JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers | February 11, 2025 | Car Accidents
Witnessing a car accident can be a startling experience, and knowing the right steps to take can make all the difference. When you see an accident, your actions can help save lives, preserve vital evidence, and even protect your legal rights later on. This blog post explains what to do if you witness a car accident and offers practical guidance for acting safely and responsibly.
Stay Safe and Assess the Situation
Before you do anything else, ensure your own safety. The scene of an accident can be chaotic, and you should not put yourself at risk. Take a moment to assess the situation from a safe distance before taking any further action.
Stay Calm: Take a deep breath and keep your emotions under control.
Find a Safe Spot: If you are driving, pull over to the side of the road or a safe location away from the accident scene.
Observe the Surroundings: Look for any hazards like oncoming traffic, fire, or debris that could pose a risk.
There is always a balance between being helpful and staying safe. Your safety is paramount, and you should only approach the scene if you can do so without endangering yourself.
Call 911 Immediately
The first action you should take after witnessing a crash is to call 911. Alerting emergency services is essential for getting help to the scene quickly. When you call, provide clear and precise information to the operator.
Give Your Location: Clearly state the exact address or nearby landmarks.
Describe the Accident: Explain how many vehicles are involved and mention any injuries you can see.
Stay on the Line: Follow the operator’s instructions and answer any additional questions.
Once you have relayed this information, remain on the phone until the operator tells you it is okay to hang up. It is important to act quickly when calling 911 so that first responders can reach the scene as soon as possible. Your clear communication can help save lives.
Provide Clear and Accurate Information
When emergency services arrive, they will rely on witnesses like you for accurate details about what happened. Your description can be critical in helping them manage the scene and provide the right care.
Detail the Events: Explain what you saw happen before, during, and after the accident.
Note Any Specific Details: Mention vehicle colors, any damage visible on the cars, and the condition of the drivers.
Report Hazards: Inform them if there are spills, debris, or any dangerous conditions present.
After giving this information, stay available to answer any follow-up questions from the responders or the police. Accurate details help emergency personnel and investigators piece together the events of the accident, so it is important to be precise in your account.
Offer Assistance If It Is Safe
If you are trained in first aid, you may offer assistance, but be aware that acting without training may cause unintentional harm. In many jurisdictions, Good Samaritan laws provide legal protection for individuals who assist in emergencies, but you should be mindful of your own limitations.
Provide Comfort: If someone is injured and you are nearby, offer reassurance until help arrives.
Direct Traffic Cautiously: If you notice heavy traffic interfering with emergency response, you may help guide vehicles safely away from the scene.
Assist With Minor First Aid: Only if you are trained and it is safe, offer basic first aid without moving injured individuals.
After offering assistance, allow professionals to take over as soon as they arrive. Your willingness to help can be invaluable, but remember that professional responders are best equipped to handle injuries.
Contact the Car Accident Lawyers of JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Witnessing a car accident can be overwhelming, but knowing what to do can help save lives and protect your rights. Stay safe, call 911, provide accurate information, offer assistance if you are safe, and collect evidence without interfering with emergency services. If you later have questions or need legal advice regarding your role as a witness, consider reaching out to a trusted personal injury attorney.
JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers | February 3, 2025 | Car Accidents
California is a large state with thousands of miles of roads, highways, and interstates within its borders. The state also has one of the nation’s highest numbers of traffic fatalities. From Sacramento to Encino, CA, thousands of people die in motor vehicle accidents annually. Some of these deadly collisions happen on highways you and others use daily.
What Are the Most Dangerous Roads in California?
There are several ways to identify and rank the deadliest highways in California, but the easiest method is to look for those places that have a significant number of fatal wrecks. When looking for those highways that had some of the highest numbers of car accidents resulting in death, the following stretches of roadway stand out.
Interstate 15
Interstate 15’s southern end meets with Interstate 8 near San Diego, and its northern end is at the country’s northern border with Canada. However, the portion of this highway that runs through San Bernardino County has the distinction of being the deadliest stretch of highway in the entire state. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022, 48 people died in traffic collisions along this portion of I-15.
Interstate 5
Interstate 5 is not just one of the most dangerous highways in California but in the country as well. It runs north-south from San Diego County to the U.S.-Canadian border. Within California, this highway passes through San Diego County and Orange County, where a combined total of 37 traffic deaths occurred, according to the NHTSA.
