidents must be reported to the DMV within 10 days of the accident if there are any injuries, anyone is killed, or there is an excess of $1,000 in damage to any property or person involved in the accident. Failure to report an accident can result in license suspension.

Q: What Are the Follow-Up Steps You Should Take After a Collision?

A: The follow-up steps you should take after a collision are to check for injuries, secure safety, and call 911. Exchange information with other drivers, police, and insurance companies, and call a car accident lawyer. You should also be mindful not to admit fault to anyone, including other drivers, police, or insurance adjusters.

Q: How Long Does a Car Accident Stay on Your Driving Record in California?

A: A collision that is reported to the DMV by law enforcement that is your fault will stay on your record for three years or possibly up to 10 years. Incidents that are more severe that may keep the accident on your record for longer than three years are ones where you received certain DUI charges. Another instance would be if the accident involved serious injuries or fatalities, or involved a commercial vehicle driver.

Q: How Long Do You Have to Go to the Doctor After an Accident?

A: There is no specific time limit for visiting the doctor following an accident; however, you should be seen immediately or as soon as possible to avoid questions arising with any insurance claims you may have. As long as your injuries are documented in your medical record as occurring as a result of your accident, technically, you could go to the doctor on any date following the accident within the two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.

Reach Out to a Dedicated Car Accident Lawyer at Shaffer Law today

Our clients’ well-being is our priority at Shaffer Law. We work tirelessly to protect your rights. Let us help you get the settlement you deserve for your car accident claim. Call us to discuss your case today.

About The Author

Douglas D. Shaffer

Douglas D. Shaffer is a seasoned attorney based in California, specializing in personal injury and complex litigation. With an impressive career marked by significant case wins and a strong dedication to his clients, his professional background and expertise are noteworthy. Education: Graduated magna cum laude from Pepperdine Law School; holds a Bachelor of Science from Ohio State University. Experience: Over three decades of legal practice, focusing on catastrophic injury cases. Recognition: Repeatedly recognized as a Super Lawyer; named a top lawyer by US News and World Reports. Community Involvement: Actively contributes to community services and coaches youth sports. Bar Admissions: Admitted to the State Bar of California, U.S. District Court Northern District of California, and U.S. District Court Central District of California since 1984.

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