Steps to Take in the Aftermath of a Car Accident

Be Prepared to Maximize your Car Accident Claim

Statistically, you will be involved in a car wreck every 18 years. That means you’ll likely be in three or four accidents during your lifetime. Of course, some people will fall victim to more, and others fewer, but the likelihood of never being involved in a crash is low.


Before the wreck occurs, it’s important to know what to do. This way, you won’t be left scrambling and trying to remember everything. In fact, it’s probably best to just download and print our accident checklist. Keep it in the glovebox with your proof of insurance.

6 Things to Keep in Mind After a Car Wreck

There’s going to be a lot going on, especially if you, or someone else, is injured in the crash. 

Try to be as proactive as possible so that when it comes time for you to receive compensation that will aid in your healing process, you get what you’re fairly owed.

  1. Call the Police – A police report carries a lot of weight when filing an insurance claim. While there isn’t a legal obligation to call the police for a fender bender, you must contact your local authorities if someone is injured or killed. In any case, law enforcement officers are trained to serve as helpful sources of information in high-stress situations.
  2. Take a Lot of Pictures – You can’t have too many pictures of the accident. Make sure you get photos from all angles and of the surrounding area. Take photos of landmarks, damage to any property, and get a clear picture of license plates for future reference.
  3. Get the Other Driver’s Information – Your car accident attorney will need to contact the other driver involved in the accident, so it’s important that you get both their contact information and their insurance information. Name and phone number are the bare minimum; the more information you can gather, the better.
  4. Gather Witness Information and Statements – Most accidents are witnessed by other people. Before they leave, get their names and phone numbers. If they are willing, record their statement of what happened.
  5. Record Your Side of the Story – Use your cell phone to make a video of the area. Show the streets, cross streets, and traffic patterns. In your own words, describe what happened leading up to the accident, but take care to avoid admitting any fault.
  6. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you don’t feel like you have been hurt, get checked out by a medical professional. After a car accident, your adrenaline is going to be pumping. This adrenaline can mask the pain that you may feel later. To be fully compensated, you need those medical records to verify any injuries and to show that you responsibly sought treatment.

Contact Gonzalez & Jones to Help with the Stressful Bits

Being involved in a wreck is overwhelming, to say the least.

Not only do you have to worry about getting your vehicle fixed, but you also have to consider the damage to your body and mind. In many cases, healing is going to take time. If you’re worried about filing a claim and dealing with a potential lawsuit (all while you are trying to heal from injuries and live life as normally as possible), you’re going to undergo a lot of stress–stress that will only end up delaying your recovery process.

We are here to tell you that you can skip all of that stress and leave the legal business to us.

At Gonzalez & Jones, we have experienced car accident lawyers that know how to stand up against intimidating insurance companies and advocate for you with unwavering dedication every step of the way. If you used our accident checklist and followed the proper steps immediately following the accident, then we can handle the rest.

Already been injured in a car accident? Call us at 408-848-2208 to reach our personal injury offices in Hollister, California, or fill out the contact form on our site. We will be in touch with you soon.