Interstate 10
Another of the state’s deadliest highways is I-10. This east-west highway runs from Santa Monica and the Pacific Ocean to Jacksonville, Florida. The California segment connects Los Angeles with other cities like Palm Springs, Beaumont, and Calimesa.
According to the NHTSA, there were 31 traffic-related deaths on I-10 in 2022 within Riverside County alone. An additional 14 deaths occurred that same year along the stretch of I-10 that runs through Los Angeles County.
US-101
U.S. Highway 101 runs for over 1,500 miles, but it is the portion that passes through Santa Barbara County that is problematic from a safety standpoint. This segment had 15 traffic fatalities in 2022, according to the NHTSA. That same year, 2,557 people were injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents throughout Santa Barbara County.
This highway in California also passes through Santa Clara County. In 2022, Highway 101 was the site of 13 additional traffic-related deaths in Santa Clara County, according to the NHTSA.
Interstate 880
NHTSA statistics show that fourteen people lost their lives along Interstate 880 in Alameda County alone in 2022. That number equates to approximately one person dying for every four miles of interstate. These numbers are all the more surprising, considering that I-880 is less than 50 miles in length.
State Route 4
State Route 4 is the only California state route to make the list of the state’s most dangerous highways. This road runs 197 miles from San Francisco to State Route 89. Along its way, State Route 4 passes through Contra Costa County. In 2022, 13 individuals lost their lives in traffic crashes in this county on State Route 4, according to NHTSA information.
What Can Be Done About California’s Dangerous Roads?
The highways identified as being the most dangerous in the state carry a large volume of traffic every day, sometimes across multiple states. There is no simple way to make these stretches of highway safer overnight. The sheer number of cars and trucks that use these roads means there will always be an elevated risk of traffic deaths and injuries.
Nonetheless, drivers can reduce their personal risk of harm by driving defensively and remaining fully aware of the dangers these roads pose. This improves the chances of drivers reaching their destinations safely rather than becoming involved in another deadly crash.
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JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers | December 11, 2024 | Car Accidents
Discovering that someone hit your parked car is a frustrating experience. Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents involving parked cars in Sherman Oaks are all too common. Whether your car was hit in a parking lot, on a street, or at night, knowing the steps to take after can help you recover compensation. Here is what to do if someone hits your parked car and leaves:
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Damage
Try to remain calm as the initial shock of the incident fades. Take a moment to assess the scene and any visible damage. This may include dents, scratches, broken lights, or damage to mirrors or bumpers. Check the surrounding area to see if someone left a note with their contact and insurance information.
Step 2: Document the Scene Thoroughly
Proper documentation is critical for filing a future insurance claim, especially if the driver left the scene and cannot be identified. Use your phone to take photos of the damage to your vehicle. Pay attention to the location where it was parked and any skid marks or debris nearby.
Someone may have witnessed the accident, so ask people who are around. Business owners or property managers may also be able to check their security cameras to identify a driver who fled the scene.
Step 3: Report the Accident to the Police
It is important to file a police report for a hit-and-run involving your parked car. An official car accident report can help with future insurance claims, even if the damage appears to be minor. Describe the damage and details about the location and time of the incident. You should also share any potential evidence you have, such as photos or videos. The police will document the incident in an official report and investigate it further if there is a chance of identifying the driver.
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the hit-and-run. Provide them with all the documentation, including the police report number and photos of the damage.
The type of coverage you have will determine how repairs are handled:
Collision Coverage: Your insurance will cover the damage to your vehicle – barring your deductible – regardless of who was at fault.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage:California requires all auto insurance carriers to offer uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage unless you sign a waiver to decline it. This coverage can help pay for medical bills if the responsible driver is uninsured or cannot be identified. However, uninsured motorist property damage coverage is optional, so check your policy to ensure you’re covered for vehicle repairs.
Deductibles: Be aware that you may need to pay a deductible for repairs. If the damage is minor and the repair costs are close to your deductible, it may be cheaper to pay out-of-pocket instead of filing a claim.
A lawyer in Sherman Oaks can help you review the specifics of your policy.
What Are The Penalties for Hit and Run in California?
