Car accidents can be a confusing and terrifying experience. In the aftermath, you may be filled with many pressing concerns with no answers. You may wonder, “What questions should you ask after a car accident?” The Ward Firm is here to help you understand what questions you should be asking and what information you should gather that can be helpful in the following period.
About Us
The Ward Firm has spent years assisting the people of Sacramento and the Central Valley with their car accident cases. Our founding attorney, Justin L Ward, previously worked as a defense lawyer for insurance companies, and now uses that experience to represent everyday people. Mr. Ward has been recognized for his legal accomplishments, receiving the 2023 Sacramento County Bar Association Distinguished Attorney of the Year award.
Sacramento Car Accidents
Car accidents remain a pressing concern throughout California. In 2022, there were 223,512 total motor vehicle injuries statewide, with 11,157 people in Sacramento County injured or killed in accidents. You don’t have to be driving on a busy route like Interstate or be crossing the intersection at Folsom Boulevard and Howe Avenue for an accident to happen.
Questions to Ask After a Car Accident
Knowing how to handle yourself in the moments, days, and weeks after a vehicle accident can make a difference not only in any potential litigation but also in getting aid from insurance companies. A key part of this process is understanding the right questions to ask and when to ask them. The following are the main parties you should question after an accident.
What to Ask Yourself
The first question you should have is whether you are okay. Before worrying about other details, ask yourself if you have been injured. If you are seriously hurt, seek immediate medical attention. Your health and well-being come before anything else. Sacramento County has many 24/7 emergency rooms, the largest of which is located in Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center.
Other Drivers
If you are stable, the next person to speak with is the other drivers involved in the crash. Important questions you should ask include:
- What is your name and phone number?
- Who owns the vehicle you were driving?
- What is your driver’s license?
- What is your insurance provider’s information?
While communicating with other drivers, refrain from admitting liability or blaming them. You may feel responsible, or they are, but maintaining neutrality while exchanging information is crucial for any future case.
Witnesses
After speaking with the other parties involved, the next question you should ask is for eye witness accounts. Ask to see what they saw happen, where they were, and what causes they may have seen. Remember to get their contact information before they leave the area.
Police & Emergency Workers
In California, you are required to stay at the accident site until authorities arrive if there was any injury caused in the crash. Once the police are on the scene, ask them for their names, badge numbers, the report number for the car accident case, and a copy once it is processed. If they are willing, consider asking the officer about their observations of the accident scene.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents are frightening moments that can leave you severely injured. In the time afterwards, the last thing you may wish to do is argue with insurance companies or file claims on your own. Hire a car accident attorney who can represent your interests. Your Sacramento car accident lawyer can gather supporting evidence and witnesses, examine reports, and handle the details so you can focus on rest and recovery.
FAQs
Q: What Information Should I Ask for Directly After a Car Accident in California?
A: The information you gather right after an accident can save your claims later on. The first key element is to get the contact and insurance information for all other drivers involved in the accident. Next, document the accident site and the surrounding area by taking pictures, videos, or notes. Finally, scout the area for any witnesses or security cameras. Uninvolved third parties can have a significant impact on either personal injury or insurance claims.
Q: How Much Does a California Car Accident Attorney Cost?
A: The cost of your care accident attorney in California depends on the claims you wish to pursue, the complexity of your case, and the work hours you require. A simple personal injury claim with one other party with an easy settlement is generally cheaper than a multi-party, hotly contested case that requires going to trial. Your car accident lawyer will consider the specific details of your case and can provide an estimate of what the final bill may be.
Q: What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Company After an Accident?
A: After an accident, there are several things you should not say to any insurance company involved. The first is never say it was your fault. Any admission of guilt, even if you weren’t responsible and it is just a nicety, can damage future claims. The next thing to refrain from is saying you are uninjured. Some injuries can take days or weeks to show symptoms. Finally, never give a full or partial official statement on the day of an accident.
Q: How Long After an Accident Can You File a Personal Injury Claim in California?
A: How long you have after an accident to file a personal injury claim against another driver depends on the details of the case. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If the victim in your car accident case was a minor, the two-year timeline only begins once they turn eighteen.
Speak With a Car Accident Attorney Today
Car accidents are difficult and traumatizing events. The Ward Firm is here to provide you with the legal support you need.
Contact us today for an initial consultation, where we can answer any additional questions you may have about your accident. You may also visit our Sacramento office, located on Northgate Boulevard off Del Paso Road and bordering Steelhead Creek.
