Car Accident Attorneys – Things to Do After a Car Accident
If you have been in a car accident, it may seem that getting legal help isn’t an option. You might even think that the process is too expensive. However, you won’t have to pay for consultation until your attorney wins your case. The first step is to stop and take appropriate actions, depending on the severity of the accident. Here are some important tips for you to follow after a car accident:
Information you need to gather after a car accident in Long Beach
You should immediately exchange contact information with the other driver and passengers, and gather information about the vehicle you were driving. Take a picture of your insurance card. If you can, contact witnesses, and gather information from the other driver. In any case, you must report the accident within 24 hours. Even minor car accidents require reporting to the police, so make sure you do this as quickly as possible. After the accident, gather information about other drivers and passengers and their insurance policies.
The police officer will give you the other driver’s insurance information. Make sure to take a picture of the license plate number, which can help the authorities locate the other driver. Once the police have all the information, make sure to check your vehicle for damage and make sure you’re out of traffic. You may also need to move your car out of the way to avoid hitting oncoming traffic. Finally, call 911 to report the accident.
Steps to take after an accident
The first step after a car accident is to get the other driver’s and owners’ contact and insurance information. Taking pictures is a great idea as well. These can prevent mistakes and loss of information from transcription. When you are in the car, make sure to get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Attorneys and insurance companies often need this information to determine fault in the accident. However, you should avoid trying to negotiate the payment of damages and injuries.
The next step after an accident is to call 911 or the police. You will need the help of these authorities to determine whether or not there are injuries in both vehicles. You should also collect witnesses’ information and take pictures of the scene. Do not be in a rush. If possible, stay calm and follow the directions of law enforcement officers. If you are not able to move the car, use flares and hazard lights to warn other drivers of the accident.
Statute of limitations for bringing a claim
The statute of limitations for bringing a car accident lawsuit is a deadline that must be met to file a claim. In most cases, this deadline has to be met by the date on which the accident occurred, but there are some exceptions. In some cases, the statute of limitations can be tolled, which means that a plaintiff may file their claim after it has passed. Minors, for example, do not have a statute of limitations until the age of majority. Also, a defendant can toll his or her car accident lawsuit if he or she is in prison or otherwise out of state.
There are exceptions to this rule, however. For example, in cases where someone has died, the statute of limitations starts to run two years after the accident. In those cases, the surviving family member can file the claim, but the time limit starts to run on the date of death. If the deadline expires after two years, the case can be dismissed by the court. As a result, it is imperative that a victim of a car accident file their claim as soon as possible.
Contacting a lawyer after a car accident in Long Beach
When a car accident leaves you hurt, you should immediately contact a Long Beach car accident lawyer. These attorneys have the experience and knowledge necessary to fight for your rights and obtain the maximum compensation possible for your injuries. You should speak with the lawyers directly rather than an answering service, which could simply relay your call. A good attorney will take the time to explain your options and answer any questions you may have.
It’s also important to contact the police immediately. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s likely that the police will need to file a report. Oftentimes, the police will give you a receipt for this report. These documents contain valuable information about your accident and will be useful to your Long Beach car accident lawyer. If you’re not sure if the police report is accurate, consult with an attorney immediately.