What To Do After a Car Accident in Gardena, CA?

Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, leading to confusion and stress. Learning how to handle a situation like this in a small, highly urbanized community such as Gardena is essential for your safety and financial well-being. Learn more about what to do after a car accident in Gardena, CA, both immediately after the incident and in the days following it.

What To Do After a Car Accident in Gardena, CA?

Motor vehicle accidents can happen for multiple reasons, including negligence by a driver or pedestrian, poorly maintained roads, or unsafe weather conditions. While many involved in car accidents may walk away with minor vehicle damage, there are others who might be injured or killed. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were 11 people injured or killed or injured in Gardena in 2022 following a crash.

Knowing what to do after a car accident can ensure that you are safe and that any at-fault party is held accountable if you are injured. Here are some actions you should take:

• Make sure you are safe. Move away from potentially dangerous vehicles and to the side of the road to avoid being hit by moving vehicles. If you need immediate medical attention, make sure you or someone around you calls 911.
• Exchange information with the other driver. Drivers involved in an accident are required to exchange their name, current address, license number, vehicle identification number, and information about the vehicle owner, as well as insurance information, with other affected drivers. Make sure not to make any statements of fault.
• Document the accident. If you can, collect information about passengers involved in the accident or witnesses to the accident, including their names and phone numbers. It is also important to take photos of vehicle damage and of the accident scene.
• Report the accident. If police do not arrive at the scene, you should report the accident to the Gardena Police Department or the California Highway Patrol when someone is injured or if there is property damage. You should also report an accident to the California DMV if there was more than $1,000 in damage.
• Seek medical treatment. Even if you do not have any noticeable injuries, you are highly advised to seek medical treatment following an accident. You may develop injuries from an accident days or weeks later, and these injuries can lead to long-term effects. A 2013 study revealed that 45% of a group of 886 injured road-accident victims over 16 still suffered from mild-to-moderate injuries one year post-accident.
• Contact an attorney. Handling an auto insurance claim on your own is not recommended, especially if you sustained serious injuries. Working with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer following a car accident can help you obtain the maximum compensation from the other driver’s insurance provider or other negligent parties.

Gardena Car Accident Attorney

As a fault-based state, handling a car accident insurance claim on your own can be tricky. Proving fault in an accident requires adequate evidence, and insurance providers are likely to offer only minimal compensation. The Law Offices of Daniel An offers strategic representation to Gardena residents who are struggling to receive what they are owed following a car accident. Get the support of a local Gardena attorney. Contact us today for a free consultation.