Under California Vehicle Code Section 20002, if a driver leaves the scene of an accident that only resulted in property damage, such as hitting a parked car, and fails to identify themselves, they may face:
A fine of up to $1,000
Up to 6 months in county jail
Other penalties
Even if the damage seems minor, a driver who fails to fulfill their legal obligations can face serious consequences.
Will My Car Insurance Premium Increase If Someone Hits My Parked Car?
After discovering damage to your car, one of the most common concerns is whether your car insurance premium will increase. The answer depends on several factors, including the circumstances of the accident and whether the responsible party is identified. Your premium typically will not increase if you are not at fault for the accident. However, the specific outcome depends on your insurer, the type of claim you file, and your claims history.
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JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers | December 3, 2024 | Car Accidents
Getting into a car accident is stressful, but knowing what to do afterward can help you navigate the situation smoothly. One of the most important steps in the aftermath is making a police report. In Tarzana, California, filing a police report is not only important for your legal protection but often required for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings. In this post, we’ll explain how to make a police report after a car accident in Tarzana, California.
If you or a loved one need further assistance after you have reported your car accident, be sure to contact a personal injury attorney for help assessing your legal options.
When to Call the Police
According to California Vehicle Code Section 20008, you are required to report a car accident to the police if there are injuries or property damage exceeding $1,000. If someone is injured or there is significant damage to the vehicles or property, you should call the police immediately.
Even if the accident is minor, with no injuries and damage below $1,000, it’s still a good idea to file a report. A police report can help with insurance claims and protect your legal rights.
After ensuring everyone’s safety (e.g., moving to a safe location, if possible), you need to contact the police. In Tarzana, the local police department, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) West Valley Division, handles most accident reports. However, if you’re involved in a collision on a freeway or state highway, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) may respond.
The LAPD West Valley Division Non-Emergency Number is (818) 374-7611. You should call 911 for emergencies. When you call, provide the following information:
Location of the accident (including cross streets or nearby landmarks)
Details of the accident (number of vehicles, injuries, etc.)
Your contact information (name, address, phone number)
Description of the vehicles involved (make, model, color)
Stay calm and provide clear, accurate information. The police will need details to assess the situation and respond appropriately.
What Happens When the Police Arrive?
Once the police arrive, they will begin gathering information from the drivers, passengers, and any witnesses. They will take photographs, make diagrams, and assess the scene. The officer will prepare a police report that includes:
Information about the people involved in the accident (names, contact info)
Witness statements
A diagram of the accident scene
The officer’s observations (including potential fault or violations)
Even if you’re unsure about specific details, don’t worry. The police will handle the investigation to ensure an accurate report is created.
How Do I Get a Copy of the Police Report?
After the police file their report, you can request a copy. Typically, you can obtain the report within a few days or weeks, depending on the complexity of the case.
To request a copy of the police report in Tarzana, you can:
Visit the LAPD West Valley Division at 19020 Vanowen St, Reseda, CA 91335.
Call the LAPD West Valley Division to inquire about the process.
There may be a small fee for the report, and you will need the case number, which the officer will give you at the scene. If you don’t have the case number, you may need to provide details like the date and location of the accident.
Why Is a Police Report Important?
A police report serves several critical purposes, including the following:
Insurance claims: Your insurance company will often require a police report to process your claim. It helps the insurer determine fault and the extent of the damage.
Legal protection: To file a legal claim or if the accident leads to a lawsuit, the police report is an important piece of evidence. Lawyers will use the case to assess your compensation.
Accurate record: A police report provides an official, unbiased account of the accident. This can prevent confusion or disputes about the details.
Having an official police report also helps ensure that your version of events is documented, which can be useful if there are disagreements about who caused the accident.
What If the Police Don’t Respond?
In some cases, particularly if the accident involves minor damage or no injuries, the police may not respond. In these instances, you can file a self-report with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or LAPD. You will need to fill out a Traffic Accident Report (Form SR 1), which is often required by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if there is property damage or injury. You can submit this form in person or online, depending on the circumstances.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer for Help
Making a police report after a car accident in Tarzana, California, is an essential step in protecting your rights, helping your insurance claim, and ensuring there is an official record of what happened. Whether you’re dealing with a minor fender-bender or a more serious collision, a police report can be crucial to resolving the situation.
