What to Do After a Car Accident in Rancho Palos Verdes: Step-by-Step Guide

A car accident in Rancho Palos Verdes can be a terrifying and overwhelming situation to endure, both in the moment and after the fact. In addition to intense emotions, haziness, and brain fog, there may also be uncertainty about what to do after a car accident in Rancho Palos Verdes. It is crucial to know the necessary steps to take in the moments after a car accident while also keeping in mind the important legal aspects.

Car accidents can affect multiple people, including innocent passengers. In California, 780 unrestrained passengers suffered fatal injuries in 2023. Whether you were the driver or a passenger, if you may be entitled to compensation for injuries sustained from a crash, it is vital to seek legal representation as soon as possible. These cases are often time-sensitive, so the longer you wait, the less viable your case becomes.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Rancho Palos Verdes

Following a car accident, there are many important steps to take. This includes legal and practical measures. The main ones are outlined below: 

• Ensure the safety of yourself and others who are involved: Once you have assessed your own physical and mental situation, you can help others who were involved, including other drivers and passengers.
• Contact the appropriate people and agencies: These may include law enforcement to document the accident, EMS or emergency personnel to attend to any injuries present, and others.
• Gather evidence and contact information: At the scene of the crash, it is crucial to gather any evidence you can. This can include taking photos of the damage, where your car was positioned, and your surroundings. You should also gather the contact and insurance information of the other driver if one was involved.
• Contact your insurance company: Sharing all relevant information with your insurance company and filing the appropriate claim is the next important step to take.
• Contact a lawyer: If you plan on filing any claims, it will be crucial to have a lawyer on your side. They can handle your legal paperwork, file your claims, meet deadlines set by California’s car accident laws, and even represent you in court.

In addition to drivers and passengers, car accidents can also affect pedestrians. In 2023, there were a total of 1,106 pedestrian fatalities recorded in California. Pedestrians who have been struck by motor vehicles often suffer intense injuries, requiring significant time and resources to recuperate.

If your car accident claim goes to court, the trial will likely occur at the Los Angeles County Superior Court – Southwest District – Torrance Courthouse. This venue processes cases from Rancho Palos Verdes and nearby locations.

Why Choose Us?

The team at Shaffer Law is uniquely equipped to represent individuals and families struggling with the legal aftermath of a car accident. There are countless complexities in these cases, such as filing the appropriate paperwork with your insurance company and gathering the right evidence. We have handled the same tasks for countless individuals just like yourself, and we can do the same for you, too.

As a firm, we have recovered more than $100 million for our clients. We understand the importance of compensation in enabling victims to cover their costs. Mr. Shaffer has litigated more than 85 significant catastrophic injury cases on behalf of plaintiffs, so he has the experience necessary to obtain the justice you deserve.

FAQs

What Is the First Thing You Should Do After a Car Crash?

Immediately after being involved in a car accident, it is important to take care of any physical safety issues. These may include removing yourself from the vehicle or seeking medical attention. It is also important to help other injured individuals when possible. Once you are safe, you can begin speaking with law enforcement, gathering any relevant evidence, and securing legal representation.

What Happens After I File an Insurance Claim?

Once you have filed your initial claim after an accident, your insurance company will likely contact you. They may ask you detailed questions about the accident and for any information you have regarding the damage to your vehicle. You will then have the opportunity to file for any expenses you incurred from the accident. Your insurance company may also request information from the police or witnesses if you can provide it.

Do Police Always Respond to Car Accidents?

While the California Office of Traffic Safety reported that the percentage of fatalities caused by car accidents decreased by almost 11% from 2022 to 2023, there are still many accidents happening each day. Oftentimes, when an accident occurs, various law enforcement and first responders report to the scene. These include police officers, the fire department, EMS workers, and others when necessary.

Can Both Drivers Be at Fault in a Car Accident in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA?

There are many instances in which both drivers may be at fault in a car accident in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. It can be difficult to determine fault, which is why finding witnesses and all relevant evidence is extremely important. Insurance companies and police take many details into consideration when making their reports, including physical evidence that can be taken from the scene, witness statements, and statements from the drivers and passengers.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer: Choose Shaffer Law

If you or a loved one suffered because of a car accident, it is important to find legal representation as soon as possible. At Shaffer Law, we understand the legal complexities that arise during the aftermath of an accident, and we can explain each part of the process. From beginning to end, we can support you and your family throughout your case. By gathering evidence, representing you in court, and managing paperwork, we can advance your interests.

Contact us today to learn more about who we are and how we are uniquely equipped to address your situation. Our seasoned car accident law firm has successfully represented countless clients just like yourself in the legal battles that follow a car accident. We can get you the justice and compensation you deserve.

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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