What to Do After a Car Accident in San Francisco
Car and motor vehicle accidents are never easy situations, especially when you bear no fault. Since you never plan to get in a car accident, odds are — when an accident happens — you will have questions. For this reason, you should inform yourself about what to do in the event you become involved in a crash. After all, no matter how conservative or how safe of a driver you are, you can still be involved in a car accident. In addition to personal injury, there may also be damage to property. Perhaps more parties are involved in your incident and you do not know how (or if) they contributed to your injury. If you are left wondering who could be at fault and what do after a car accident, then it is in your best interest to contact a San Francisco car accident lawyer. A good attorney can help you pursue compensation to help you recover from your injuries.
At Mary Alexander & Associates, P.C., we know you want your life to go uninterrupted. That is why we fight for you to have a swift and favorable resolution during this stressful time. For decades we have successfully handled car insurance claims and accident injuries in California. We know how dangerous highways like I 280 and I 80 can be, so our lawyers use their extensive experience to fight insurance companies and protect your best interests. Our firm utilizes every resource and tool available to us in order to bolster your injury claim. It is our goal to see you through to a favorable outcome.
What Do I Do After a Car Accident?
When making a claim, the goal is usually to receive the maximum amount of compensation to handle your bills. However, deductibles can become a significant financial burden rather quickly. Our San Francisco car accident lawyer knows what steps to take to get more of your expenses covered by insurance. Ultimately, there are some factors that will affect what your insurance will cover. For this reason, you should take the following steps after a car accident to mitigate any risk in your claim:
- Call 911: Look for any other people or cars that are involved and dial 911. This will show your insurance company that you took responsible measures after your car accident. If no party is seriously injured, then you should contact a tow truck and the police department. If someone is injured, 911 operators can walk you through how to perform preliminary first-aid until medical personnel arrives.
- Never Admit Fault: The atmosphere can be tense after a car wreck. You may be tempted to diffuse the situation by apologizing — even if you were not at fault. However, you should never apologize after an auto accident, especially if you only have liability insurance. Insurance companies will try to spin your well-meaning apology into an admission of guilt in an attempt to not pay for damages. While you should be friendly and accommodating, be careful about what you say immediately after a wreck.
- Always File a Police Report: A full report is usually not available until several days after the accident. However, you can have the responding officer at the scene give you a report number. This can be used to request a report at a later date. It is important to know that even if a police report lists you as being the one at fault, this does not necessarily mean that you cannot change the outcome of the case in your favor. In addition to this information, it is also important to exchange insurance information with all parties involved directly after the accident and obtain all contact information of any witnesses.
Should I Talk to My Insurance Agent After a Car Accident?
You will be contacted by not only your insurance company but also the insurance companies of any other parties involved. While you will likely speak to your insurance company before speaking to an experienced San Francisco car accident lawyer, it is not advised to speak to any other party. Insurance companies train their adjusters to collect as much money as possible in premiums and pay out as little possible in claims. They want you to take a path of less resistance by accepting their initial offer. This offer is usually not a realistic amount to cover the cost of all damages incurred.
By hiring a San Francisco car accident lawyer with a track record of favorable verdicts, you open the door to more favorable negotiation with these adjusters. This allows you to maximize any avenue of compensation while minimizing risks to your future. Many auto accident cases are resolved through an insurance settlement, with the insurer more likely to offer you fair compensation if you are represented by a lawyer.
Do You Have Further Questions About Your Car Accident? Call Our Firm for a Free Consultation
Have you or someone close to you been seriously injured in a car accident? Are insurance companies offering you a settlement that you believe is unfair? Every car accident in California is unique, presenting its own set of challenges. The best way to protect your interests is to contact a San Francisco car accident lawyer that has a reputation of success.
For decades, the attorneys at Mary Alexander & Associates, P.C., have provided vigorous, results-oriented representation in cases involving serious car wrecks. We are experienced in investigating accidents and documenting negligence. We are committed to obtaining the best possible result for every client. Do not settle by taking the path of least resistance — make sure you are protected. Call us today to schedule a free initial consultation.