By following the steps discussed above, you can navigate the aftermath of an accident with confidence and ensure that your rights are protected. If you have questions about police reports or need help with your case, contact JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation.
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JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers | November 12, 2024 | Car Accidents
Navigating the right of way at 4-way stop intersections can be confusing and dangerous if drivers ignore or don’t know the rules. In places like Encino, car accidents happen often at these intersections because drivers might not know who has the right of way at a four-way stop.
Basics of a Four-Way Stop
Four-way stops exist to control the flow of traffic at intersections that don’t have stop lights. They’re regulated by four-way stop sign rules, where drivers and cyclists from each direction have to come to a complete stop. Once stopped, they’re expected to follow specific rules about who should proceed first.
However, figuring out at a 4-way stop who has the right-of-way can depend on timing, position, and sometimes even situational judgment calls.
Most people are familiar with the term California stop (also called a “rolling stop”). It’s a common practice in which a vehicle slows down and rolls through the stop sign without coming to a complete stop. It might seem harmless enough, but it’s actually quite dangerous. Knowing how to properly and safely react to stop signs can help reduce the risk of collisions.
Rules for a Four-Way Stop
California law lays out 4-way intersection rules to clarify how people should behave in such interactions.
These rules include:
First-Come, First-Served: If more than one car comes to the stop sign, whoever got there first should proceed first
Right Goes First: When two cars get there at the same time, the one on the right has the right of way
Straight Over Turning: When two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver going straight has the right of way over any cars making a turn
Left Goes Last: Left turns are inherently more risky than going straight or turning right, so the driver intending to turn left should yield to all other drivers and take their turn last
Some of these rules might seem counterintuitive at first, but they actually help to ensure a smooth flow when everyone follows them correctly.
Special Situations
While these rules cover most typical scenarios, certain situations can complicate things in real-world traffic. So, in these cases, how does a four-way stop sign work?
Pedestrians always have the right of way regardless of other vehicle traffic, so drivers at four-way stops have to yield to anyone crossing the street. This means that even if you technically have the right to move, safety for pedestrians takes priority. Drivers have to wait until they clear the intersection.
When several cars arrive at the same time, there can be confusion and delays. Eye contact and hand signals can help in such cases. However, drivers still have to prioritize safety and be patient so that each driver has their turn.
If an emergency vehicle approaches, all other drivers have to give the right of way to let them pass through the intersection unhindered. Even if it’s not directly behind you, yielding to emergency responders is required by law and necessary for everyone’s safety.
California Laws
State laws on four-way stops emphasize that drivers have to come to a full stop and continue on only when it’s safe to do so. Drivers who roll through intersections not only break the law but also put themselves and everyone else at risk. Failing to stop can cause a crash if another driver is expecting you to stop completely.
Fines and legal consequences for failing to properly stop can be costly, especially if someone gets hurt in the process.
Mastering the Four-Way Stop
Four-way stops are designed to manage traffic flow and protect everyone who uses the roads. For Encino drivers, these intersections might be familiar, but it’s easy to get confused. Knowing who has the right of way at a 4-way stop can help minimize confusion and improve overall safety.
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JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers | November 11, 2024 | Car Accidents
Yellow lights often cause confusion because drivers do not know what to do when they encounter a yellow light signal. The rules are clear, but those rules have not made yellow light situations any safer. Knowing the rules is only one part of the battle. Drivers must also know how to solve timing problems and remain vigilant for negligent drivers.
A solid yellow light is the most common type of yellow light traffic command you will encounter. It appears after a green light and before a red, signaling that red is coming. The imminence of a red light can cause problems in traffic.
The law states that drivers can enter an intersection on a yellow light. As long as any part of the vehicle has crossed the threshold of the stop line, the vehicle may proceed through the intersection.
Flashing Yellow Light
A flashing yellow light simply means that drivers are to proceed with caution. Stopping is not required with a flashing yellow light in traffic.
Yellow Arrow
A yellow arrow is similar to a yellow light in that it signifies the end of a permitted passage. However, a driver could see a red arrow or a green or red traffic signal after a yellow stop light. Drivers may turn left on a yellow arrow as long as their car has crossed the stop threshold at the intersection.
