What to Do After a Personal Injury Accident in Orange County
A step-by-step checklist for protecting your health and your claim in the hours and days after an accident in Orange County, California.
The shock and physical injuries caused by an accident can make it difficult to think clearly. Many injured people have never had to file a personal injury claim, so they do not know what to do next. While every accident is unique, there are steps every injured person should take to protect both their health and their legal rights.
1. Report the accident or injury
Call 911 to report traffic accidents. If you are injured on someone else’s property, report the injury to the property owner or manager and ask for a written incident report. An official record creates a timeline that is hard for an insurance company to dispute later.
2. Never admit fault
Even saying “I’m sorry” can be misinterpreted as an admission of fault. Be careful what you say at the scene, to other drivers, and to insurance adjusters. Stick to the facts and let the investigation determine who is responsible.
3. Document the scene
If it is safe to do so, take photos and video of the accident scene, the vehicles or hazard involved, and your visible injuries. Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses. This evidence often disappears within hours.
4. Seek immediate medical attention
Prompt medical treatment reduces the risk of an injury getting worse and documents your injuries for your claim. Delays in care can lead an insurer to argue that you failed to mitigate your damages, or that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
5. Be cautious with the insurance company
The claims adjuster is searching for information the company can use against you. Never agree to a recorded statement or sign anything without first speaking to a personal injury attorney. A friendly adjuster is still working to pay you as little as possible.
6. Talk to an experienced Orange County injury lawyer
You have the right to legal counsel. A personal injury lawyer works to ensure you recover everything you are owed and handles the insurance company so you can focus on healing. In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim.
Injured in an accident? Contact Nordean Law for a free consultation. We work on contingency, so you owe us nothing unless we win your case.