Maison Law can answer your questions after you’re in a car accident in Madera, and while we focus on the legal side of things, the process actually starts right after the accident happens. So, if you want to put yourself in the best position to get what you’re owed, you need to know what steps to take at the scene. Our team can help you with both. Reach out today to set up a free consultation.
What Should I Do Right After My Car Accident?
Whether you’re driving along Cleveland Avenue, Highway 99, or a quiet neighborhood street, you could find yourself in a car accident in Madera. And while they can happen in an instant, they’re never easy to deal with. But for as difficult as they are, there are a few things you’ll need to do to help yourself later:
- Call 911 – If your car is still drivable, move it to a safe spot out of traffic. Then call 911. Even if you feel okay, let the paramedics check you out. Some injuries don’t show up right away, and early treatment creates a medical record that can be important if you need to file a claim later.
- Get a police officer on scene – Ask dispatch to send someone from Madera PD or the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The officer will create an official report, which can include statements from everyone involved–and that report could become key evidence down the line.
- Exchange information – Swap names, phone numbers, driver’s license info, and insurance details with anyone else involved. If there are witnesses nearby, try to get their contact info too. Their version of events might help support yours.
- Watch what you say – You don’t need to explain every detail to the police or the other driver. Just stick to what happened, without guessing or blaming yourself. A simple “I’m not sure” is better than saying something that could later be used against you.
- Take pictures and notes – If it’s safe, use your phone to document the scene. Take photos of all vehicles, damage, license plates, skid marks, injuries, street signs–anything that shows what happened. These details help paint a clearer picture for insurance companies and lawyers.
- Save everything – From medical records and towing bills to repair estimates and doctor notes, keep every document related to the crash. Don’t throw away anything tied to the accident, especially if it helps show what you went through.
What makes taking these steps difficult is that your accident is likely to leave you shaken and unsure. If you’re not in a position to gather every detail, that’s okay. Our legal team can step in and help. But even if you know what you should do, you’re probably still wondering how the claims process actually works.
How Does the Claims Process Work After a Car Accident?
Once you’ve taken the initial steps after your car accident, you can officially begin the claims process by either filing:
- An insurance claim out of court
- A lawsuit in civil court
But it’s not automatic—and it doesn’t always go smoothly. Here’s what you can expect as things move forward:
- Investigation – Once your claim is filed, the company is going to assign an adjuster to it.They’ll review the evidence, interview everyone involved, and try to figure out who was at fault. This part can get tricky, especially if there’s any disagreement about what happened. They may ask you for a recorded statement–you don’t have to give one, but if you do, just be cautious and stick to the facts.
- Settlement offer – Once the investigation wraps up, the insurance company may offer you a settlement. But don’t assume it reflects what your case is worth. Initial offers are often low–especially if you’re still recovering and the long-term effects aren’t clear yet.
- Negotiation and further steps – If the offer doesn’t come close to covering your losses, you can push back and negotiate–or file a lawsuit. That shifts the process into a more formal legal setting, where a judge or jury could decide what you should get.
The claims process isn’t just about filling out forms. It’s about building a clear, well-documented case that shows how the accident affected your life. The better your records, the stronger your position. That’s why it helps to have a legal team who knows how to handle every step–so you’re not left guessing what to do next.
How Can Maison Law Help After a Car Accident in Madera?
Car accidents in Madera can leave you dealing with a lot–medical bills, time off work, calls from insurance adjusters, and a lot of uncertainty. That’s where we come in. At Maison Law, we help everyday people in Madera figure out what to do next and how to get the support they need after a car accident by:
- Explaining their options and rights
- Investigating the accident
- Gathering evidence and information
- Speaking with witnesses, experts, and others involved
- Handling talks with the insurance company or lawyers
- Standing up for your claim in negotiations, or filing a lawsuit if that’s what it takes
If you were hurt in a car accident in Madera, let’s talk about how we can help you move forward. Set up a free consultation today.