Flashing Yellow Arrow
A flashing yellow arrow allows for an unprotected left turn. Oncoming traffic has the right of way with a flashing yellow arrow.
What To Do At A Yellow Signal
Now that you know the rules, you still must understand what precisely to do at a stop light yellow signal. In other words, it is important to learn how to put the knowledge of yellow light laws into practice.
First and foremost, you should always remain calm and attentive. As you approach the intersection, beware of other drivers and pedestrians. Once you assess the type of traffic light (yellow in this case) you are dealing with, proceed to execute the action while watching for negligent drivers or pedestrians.
As you may have experienced, yellow light traffic light situations often involve various types of driver negligence, including:
Entering the intersection after the yellow light
Speeding to beat any traffic light yellow light that may appear
Victims should also get witness statements and their contact information whenever possible. Taking witness statements at the time of the accident is much better for compensation cases than getting them later. Photos and video footage are also helpful.
Ultimately, victims with damages should seek the services of an experienced car accident attorney to ensure they get the compensation their injuries deserve, especially when catastrophic injuries are involved.
Knowing The Law Can Help Keep You Safe
Yellow lights can be tricky. Knowing what to do when one lights up will keep you safe and out of liability. Knowing and obeying the traffic laws is the ultimate goal because the road is dangerous.
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JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers | November 8, 2024 | Car Accidents
It’s no secret that LA freeway traffic is no walk in the park. Freeways in Los Angeles, California, have a widespread reputation for being some of the worst in the country, and this reputation may be well earned. The highways in LA often cause massive delays for travelers.
While any freeway in Los Angeles can be challenging to use, some unfortunately serve as accident sites more than others. Here’s what you need to know about traveling the city’s roads safely.
What Time Is Rush Hour in Los Angeles?
No matter which roads you use, it can be helpful to know when the most difficult times to travel on them are. For example, when is LA traffic the worst, and what time is rush hour in LA?
LA traffic rush hour is typically considered to be on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., as well as between 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. However, rush hour does not affect all freeways in Los Angeles, CA, equally.
For instance, the worst time of day on I-110 is typically 8 a.m. Conversely, the worst time of day on CA-133 is 5 p.m. These differences have to do with road usage and what types of businesses the roads connect to.
Similarly, traffic data shows that every road has better and worse days. For some roads, though, the risk of getting into an accident may be higher on any day.
5 Common Accident Sites in Los Angeles
To reduce your risk of encountering heavy traffic or experiencing a car accident, you may want to choose a route that doesn’t include the following five highways and freeways in LA:
1. US-101
According to the Los Angeles Times, US 101 is the worst road for gridlock in all of Southern California and one of the worst in the entire U.S. Between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Wednesdays — the most crowded time of the week — drivers average almost an hour’s delay during a 26-mile commute.
The prevalence of traffic on this road is one of the main reasons that California has lane-splitting laws that help decrease motorcycle accidents.
2. I-10
While US-101 is considered the worst, I-10 comes with its own challenges. It often averages 45-minute delays for drivers despite the busiest section being 10 miles shorter than the busiest section of US-101. Traffic on this road is generally heaviest in the evening hours.
3. I-5
This highway is a challenge to navigate because it has multiple high-traffic sections, and traffic accumulates at different times on each of them. On Tuesday mornings, the northbound route toward Cesar E. Chavez Ave. is a parking lot. The traffic leaving that area southbound is the heaviest on Friday evenings.
Finally, a completely different stretch is packed on Thursday evenings.
4. CA-110
Wednesday morning is generally the day to avoid CA-110. Regardless of whether you are driving northbound or southbound, this highway can result in some of the slowest average speeds of any freeway in the LA area. Pedestrians can run almost as fast as cars move when traveling northbound toward Stadium Way at a snail’s pace of eight miles per hour.
5. I-405
Unfortunately, if you are looking to avoid CA-110 on Wednesday morning, the alternative may not prove to be much of an improvement. I-405 averages even longer delays, though its traffic-filled segment is nearly twice as long as any nearby CA-110 segment.
Navigating LA’s Traffic Accident Sites Safely
Traffic may be an inevitable part of traveling in LA, but accidents don’t have to be. Avoiding these five frequent crash sites during the busiest times of the day can reduce your risk of getting into an accident, as well as help you reach your destination on time.
