A car accident can turn your life upside down in seconds. Even a minor collision can leave you dealing with pain, medical expenses, and insurance companies that are more interested in protecting their profits than helping you recover. Knowing what steps to take after a crash can make a significant difference in your safety, your health, and your ability to pursue compensation.
If you were injured in an auto accident in San Diego, CA, Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers can guide you through the process and help protect your rights. Our team has been standing up for crash victims in Southern California for decades, and we’re here to make sure you aren’t taken advantage of.
Contact our San Diego car accident lawyers today at (858) 551-2090 for a free case review to learn more.
How Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Car Accident in San Diego, CA
After a collision, you may feel overwhelmed, unsure of your next steps, or pressured by insurance adjusters looking for a quick settlement. Our experienced San Diego personal injury lawyers can step in immediately to protect your claim and handle the details so you can focus on recovering.
When you hire Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers after a crash in San Diego, California, we can:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident
- Obtain the police report and review all available crash documentation
- Gather critical evidence, including photos, videos, and witness statements
- Coordinate with medical providers to document your injuries
- Work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary
- Manage all communications with insurance companies
- Negotiate aggressively for the full value of your claim
- Identify all possible sources of compensation
- Prepare your case for trial if the insurance company refuses to pay fairly
Having our San Diego car accident attorneys on your side ensures that your rights are protected from the very start of the claims process. Call our law office today for legal guidance.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in San Diego
Knowing what to do immediately after a crash can help keep you safe and strengthen your personal injury case. While every situation is different, here is a general outline of the steps to take to protect yourself.
Call 911 and Report the Accident
In California, drivers are generally required to report accidents involving injuries, death, significant property damage, or hit-and-run drivers. However, you should always attempt to notify the police right away if you are in a motor vehicle collision.
Calling 911 ensures that:
- Police respond to the scene (if applicable)
- A formal accident report is created
- Emergency medical personnel can evaluate injuries
The police report often becomes a key piece of evidence when filing a car accident claim.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Even if you feel “fine,” it’s important to get checked by a medical professional, whether by EMS at the accident scene or shortly after the incident. Many injuries—such as concussions, internal injuries, and soft tissue damage—don’t show symptoms immediately.
Prompt medical care helps:
- Protect your health
- Document your accident-related injuries
- Prevent the insurance company from arguing that you weren’t really hurt
Your medical records will tie your injuries to the accident, which is often an important aspect of a negligence-based case.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
If possible, collect the following information from the other involved party:
- Driver’s name and contact information
- Insurance details
- Vehicle make, model, and license plate number
Do not apologize or discuss fault at the crash scene. Even casual comments can be used against you later.
Document the Accident Scene
If you’re able, gather as much information as possible before the vehicles are moved, including photos and videos of:
- Vehicle damage and placement
- Visible injuries
- Skid marks, debris, and road conditions
- Weather or visibility issues
- Surrounding traffic signs or signals
Visual evidence can be incredibly valuable when reconstructing what happened.
Speak With Eyewitnesses
If anyone saw the crash, ask for:
- Their name
- Their phone number
- A brief statement about what they saw
Neutral third-party witnesses can help confirm your version of events.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
Before contacting the insurance company, it’s wise to speak with an attorney who understands California law and knows how insurers operate. A San Diego personal injury attorney can evaluate the facts, explain your options, and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Most policies require prompt reporting of an accident. Keep the conversation basic by only discussing things like the time and location of the crash and the vehicles involved. Do not discuss fault or give a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with a lawyer. If you’ve already retained an attorney, they can handle these communications for you.
Avoid Talking to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
The at-fault driver’s insurer may reach out quickly for a statement. It may sound routine, but it’s often used to:
- Minimize your injuries
- Shift blame
- Limit their financial responsibility
You are not required to speak with them before consulting an attorney.
Keep All Documents and Records
You should save anything that could be relevant to the accident and injuries, including but not limited to:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Medical bills
- Records of doctor appointments and follow-ups
- Repair estimates
- Receipts for prescriptions and other out-of-pocket expenses
- Wage loss documentation
- Photos and written notes about your recovery
These documents will help support your damages claim.
Contact Our Experienced San Diego Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
You don’t have to navigate the aftermath of a car accident in San Diego alone. The legal team at Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers is here to protect your rights, handle the insurance company, and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we recover money for you. Contact our experienced San Diego car accident attorneys today to get the help you deserve.
