What Should I Do After a Loved One Is Hurt in a Car Crash?

June 24, 2011

While California is a beautiful place to live, the roads are congested and full of dangers that can lead to serious car accidents. From distracted drivers to intoxicated drivers to defective cars, there are many contributing causes to car accidents in Southern California. If a loved one is seriously or fatally injured in a San Diego car accident, it's important for you to understand your next steps.

Tips After a Serious Car Accident

You can do many things after a serious car accident to help an injured loved one. It is important to understand that you may not have all of the answers about the car accident, but while caring for your parent, child or spouse, it is important to collect information about the crash.
- Keep Track of Medical Treatments: When a family member has been injured in a crash, your first priority will be staying by his or her side during all medical treatment. This is important for the recovery of your loved one. It is also critical, but often overlooked, to record or journal all medical treatments, medications and the doctor's advice. This can assist in the treatment and recovery process and capture documentation of the treatment provided.
- Inform the Insurance Company: On behalf of the injured victim, it is important that you contact your loved one's insurance company to notify it of the crash. It will likely begin its own investigation into the cause of the car accident. Don't assume fault, provide a recorded statement about the possible cause of the accident, or sign anything without first talking to a car accident lawyer.
- Put the Damaged Vehicle in a Safe Place: When a car is totaled or significantly damaged in a car crash, your first inclination may be to get it repaired or discard it entirely. The best way to document the damage, however, is to hold onto the totaled car in a storage unit or a garage until you've consulted an attorney. Property damages stemming from the collision may need to be proven by evidence of the vehicle. In addition, the car will be necessary to determine whether an auto defect or malfunction in the vehicle caused or contributed to your loved one's injuries.
- Photograph the Accident Scene and Obtain Witness Information: To accurately capture the scene of the accident as it was on the day of the collision, it is recommended that you or a family member go to the scene and take pictures. You should also record any information about the day of the crash such as weather conditions and time of day. Be sure to obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses to ensure that this critical information isn't lost.

This list is not exhaustive. It is important to contact an experienced attorney who can walk you through the confusing process after a serious car accident. Consulting with a knowledgeable San Diego car accident lawyer will allow you to focus on what is most important -- your loved one.

What to Do After a Fatal Car Crash

Losing a loved one in a fatal car crash is devastating for the family, especially when the crash was caused by the negligence of another. While some of the same steps above apply in a fatal car accident, there are other services available, including counseling, social services and support groups to help with the grieving process.

A San Diego wrongful death lawyer can also help you and your family by guiding you through the legal process and working with the insurance company. A lawyer will rely on experts to investigate the cause of the fatal crash and take all necessary steps to protect your rights in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Article provided by The McClellan Law Firm
Visit us at www.mcclellanlaw.com