What To Do After a Car Accident in San Pedro?
Following a car accident, it can be hard to know what your next right steps are. Emotions are high; you may be dealing with serious injuries or property damage, and it can feel overwhelming when thinking of pursuing a claim. You may be wondering what to do after a car accident in San Pedro. It is vital that you do accurate research to help you make this decision.
Why You Should Choose Us
As you look to get fair compensation for your losses after a car accident, Shaffer Law is the right option for legal representation and care. Our firm has won over $100 million in compensation for our clients and has navigated car accident cases similar to yours. Personal injury attorney Douglas D. Shaffer has decades of experience practicing law and advocating for clients’ rights.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
How you respond in the moments after a car accident is vital. It can impact the success or failure of your case if you are pursuing compensation to cover the costs of your losses. In 2021, 43,230 individuals were killed in motor vehicle-related accidents, so it is vital that we take accidents seriously. Below are the key steps you should consider taking:
- Seek Safety.
- Get Emergency Care.
- Share Contact Information.
- Document the Accident Scene.
- Contact Insurance Provider.
- Speak With a Legal Professional.
The first step will be to get to a safe place if you are in danger. This may look like moving to the side of the road, especially if you are on a busy highway or in an intersection. Only do this if you are safe doing so.
It is then important to get emergency care. This may look like contacting medical services if there are any injuries. Even if you feel fine at the moment, getting a medical check-up is smart, as symptoms can develop later on. Contact local law enforcement, as, depending on the details of your accident, it may be legally required, and it can help to create a paper trail through the details of a police report.
While you are still at the accident scene, it is helpful to exchange contact information with all parties involved. It is smart to get the phone number, name, license plate number, and insurance information of the other party who was involved in the accident. If there were any witnesses, gathering their contact information can also be helpful to help corroborate your story.
Take a moment to document the accident scene, but only if you are out of danger and it is safe to do so. This can include photos and videos of car damage, visible injuries, tire marks on the road, and any traffic signals that may be helpful to note.
Many insurance policies have specific deadlines for filing a claim, so make sure you contact your insurers as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours of the accident. It is important that you do not admit fault but instead just give the facts of the case. If you allude to fault, this may lead to a lesser settlement amount.
As soon as you are able, it is helpful to loop in a trusted car accident lawyer. They can help you navigate the claims process with insurance, help you make informed decisions, and represent you in court if necessary. The court in San Pedro is located on Centre Street.
FAQs
Q: What Should I Do After a Car Accident That Is Not My Fault?
A: If you have been in a car accident that is not your fault, it is vital that you take careful action to ensure that you receive compensation for any losses that you suffer. The first step is always to prioritize your safety and health, so move to a safe location and receive healthcare if you need it. Call the police and make sure a police report is filed, as this will serve as evidence to prove your case.
Q: Do I Have to Report an Accident to the DMV in San Pedro, CA?
A: In San Pedro, CA, you are required to file a police report with the DMV after an accident if there were any injuries, a death, or property damage that equals more than $1,000. The file you can fill out is the Form SR-1. If you don’t file after an accident that included any of these elements, you may face consequences like a suspended driver’s license.
Q: How Do I Claim Insurance After an Accident?
A: After an accident, the way that you can claim your insurance policy is to first notify your insurance company as soon as you can after the accident. It is often required that you do so within 24-72 hours. You may have several options to file an official claim, either online, on an app, or over the phone. If you are filing with the at-fault driver’s insurance, you can contact their insurance provider and open a claim.
Q: If I Am Not at Fault for a Car Accident, Do I Call the Other Party’s Insurance or Mine?
A: If you are not at fault for an accident, you generally have two options for filing an insurance claim. You can file with the at-fault driver’s insurance, as this is often the most direct route if the other driver was clearly at fault. Or, you can file with your own insurance company, especially if you have collision coverage and the other driver was uninsured or uncooperative.
Q: How Effective Is Working With a Car Accident Lawyer?
A: Working with a car accident lawyer can be highly effective, especially if there are any complications in your case, like a denied claim or disputed fault. A lawyer works to give you a higher settlement as they understand how to accurately calculate and prove your losses, even more nuanced losses like pain and suffering, and emotional struggles.
Speak With a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer Today
Do not wait to receive the legal support that you deserve as you are pursuing compensation for your losses after a car accident. Reach out to Shaffer Law today to set up an initial consultation and get trusted legal support. During this initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to share your side of the story, as well as your goals and desired outcomes. Our team can help you make informed decisions along the way to achieve the compensation you are satisfied with.
Copyright©2025, Shaffer Law. All Rights Reserved.
Digital Marketing By 
