What to do if you’re involved in an auto accident

An auto accident can be terrifying, and the consequences may affect you and your loved ones for the rest of your lives. Both at the time of the crash and later on, there are some basic actions that Casey Gerry’s auto accident attorneys in San Diego recommend as legal first aid to protect your rights:

At the time of the crash

After a crash you may be in a state of shock, or too seriously injured to do anything on your own behalf. If you are able to move about safely, it is important to obtain names of witnesses who observed what occurred and to exchange driver’s license and insurance information with all other drivers involved in the crash. This is essential to do whether or not a police or highway patrol officer is called to the scene.

As soon as possible afterwards

Be sure to notify your insurance carrier of the collision and to cooperate fully with your own insurance company.

Be aware of statutes of limitation in your state

These laws limiting the time by when one must file a claim or a lawsuit. It is important to know which statutes apply to your particular circumstance. It is wise to contact a knowledgeable automobile accident lawyer very soon after the crash in order to make sure that your rights are not forfeited, and that you can pursue your civil remedies.

Investigation and gathering evidence

It is vitally important for investigation to start before memories fade and before critical evidence at the collision scene has been removed, washed away, or otherwise altered. Casey Gerry auto accident lawyers employ three full-time motor vehicle accident investigators who can travel throughout San Diego County and Southern California, including Palm Desert, Coachella, Rancho Mirage, or wherever your auto accident occurred to help find vital evidence for our lawyers and secure it for your case.

While you are receiving medical care and recovering from your injuries, you many not feel ready to have your case resolved. Nonetheless, evidence collection needs to be under way. Our staff can obtain factual statements, scene photographs, accurate measurements, and collision photographs, leaving you to focus on your recovery and return to the quality of life you enjoyed before your injuries.