A car accident is always a stressful and overwhelming event, and the aftermath can be even more challenging to navigate. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Long Beach, California, knowing the right steps to take can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation for injuries or property damage, as well as protect your legal rights. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a serious collision, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to handle the situation after an accident in Long Beach.
Step 1: Stay at the Scene
Never leave the scene of a car accident. In California, leaving the scene of an accident—whether you’re at fault or not—can lead to a hit-and-run charge. This is a serious criminal offense, and fleeing the scene can have long-lasting legal consequences. If law enforcement is present and conducting an investigation, wait until they give you permission to leave.
Step 2: Check for Injuries
First and foremost, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, even if the injuries seem minor, call 911 immediately. Long Beach has several hospitals and medical centers, such as Long Beach Memorial Medical Center and St. Mary Medical Center, where emergency responders can take victims for treatment.
If anyone is in immediate danger (e.g., from a fire), and it’s safe to do so, assist them—but avoid moving anyone with potential neck or back injuries unless there is an immediate risk of further harm. It’s always best to let medical professionals handle any serious injuries.
Step 3: Call the Police
It’s crucial to call the Long Beach Police Department if there are injuries or significant property damage. A police officer will arrive at the scene to investigate the crash, gather statements from the involved parties, and prepare a police report. This report will be critical when filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action.
In California, if the accident causes property damage over $1,000 or results in injuries, you are legally required to report it to law enforcement. If in doubt, it’s always better to call the police and have them document the scene.
Be sure to obtain the officer’s name, badge number, and report number for future reference.
Step 4: Move Vehicles (If Safe)
If no one is seriously injured and the vehicles are drivable, move your car out of traffic and to the side of the road to avoid creating more hazards or traffic congestion. This will also help emergency responders access the scene more easily. In a busy city like Long Beach, traffic can quickly become a problem, so getting vehicles out of the way is crucial to avoid further accidents.
Step 5: Exchange Information
Be sure to exchange the following information with all parties involved in the accident:
- Full name, contact information, and address
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, color, and license plate number
If the driver is not the owner of the vehicle, make sure to obtain the vehicle owner’s details as well. To minimize errors, it’s a good idea to take photos of the other driver’s insurance card and driver’s license and text or email them to yourself for safekeeping.
If there are any witnesses, gather their contact information as well. Having independent witnesses can be invaluable if there’s any dispute about the details of the accident.
Step 6: Collect Evidence
Start collecting as much evidence as possible at the scene. Key details to gather include:
- Make, model, and year of the vehicles involved
- License plate numbers (even partial information is useful)
- Photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and skid marks
- Pictures of any relevant traffic signals, signs, or obstacles (e.g., if a stop sign is missing or down)
Additionally, check if there are security cameras nearby that might have recorded footage of the accident, such as cameras from businesses or nearby residences. Take note of the camera locations and who you may need to contact to get a copy of the footage.
Step 7: Be Mindful of What You Say
It’s important to be careful about what you say at the scene of the accident. Avoid admitting fault or discussing details about the cause of the accident with the other driver or witnesses. Even if you feel like the accident was your fault, don’t admit liability at the scene—facts could come to light later that change the situation. Anything you say can be used against you in an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
Stick to the basic facts of the accident and avoid making promises about insurance or police involvement.
Step 8: Get Medical Care
Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Many injuries, like whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms immediately. By getting checked out by a doctor early, you not only ensure your health is taken care of, but you also create a record of your injuries that will be useful for your insurance claim or lawsuit.
Long Beach has several hospitals and urgent care centers, including Long Beach Memorial and Urgent Care of Long Beach, where you can receive immediate treatment for accident-related injuries.
Step 9: Write Down the Details
While the accident is still fresh in your memory, take the time to write down a detailed account of what happened. Include important information such as:
- The exact location of the accident
- The time and date it occurred
- What direction you were traveling and where your vehicle was positioned when the accident occurred
- The actions of the other driver(s) at the time of the crash
This written record will be invaluable when you speak with law enforcement, your insurance company, or your attorney later on.
Step 10: Notify Your Insurance Company
It’s important to notify your car insurance company as soon as possible after the accident, even if you were not at fault. California law requires you to inform your insurer about any incidents that could lead to a claim. Failure to report the accident promptly could jeopardize your coverage.
When notifying your insurance company, keep in mind that you don’t have to file a claim immediately. If you’re unsure whether to file, consult with a lawyer or your agent about the potential benefits and drawbacks of doing so, particularly regarding your insurance premiums.
Step 11: Report the Accident to the DMV
If the accident caused more than $1,000 in damage or if anyone was injured, California law requires you to report the incident to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days. If there was a fatality involved, the DMV must be notified as well.
Check with the California DMV for more information on how to file the report and what documentation you need to provide.
Step 12: Cooperate With Your Insurance Company
While you should cooperate with your insurance company, it’s important to be aware of your rights. If you feel that your insurer is wrongfully denying your claim or that you may be at risk of criminal liability, you should reach out to an attorney. Your lawyer can help guide you through the process, ensuring you don’t say anything that could harm your case.
Step 13: Keep Detailed Records
As you go through the recovery process, make sure to keep detailed records of everything related to the accident—medical bills, vehicle repair invoices, and any other expenses. Even if you don’t initially plan on filing a claim, having these records will be helpful if you decide to pursue legal action later.
Consider keeping a car accident diary to document how your injuries affect your daily life. This can be useful for both insurance claims and potential lawsuits.
Step 14: Talk to a Lawyer
If your accident caused serious injuries or significant property damage, it’s always a good idea to consult with a personal injury lawyer before signing anything from the other driver’s insurance company or attorney. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights, guide you through the claims process, and maximize the compensation you receive.
At TraumaLaw, we specialize in helping clients in Long Beach and surrounding areas who have been injured in car accidents. If you need assistance with your car accident claim or lawsuit, call us today at (800) 977-1111 for a free consultation.
If you’ve been in a car accident in Long Beach, California, taking the right steps after the incident is essential to protecting your rights and ensuring a successful recovery. If you need legal guidance or assistance, our team at TraumaLaw is here to help. Call (800) 977-1111 today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. Let us help you navigate the complexities of your case and get the compensation you deserve.
