Types of Car Accidents
In the crowded streets of San Bernardino, car crashes can occur in many ways, with the most common scenarios being:
- Head-on and rear-end crashes
- Side impact, or T-bone collisions
- Vehicle rollovers
- Hit and run accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Texting and driving accidents
- Rideshare accidents, such as those involving an Uber, Lyft, or taxi service
- Accidents involving a commercial vehicle, such as a semi-truck,18-wheeler, tractor trailer
- Distracted driving accidents
Every wreck is unique and may require different evidence to adequately show the other driver is legally and financially responsible for the crash. Our experienced car accident attorney in San Bernardino could help determine responsibility for a specific crash by deposing witnesses, investigating the scene of the wreck, and working with accident reconstructionists as needed.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
If you have been involved in a car crash, you may be wondering what you should do first. Follow these steps:
Be Safe and Call 911
If you can move your vehicle after your car accident, put on your hazard lights and pull over to a safe place as quickly as possible. Then, call 911 to report the accident. Wait for the police to arrive. Do not leave the scene of the accident because that could make it seem like a hit-and-run.
If you cannot move out of the way after the accident, stay in your car with your seatbelt on. Lock your doors, and call 911. Once you have reported the accident, stay where you are and wait for help to arrive.
While you wait, check yourself and passengers for injuries, and make sure you tell the police about any injuries.
Call Your Insurance
You will want to notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible, even if it is only a minor car accident.
Get a Police Report
When the police arrive, they will ask questions and examine the accident carefully. Share facts with the police. Do not say you are sorry to anyone. Admitting fault could give the other person’s insurance company reason to deny your claim. Once the police have written up a report about the accident, get a copy for yourself, whether that is at the scene or later at the police station.
Take Photos
If you can take photos of the accident, do so as soon as possible. Any physical record of the accident, the scene, and the condition of the road could be important later on. Also take photos of the license plates of other vehicles involved in the accident. You will want to share these photos with your insurance company.
Share Information with Others Involved
You will need to share certain information about yourself to the other drivers involved in the crash. This includes:
- Your name, address, and phone number
- Your driver’s license number
- Information about your vehicle, such as make, model, year, and license plate number
- Your insurance company, policy number, and phone number
- The name and address of the owner of the vehicle, if it does not belong to you
If another driver refuses to share any of their information, make a note of what they refuse to share.
Get Medical Care
Even if you do not think you are injured, it is best to get checked by a doctor within a couple of days of the accident. You may have hidden injuries, such as whiplash, brain injuries, or internal damage.
Keep track of all your medical records, including doctor reports, treatment plans, and test results. Keep your receipts. If you have an injury, track your recovery carefully, making note of any changes.
Contact a Lawyer
Our San Bernardino car crash attorney could assist you if you have expensive medical bills, are involved in a crash with multiple vehicles, have problems collecting from insurance, or have delays in the claims process. Not sure if you need a lawyer? Contact us for a free consultation.
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