Road travelling brings convenience to the day-to-day lives of most Americans, especially for purposes such as running errands and going to work, which makes it the most used mode of transportation. However, it is essential to note that it does come with its shortcomings.
No matter how good of a driver you are or how cautious you are on the road, the eventuality of finding yourself in a car accident is entirely out of your control, the fact that most people overlook. Taking California as an example, there has been an observed increase in the number of road accident deaths leading up to the 3723 reported in 2020.
FAQs And Answers In A Car Accident Case In California
Since different states have different rules of law for car accidents, this article will answer some of the frequently asked questions you may have if you find yourself in a car accident in California.
1. What is The First Step to Take?
After being in an accident, the first and most important step you should take as a vehicle owner and the people in the car is to visit the nearest hospital or seek medical assistance. Whether you have evidence of fatal wounds or not, it is essential to get checked out since there may be internal injuries that you cannot see.
2. Should I Report a Car Crash to local Law Enforcement?
The next important step is reporting the occurrence of the accident. As stipulated by the California VC Section 20008, any driver or representative of the driver involved in an accident resulting in death or injuries of any persons must within 24 hours of the accident’s occurrence make a written report to the Department of California Highway Patrol.
They can also report to the police department close to where the accident occurred. However, if a law officer is present at the accident scene and prepares a written report, you don’t need to make another report.
3. Do I Need to Report the Accident to DMV?
In most situations, the answer to this is yes, mainly if the accident resulted to
Then the driver involved must report the crash to the California DMV within ten days.
4. Is It Necessary to Report the Accident to My Insurance Company?
Although there are no stipulated rules on reporting a crash to the insurance company or the timeline on doing this, it is crucial to do so soon after the fact. The insurance company can only start investigating the claim after you have reported; therefore, the sooner, the better.
Additionally, no matter the accident’s severity, it is crucial to let your insurer know for them to cover all the bases in case you need it in the future.
5. Do I Need to Get a Lawyer?
Being in an accident can be overwhelming, especially once the shock wears off since many law requirements are set for ensuring the wronged get the proper compensation. A personal injury attorney will sufficiently help navigate this labyrinth and ensure you are well taken care of; therefore, it would help to get yourself one.
Additionally, it would be best to do your due diligence before picking who to represent you in a legal case. And on that note, you can get more info from personal injury lawyers here.
6. How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Suit?
In most cases, the statute of limitations, i.e., the state law that determines the limit of how long you must file a lawsuit over any harm or loss, stipulates the deadline depending on the type of case that one wants to file. In California, the statute of limitations under the California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 gives a two-year deadline to file any personal injury caused by a wrongful act.
Bottom Line
The occurrence of an accident is not something that one can prepare for. However, laws and regulations are set to ensure that those involved are taken care of when it does occur.
