Most people don’t expect to get into a collision. A car accident can change your life forever. Knowing how to document your injuries after an accident in California can help ensure your safety and the preservation of your legal case.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer to Help You Navigate Legal Proceedings

The attorneys at Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor understand the devastation a car accident can cause. Even when the accident only lasts a couple of seconds, the effects it has on survivors can last a lifetime. We’ve worked tirelessly to win:

  • $30,774,365 for a client who suffered severe injuries after being rear-ended by a drunk driver on the freeway
  • $925,000 for a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury and orthopedic injuries after being hit by a motorist while walking down the street

When recovering from emotional and physical trauma, you need a lawyer who genuinely cares. Our attorneys protect the rights of our neighbors and community members in the Los Angeles area.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

California is the most populous state in America, with over 39 million residents calling the state their home in 2024. In 2023, 4,061 residents of California died in a car accident. After being in a car crash, there are several key steps to take to ensure your safety. Be sure to:

  • Call 911 to report the crash and request medical attention, even if you feel fine. Certain injuries, like concussions and internal bleeding, can take a long time to present symptoms. Be sure to request copies of the incident report and your medical records.
  • Collect the insurance information and contact information of the other driver involved in the crash. If they refuse to cooperate with you, it’s important to stay calm. Arguing with them will only escalate an already tense situation. Wait for law enforcement to arrive and explain the situation to them. They will be able to collect the information on your behalf.
  • Collect the contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident happen. Your lawyer will reach out to them later on to record their official testimony.
  • During this time, avoid apologizing or admitting fault in the crash. While you may have good intentions, doing so will only hurt your legal case later on.
  • Take extensive photos and videos. Include evidence of your visible injuries and damage to your personal belongings, such as your car, cell phone, bag, or clothing. Include evidence of the crash site, including any skid marks or property damage.
  • Hire a car accident lawyer to help you navigate the next steps in your case.

Evidence for Your Personal Injury Case

Courts rely on extensive evidence provided by both parties to make their final decision. If you only have one type of evidence, it’ll be hard to prove your side of what happened, especially if the other party has more evidence than you. Your attorney can help collect and preserve:

  • Testimony from anyone who witnessed the accident happen
  • Professional opinions about what caused the crash
  • Photos and videos taken at the time of the crash
  • Copies of the incident report and your medical records
  • Documentation of your financial losses, such as lost income and your medical bills
  • Documentation of your emotional losses, such as notes from your therapist, a journal detailing your mental state since the crash, or testimony from loved ones about what they’ve seen since the incident
  • A written, detailed timeline of events and your resulting losses
  • A transcript of the initial 911 call
  • Footage from dash cams, traffic cameras, and surveillance footage from nearby businesses or residences that show the crash
  • Any other official documentation to support your case.

It’s important to collect this evidence as quickly as possible. Car accidents tend to get cleaned up quickly, leading to the loss of evidence. Witness memories may fade, and surveillance footage typically tapes over itself after a certain period of time.

FAQs

How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Case in California?

You have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury case in California. While this timeline may seem long, it’s important to file as soon as possible. Your financial and emotional losses will only continue to pile up the longer you wait. Your lawyer can assist in filing your claim.

How Much Compensation Can I Win in a Car Accident Case?

The amount of compensation you win in a car accident case depends on the specific details of your situation. If you have a lot of evidence in your favor and significant financial and emotional losses, you’ll likely win more compensation than someone who has disputed liability in their case. You can win compensation for both tangible economic losses and intangible non-economic damage.

Can I Get Punitive Damages in a Personal Injury Case?

You may be able to get punitive damages in your personal injury case if the wrongdoer acted with extreme malice or negligence. For example, if the driver who hit you was under the influence while driving, they may have to pay you punitive damages. These damages were designed to further punish the wrongdoer and deter any similar actions from happening in the future.

Can I Speak to an Insurance Company Without My Lawyer Present?

You can speak to an insurance company without your lawyer present, but it’s important to be cautious while doing so. Only provide them with basic facts about the crash. Don’t speculate or admit fault. If they ask you to make a recorded statement or answer questions under oath, only do so with your lawyer with you. Adjusters can use what you say against you, even small phrases or words.

Work With Skilled Personal Injury Attorneys in California

Reach out to Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor today to learn how our lawyers can help you. We offer confidential consultations at our office in Pasadena. When dealing with the trauma of a car crash, you need a strong support system to help you recover.