With more than 1,80,303 population, Santa Clarita’s economy is based on the entertainment and service industry. Therefore it is inevitable that most of the roads are congested with traffic.
If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being in a car accident in Santa Clarita, there are certain things you should do to ensure your safety. You should always consult with a Santa Clarita car accident lawyer to get specific advice on what to do after an accident.
Even if the accident appears not significant and no one is hurt, you must remain calm and do what you can to limit liability on both sides. Here are five things that you must do after a car accident.
1. Check For Injuries
According to statistics, 94.3 percent of the population of Santa Clarita has health coverage. After an automobile accident, the first thing you should do is check for injuries. If you are injured, seek medical help immediately. Even if you do not think you are injured, it is still a good idea to get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash, may not show up until days after the accident.
2. Exchange Information & Insurance Cards
After checking for injuries, see if you can drive your car to a safer location. If possible, try to move it at least off of the road or out of oncoming lanes of traffic. Once this is done, exchange insurance information with the other driver and gather any information from the eyewitness. If there are any witnesses at the accident scene, be sure to get their names and contact information.
3. Take Pictures & Prepare Documents
After a crash, it is good to take pictures of the accident scene. It is something that you should do regardless of who was at fault. If possible, try to get photos from different angles and make sure to include any damage done to your car. Also, make sure to get shots of the license plates of other vehicles involved in the accident. Before leaving the scene of the accident, write down all relevant information, such as:
- The date and time of the accident
- Location
- Weather conditions
- Road conditions
- Cause of the accident (slippery road or another factor)
- Names and contact information of all drivers and passengers involved
- Insurance company number
- License plate numbers of all vehicles involved
The information can also be helpful to your Santa Clarita car accident lawyer in preparing your case.
4. Contact A Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in an accident, the next step is to contact a Santa Clarita car accident lawyer. After an auto accident, the most important thing you can do is talk with an experienced personal injury attorney who will advise you on your rights and help protect your best interests.
5. Wait Before Making A Comment
It is crucial to know that any statement you make can make or break your case. Therefore, it is best to wait until the police have completed the investigation before making any statements. Any statement of yours can be used against you in court and may lessen your chances of winning your case.
If you are part of a car accident, following these five simple steps can help to ensure your safety and protect your rights. Remember, if you are injured, seek medical help immediately. And if you need legal assistance, contact a car accident lawyer.
