May 9

5 Essential Steps to Take After a Car Accident That Wasn’t Your Fault

Car accidents are unfortunate yet common occurrences on roads. Even if you drive cautiously and in accordance with all traffic laws, you have no control over how other drivers will drive.

We at Grigoryan Blum & Grigoryan understand that after a car accident, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. This is common, but we are here to help you every step of the way.

If you are in a car accident, it is necessary to act quickly to protect yourself and your legal rights, even if the accident was not your fault. You should have a strategy or plan in place should you ever need it.

After an accident, a Pasadena car accident lawyer will be of great assistance. They can offer helpful legal counsel and representation, and will assist you in navigating the complex legal system. An attorney will negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company, and assist you in obtaining the settlement you are due for any losses of income, injuries, or other expenses brought on by the accident.

Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call for Medical Assistance

Your first priority after an auto accident should be your safety. No matter how small the accident may seem, thoroughly examine yourself and fellow passengers to make sure everyone can move and doesn’t need life saving care.

Contact local emergency helplines, stay in the car if possible, and wait for help if you are unable to move any body parts or if you are experiencing pain.  

Even if there are no apparent injuries, it’s essential to seek medical attention. All of those involved should be examined by a medical professional who can identify any issues that might have resulted from the accident. 

Emergency services play an important role in documenting the accident. The police report, ambulance report, and any other official reports can provide valuable evidence that can help support your claim. 

This documentation can help determine who was at fault and what damages were incurred. It’s essential to obtain a copy of these reports as they might be needed when working with a Pasadena car accident lawyer to build your case.

Step 2: Call the Police

The presence of a formal police record is important since fault determination can be greatly aided by police reports. A description of the car damage, testimonies from witnesses, and any citations issued by the police may all be included in the report. 

All of this information can be utilized to identify the accident’s cause and the party responsible for any resulting damages. When building your case and negotiating a just compensation alongside your attorney, this information is essential.

This information will also be helpful when working with insurance companies to submit a claim. In order to establish who was at fault and what losses were sustained, insurance firms frequently need a copy of the official police report.

Step 3: Collect the Evidence

Collecting evidence such as witness statements, photographs, and video footage can provide valuable information that can support your case when working with a Pasadena car accident lawyer. 

Witness statements can provide important details about the accident, such as who had the right of way or who was speeding. Photographs and video footage can also provide evidence of the damage to the vehicles and the location of the accident.

Medical reports can provide valuable evidence of any injuries sustained during the accident, including the extent of the injuries and the treatment required. This information can be used to support insurance claims and to negotiate a fair settlement.

Evidence plays a crucial role in supporting insurance claims. Insurance companies require evidence to determine who was at fault and what damages were incurred. Evidence can be used to show that the other driver was negligent or reckless and caused the accident. Without evidence, it can be difficult to prove fault or to negotiate a fair settlement.

Step 4: Contact a Pasadena Car Accident Attorney

If you are in a car accident, there are several advantages that come from having legal representation, including professional advice on how to handle the accident’s aftermath. Car accident attorneys have experience working with insurance firms and can negotiate a just settlement on your behalf. If the matter is taken to court, they can also offer legal counsel.

A car accident attorney can help you through the claims process and explain your legal rights. They can also look into the accident to see who was at fault and collect proof to back up your claims. Car accident attorneys can also make sure you obtain the money you need to cover medical expenses, lost earnings, and other losses.

Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company

Even if you don’t intend to file a claim, it’s crucial to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible because failure to do so could lead to penalties like delayed or denied coverage. By delaying notification, your insurance provider can doubt the veracity of your claim or deny it altogether.

A Pasadena car accident lawyer can help you navigate the insurance claim procedure if you’re unsure of what to do. They can assist you in understanding your legal rights and provide you advice on what data to give your insurance provider. In fact, many insurance contracts require that you do so. 

You can be assured that your claim is handled fairly and appropriately by alerting your insurance company right away and enlisting the aid of a car accident attorney.

Common Causes of Car Accidents 

Understanding the typical reasons for car accidents can help prevent such situations in the future. Auto accidents are significantly influenced by the following:

  • Distracted driving, which includes activities like texting, eating, and using a phone while driving
  • Speeding
  • Drunk driving
  • Aggressive driving
  • Fatigued driving
  • Bad weather
  • Ignoring traffic devices
  • Road obstacles

Understanding the cause of an accident is crucial to determining who is responsible and pursuing financial compensation for any losses incurred.

Getting into a car accident is a stressful situation. However, following the steps we’ve outlined can help you protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

At Grigoryan Blum & Grigoryan, our experienced Pasadena car accident attorneys are here to help guide you through the aftermath of a car accident and fight for your rights. With years of experience and a proven track record of success, we have the knowledge and resources to handle even the most complex car accident cases.

Don’t let the aftermath of a car accident consume your life. Contact Grigoryan Blum & Grigoryan to schedule a consultation and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. 

Click here for our complete guide to hiring a personal injury lawyer.

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30 North Raymond Avenue, Suite #514
Pasadena, CA 91103
United States