Orange County is a heavily populated area with busy streets and freeways running throughout. It’s not surprising, statistically, that we have our share of automobile collisions. If you’re in a vehicle crash and suffer serious bodily injury, making a call to a veteran accident attorney like Kyle Scott can mean the difference between recovering the maximum amount of compensation you’re entitled to or accepting what your or the other party’s insurance company offers you.
Still, in all cases, there are things that all parties involved in an accident should or must do to, first to remain safe, and second to comply with California law. In the moments immediately following a collision, your first priority is to stay safe and if injured to get immediate medical help. The California Department of Insurance provides a checklist of things to do following an accident.
In California we have financial responsibility laws that require us as motor vehicle drivers to carry a specified amount of car insurance. This amount is to cover losses that result from owning or operating motor vehicle in the state. While this is a requirement under law, car insurance policies do vary and it’s wise to double check your specific coverage to know exactly what is covered and what isn’t.
The full text of Californians’ financial responsibility is delineated in Section 16020 of the California Vehicle Code.
California drivers have to show that they’re able to pay damages (financial responsibility) of $15,000 minimum for each person injured or killed in an accident. A minimum of $30,000 for death or injury of two or more persons in the same accident, and a $5,000 minimum for property damage in a single accident. It’s important always to have evidence of financial responsibility in your car or on your person if needed by a police officer.
Car Accident Checklist
- STOP Immediately and move only if it is safe to do so.
- Call 911 if there are injuries. (If you have any injuries at all, you should get checked out by a medical professional.)
- Call the police. In some areas, police authorities may respond to every accident scene. They may consider factors such as the severity and location of the accident (some police authorities will not come to the scene if the accident is on private property). However, you should attempt to notify the police. You should also be aware that most policies require notification to the police within a specified time period if the accident is a hit and run.
- Obtain names, addresses, telephone numbers, and driver’s license numbers from all drivers.
- Obtain license plate(s) and vehicle identification numbers. Ask to see driver’s license(s) and vehicle registration(s) to verify the information is accurate.
- Obtain names, addresses, and telephone numbers of other passengers and any witnesses.
- If you have a camera or a cellphone, take photographs of the damage, and the accident scene (traffic controls, visual obstacles).
- If the owner of a damaged car or damaged property cannot be located, leave a note with the names and addresses of the driver and owners of the involved cars.
- Notify your agent and/or your insurance company immediately.
- If anyone is injured or the vehicle damage exceeds $750.00, you must report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days. Failure to notify the DMV may result in the suspension of your driver’s license.
Serious accidents that result in injury to a person can mean not only the expense of a damaged vehicle and immediate medical expenses, but—depending on the severity of injuries—ongoing treatment may be required. There may also be future pain and suffering as a result, not to mention the possible loss of income due to being incapacitated after a crash. When another person is at fault for a collision, they should be held accountable as well. The extent to which all these factors play a role is something that a qualified accident attorney like Kyle Scott will help you find out.
Granted, we all have an obligation under California law to provide the authorities with information such as reporting the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days and being able to show proof of financial responsibility when needed. However preservation of your rights and recovering the greatest amount of compensation following an accident can be a time-consuming, labyrinthine process. Insurance companies have a vested interest in making the most advantageous payments for themselves and not necessarily to their policy holders. That’s why car accident lawyers play such a vital role.
In addition to keeping your financial responsibility information handy, the name of a seasoned Orange County injury attorney like Kyle Scott handy as well. Your consultation is always free and we charge no fees until your case is won. Call 714-544-1460 or 866-757-0959.