A car accident can happen in a matter of seconds, but the financial and physical impact can last for years to come. If you have been injured in an accident, you may be wondering what to do next. Medical bills may be piling up. You may have missed work or lost your job. The pain of your injuries may prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed.

You may be eligible to seek compensation for your injuries and financial losses. In California, state law permits accident victims to bring a personal injury lawsuit against the person or entity responsible for causing their injuries. You could, for example, seek payment for things such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Of course, the value of your case depends on the extent of your injuries and the specific facts of your case. Keep reading to learn more about how to protect and pursue your right to financial recovery after a car accident.

What Should I Do After An Accident?

Call Law Enforcement

If it is safe to do so,  the first thing you should do after a car accident is to call law enforcement. Police will respond to the scene of the accident and begin investigating how it occurred. An accident report can help your attorney build your case and demonstrate that you were not at-fault for the accident.

Seek Medical Attention

Seeking emergency medical treatment after an accident is equally as important to protecting your right to compensation. Although you might be feeling okay, you should consult with a physician to examine your injuries and determine if there are any internal injuries, such as head trauma. A proper medical diagnosis of your injuries - and resulting medical bills - will also help support your claim for compensation.

Notify Your Insurance Company

You need to alert your insurer after an accident, but do not discuss the facts of the accident without an attorney present. Insurance companies will try to limit the amount you are owed. They may offer an initial settlement to help pay for some of your expenses. You should not sign anything until you have talked with a Santa Monica car accident attorney and determined the true value of your case.

Follow Recommended Treatment Plans

In addition to seeking emergency medical treatment, you should follow your doctor’s prescribed treatment plan. Follow up visits, physical rehabilitation, and medical consults will not only help with your physical recovery, but it can also help maximize the amount of money you are owed by law. More importantly, your attorney will be able to account for possible ongoing medical needs when calculating damages in your case.

Economic and Non-Economic Losses

The extent of injuries and damages is vital in evaluating the amount you can recover. California follows pure comparative negligence, which means each party is only liable to the extent of their fault. So, if you are partially culpable for the accident, you risk not recovering total compensation. It is, therefore, crucial to contact an auto accident lawyer to inquire how much you can recover.

Some of the damages you can recover include:

• Medical costs: You're entitled to compensation for any medical costs, including ambulance rides, specialized medical equipment treatment, follow-up consultations, and hospital admissions.
• Pain and suffering: Sometimes, the car accident losses may exceed damage to the vehicle or treatable health issues. For instance, an accident may claim the life of your spouse or cause permanent disability or suffering. The victim is entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages resulting from the accident.
• Loss of income: The incident may affect your ability to work for a while. You can claim the wages or income lost during the days you took to recover.
• Property damages: If the accident caused damage to your vehicle, you're entitled to compensation. You can recover the expenses for towing or renting another car during the repairs.

Hiring An Auto Accident Attorney In Santa Monica

After an accident, you should be focused on your physical recovery. Let our team worry about your financial recovery. We will help you build the strongest case possible to maximize the value of your case and negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf. We offer free consultations, and you do not pay unless we win. Please get in touch with us online now or give us a call at 310-388-1941 to schedule your consultation.