What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in San Diego
The moments immediately following a car accident are chaotic and stressful. However, the actions you take in the first 24 hours can make or break your potential injury claim. Here is a step-by-step guide tailored for San Diego drivers.
Call 911 Immediately
Even if the accident seems minor, you need an official police report. In San Diego, this will typically be the CHP (on freeways) or SDPD (on surface streets). The police report is a crucial piece of unbiased evidence that establishes the date, time, and parties involved.
Document the Scene
Use your smartphone to take photos of everything. Do not rely on the police to do this. Capture:
- Vehicle damage (close-up and wide shots)
- Skid marks or debris on the road
- Traffic signs and signals
- The other driver's license and insurance card
- Visible injuries on yourself or passengers
Seek Medical Attention
Adrenaline can mask pain. You may have serious internal injuries, whiplash, or a concussion without realizing it immediately. Go to an urgent care or ER right away. A gap in medical treatment is the #1 excuse insurance companies use to deny claims.
Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement
The other driver's insurance adjuster may call you within hours. They will sound friendly. Do not speak to them. They are trained to ask leading questions to get you to admit fault or downplay your injuries. Tell them to speak to your attorney.
The Importance of Early Legal Counsel
Evidence disappears quickly. Surveillance footage is overwritten, witnesses forget details, and skid marks fade. By hiring a trial attorney immediately, you ensure that an investigation begins while the evidence is fresh.
Need Help Now?
If you're reading this from the scene of an accident or shortly after, call us immediately. We can guide you through these steps in real-time.