If you can’t adjust your route to avoid freeway traffic in Los Angeles, allowing plenty of time to travel and practicing safe driving can go a long way in ensuring you navigate the city’s roads successfully.
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JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers | October 11, 2024 | Car Accidents
A car accident can shake you to the core. While your body may heal, the mental impact can linger long after the crash. If you’re still feeling anxious or can’t get rid of those flashbacks, you might be dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). And you’re not alone. Many people suffer from PTSD after an accident. Recognizing the signs is the first step toward healing.
What Exactly Is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by a traumatic event. It’s not just experienced by combat veterans or victims of violence. Car accidents can leave emotional scars, too. The trauma can disrupt your life in ways you may not expect, even if the accident wasn’t severe.
Spotting PTSD Symptoms After a Crash
After an accident, it’s easy to focus on the visible—cuts, bruises, and broken bones. Mental health often takes a backseat.
Consider the following:
Do memories of the crash pop up out of nowhere? Do you have vivid dreams or flashbacks?
If you’re avoiding driving or even getting into a car, that’s your mind trying to dodge the trauma.
Feeling jumpy or overly cautious? If every sound or sudden movement makes you tense, that’s a PTSD red flag.
If you’re feeling constant fear or unease in the days and weeks after the accident, PTSD might be creeping in.
How PTSD Can Disrupt Your Life
PTSD isn’t just an emotional burden—it can flip your entire life upside down. Relationships may suffer as you become irritable or withdrawn. Work might become a struggle. Without treatment, PTSD can spiral into more severe mental health issues like depression or turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse.
The mental impact of PTSD can make it feel like you’re constantly reliving the worst moment of your life, trapping you in a loop that’s hard to escape.
What To Do If You Think You Have PTSD
If you’re showing signs of PTSD, don’t just hope it’ll fade away or that you can tough it out.
Taking action early can help you get back to feeling like yourself.
The following may be helpful:
Professional help: A therapist experienced in trauma recovery can guide you through processing the accident.
Talking about it: Bottling up your feelings only makes things worse. Find a trusted person to open up to.
Trauma-focused therapies: Treatments like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) can help your brain reprocess the trauma and get you on the road to recovery.
Medications. Prescribed medication can help alleviate the symptoms of PTSD.
In addition, a steady, predictable routine can be a lifeline for those dealing with PTSD, offering stability when everything else feels chaotic. Your routine doesn’t have to be elaborate—it could be as simple as following the same route to work or sitting in your favorite spot for breakfast.
Can You Get Compensation for PTSD?
PTSD is not just an invisible wound—it’s a real and debilitating injury. If someone else caused the accident, you might be able to seek compensation for your mental and emotional trauma, just as you would for physical injuries. Compensation helps cover therapy costs, lost wages due to time off work, and any other expenses related to your condition.
Don’t let anyone tell you that PTSD doesn’t “count” just because you can’t see it. Your mental health is just as important, and you deserve support if someone else’s negligence caused you harm.
Suffering from PTSD? Get the Help You Need
If you’re struggling with PTSD after a car accident in California, don’t face it alone. There are qualified professionals who will understand the emotional toll trauma can take and are here to help. Reach out to an experienced legal team for a free consultation, and begin the process of securing the support and justice you need to move forward.
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JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers | July 17, 2024 | Car Accidents
If you’ve been injured in a car accident you didn’t cause, you’re probably eager to file an insurance claim against the other driver. But as you likely know, an insurance company isn’t just going to take your word for it — they need some kind of proof.
Most of the time, a California Highway Patrol (CHP) report is the best kind of proof. Here’s what you need to know about CHP reports and why they’re so important to your case.
The CHP investigates accidents that happen on California’s highways. They then write up their findings in an official accident report. That report contains a number of details that are important if you intend to pursue an insurance claim or even a personal injury lawsuit, but one of the most important details is the assignment of fault.
In many cases, both drivers involved in an accident contributed to the crash somehow. But in California, the driver with the highest percentage of fault is the one responsible for paying damages to the other driver.
Why Is a CHP Accident Report So Important For Insurance Claims?
If you’re hurt in an accident another driver caused, you’ll likely want to file a claim with their insurance company. Before paying the claim, the insurance company will want a copy of the CHP report stating that the other driver was at fault.
