What should you do after a car accident
**As written for The Safe Driver.
There are actions you might take after a car accident that could that hurt your chances of fair compensation if you are injured or suffer other losses. It is important to know what to say and do to protect your interests after a car accident. If you sustain severe injuries, you may be unable to answer questions or give a report about what happened. Your family members or others also need to know how to handle the situation should they need to act on your behalf. It is also essential to find the best personal injury attorney who can help you and your family deal with the aftermath of an accident.
Check on Others Who May Be Involved
Immediately after an accident, the most critical task is to determine if other drivers or passengers were injured. If it is safe, check on others as quickly as possible. If you find that someone has sustained injuries, call 911 immediately.
Do Not Leave the Scene
If the situation is such that you can move your vehicle to a safer place to prevent further property damage or injury, move the car to the shoulder rather than leaving it in the middle of the road. Moving the vehicle keeps it from becoming a hazard to other drivers. Keep safe by waiting away from the roadway.
Gather Information
You can exchange insurance information with the other driver if both of you are comfortable with doing so, but do not apologize for the accident or admit fault. Never argue or blame another driver. If the other driver admits causing the accident, do not respond or make comments. Photo evidence from the scene can be helpful later. It is a good idea to get photos of the vehicles involved, the location, and license plates. Write down or record statements and contact information from witnesses. All of the information you collect will be helpful when you contact a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles.
Call Law Enforcement
Even if there are no injuries, when there is property damage, call a law enforcement officer to the scene. Answer the officer’s questions, and do not accept blame for the accident. Be sure to get a copy of the police report. Make sure the officer’s name and contact information are legible on the report.
Inform Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company about the accident immediately. Your policy is a contract. You don’t want to violate that contract by failing to contact the company within the time-frame stated in your policy. An insurance company representative will ask you when and where the accident occurred and to explain how it happened. Providing information to the insurance company is not the same as filing a claim. However, if you learn later that the other driver is uninsured and you have uninsured motorist coverage, you can request assistance under that provision in your policy.
Call A Car Accident Attorney
A car accident lawyer has the expertise to help you handle insurance company 
inquiries, accident claims, and other issues that may arise. It is not unusual for the other driver’s insurance company to contact you regardless of who is at fault. If you get injured in an accident that was not your fault, the goal of the other driver’s insurance company is to pay you as little as possible for your pain, suffering, and property damage. There is no need for you to feel pressured by insurance company representatives when we can handle them for you. When it comes to personal injury, we are experts in dealing with insurance companies. We will ensure that you have the best personal injury attorney who will fight diligently to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact West Coast Trial Lawyers for additional information.