However, the assignment of fault isn’t the only part of the report the insurer looks at. Over the course of their investigation, the CHP talks to involved drivers, and they usually write down what they hear. This is why you should never admit fault at the scene of an accident. It’s best to avoid saying, “I’m sorry,” or anything else that even suggests you were at fault.
Insurance companies usually do whatever they can to avoid paying a claim. Even if the CHP found the other driver at fault, an insurer may point to something you said during the investigation and argue that it means they can pay you less.
How Do You Get a Copy of Your CHP Report?
Generally, getting a copy of your report isn’t difficult. California lets you fill out a form to request a copy by mail. Alternatively, you can stop by your local CHP office and request a report. There is usually a small fee.
You can also ask for a copy of the report from your insurance company, and in some cases, that means you don’t have to pay a fee. If you have retained a personal injury attorney to help you seek compensation, your attorney may also be able to get a copy for you.
Keep in mind that CHP reports are not available immediately after a crash. Before creating a report, the CHP must thoroughly investigate the crash, and this takes time. In most cases, it will take a week or two for a crash report to be filed. If there were fatalities involved, it might take a few months.
Why Your CHP Report Matters
A CHP report provides evidence that is absolutely crucial in any personal injury claim; it verifies that you were not responsible for the accident that caused your injuries.
However, while getting a copy of your CHP report is important, it isn’t the only thing that matters. Whether it’s CCTV footage, witness statements, or photos of the accident scene, the more evidence you have, the better.
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JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers | February 15, 2024 | Car Accidents
If you were injured in a car accident in Encino, CA, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries if the accident was caused by someone else. A car accident lawyer will review your case and help you seek compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit, if possible.
There is no requirement that you hire a car accident lawyer, but doing so may simplify the personal injury claim process, lead to greater compensation, and allow you to focus your time on your physical recovery.
Let’s look more closely at what a car accident lawyer does and how they can help with your case.
Explain Your Rights and the Claims Process
A car accident lawyer will explain your legal rights after an accident and how the personal injury claims process works. Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer in your area will ensure that you get information that applies to your case.
A car accident attorney will also explain your rights and obligations when speaking to the insurance companies and the opposing party. This can be crucial in helping you avoid making a statement that may hurt your case.
Offers Legal Advice
A skilled car accident lawyer will also offer legal advice on what steps you should take in your case. This will allow you to make informed decisions about whether to accept a settlement or take your case to trial.
Keep in mind that the decision to accept a settlement is always your decision. However, an experienced car accident lawyer has years of education and experience that they can draw on to help you understand the possible outcomes in your case.
Having this insider information and their opinion of your case can put you in the best position to weigh the options in your case.
Gathers Evidence for Your Claims
An important benefit of hiring a car accident lawyer is that they will gather evidence to support your claims. To recover full compensation for your injuries, you may need evidence showing that the other driver was at fault, evidence of how the accident occurred, and evidence of your injuries and other damages.
This may include hiring accident reconstructionists, collecting medical reports, taking witness statements, and more.
Negotiate a Settlement On Your Behalf
Many car accident cases are resolved in a settlement between the injured party and the at-fault party’s insurance provider. A car accident attorney will contact the insurance provider on your behalf and attempt to negotiate a settlement.
If you don’t have a car accident lawyer, the insurance company and their lawyers will probably try to pressure you into accepting a settlement that is less than the full amount of your damages. A skilled car accident lawyer will increase your bargaining power by leveling the playing field between you and the insurance company.
What’s more, they’ll present your case in the strongest way possible and advocate for a settlement that compensates you for all of your damages.
Represents You in Court
It’s not always possible to negotiate a favorable settlement offer with the insurance company. If this happens, and your attorney thinks you have a strong case, they may suggest taking your case to court.
If you decide to file a lawsuit, your car accident lawyer will file the necessary documents in court, hire witnesses to support your case, and appear in court to argue your case.
Contact an Experienced Encino Car Accident Lawyer To Schedule a Free Consultation
There’s no legal requirement to hire a car accident lawyer to handle your case. However, if you’ve been injured in a crash, hiring an experienced car accident lawyer will help you navigate the complexities of the personal injury claim process.
