Maison Law can help you through the claims process after a car accident in Porterville. In the aftermath of a car accident, there’s a lot of different questions that come up. But knowing what you should do can be confusing–especially if you’re hurt. Our team will be there to support and guide you. Set up a free consultation today.
What Should I Do After My Car Accident in Porterville?
The claims process doesn’t start at the courthouse or even with the insurance company—it starts at the scene of the accident. What you do in those first few minutes and hours can make a big difference in how strong your claim will be later. Here are some steps to protect yourself after the accident:
- Call 911 – If it’s safe, move your car out of traffic and call for help. Even if your injuries don’t feel serious, let paramedics check you over. Many injuries don’t fully show up until hours or days later. Getting medical attention creates a record that will support your claim down the line.
- Ask for the police – Whether it’s Porterville PD or the California Highway Patrol (CHP), having law enforcement at the scene is important. They’ll write up an official accident report with statements, observations, and any citations that were issued. That report can become a key piece of evidence later.
- Swap important information – Swap names, phone numbers, driver’s license details, and insurance information with the other driver. If there are witnesses that saw the accident, ask for their contact information as well. A neutral witness can make your case stronger if the other driver tries to tell a different story.
- Watch what you say – It’s natural to want to explain what happened, but avoid guessing or apologizing. Even a simple “I’m sorry” could be twisted into an admission of fault. Stick to the facts and let the evidence speak for itself.
- Take pictures and notes – If you’re able, use your phone to photograph the scene—damage to all vehicles, license plates, skid marks, street signs, weather conditions, and your injuries. Notes and photos can help paint a clear picture later for insurance adjusters or a jury.
- Save everything – Keep every receipt, bill, medical record, and repair estimate connected to your accident. Even small expenses like towing fees or over-the-counter medications matter. The more documentation you have, the easier it is to show the full impact of your accident.
If you’re too injured or shaken to gather these details, don’t worry. Our legal team can step in later to collect records, contact witnesses, and fill in any gaps.
What Else Do I Need to Do With My Car Accident Claim?
Once the dust has settled after a crash, the next big hurdle is usually money—how to cover medical bills, missed work, and car repairs. The claims process can feel overwhelming, but in reality, it usually comes down to a few key steps:
- Starting the claim – Most claims begin with filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Most of the time, this is going to be against the other driver.
- Investigation – From there, the insurance company assigns an adjuster to dig into what happened. They’ll read the police report, talk to witnesses, look over vehicle damage, and sometimes ask you for a recorded statement. Keep in mind—you don’t have to give one. And if you do, it’s best to keep it short and stick to the facts of what happened. Adjusters are trained to look for reasons to cut down the payout.
- The initial offer – After the investigation, the insurer may come back with a settlement offer. It might sound like relief in the moment, especially if bills are stacking up, but these first offers are usually low. That’s because insurance companies know many people will accept quickly without realizing what their injuries or long-term costs might add up to.
- Negotiating for more – If the offer doesn’t reflect your real losses, you (or your lawyer) can push for a fairer number. This is where evidence comes in—medical records documentation of missed paychecks, repair or replacement costs for your car. The more you can show what the accident has cost you, the stronger your claim should be.
- Going to court – If the insurance company refuses to budge, the next step is filing a lawsuit. That doesn’t mean you’ll automatically go to trial—many cases still settle beforehand—but having the option of a judge or jury deciding your case often puts pressure on the insurance company to take things seriously. Once it reaches that point, it gives you the chance at getting fair “damages” like:
- Medical expenses (both now and in the future)
- Lost income
- Repair/replacement costs for your car
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
Remember, In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long can mean losing your right to recover anything, no matter how strong your claim is.
How Maison Law Helps Porterville Car Accident Victims
Dealing with insurance companies on your own can be frustrating. They know the system, and their goal is to settle for as little as possible. At Maison Law, we even the playing field by handling the legal side so you can focus on your recovery. Here’s how we help:
- We explain your rights and options in plain language.
- We investigate the accident and gather the proof you need.
- We talk to witnesses, doctors, and experts to strengthen your case.
- We handle all talks and negotiations with the insurance company.
- We stand up for your claim in negotiations—or in court, if necessary.
When you’ve been hurt in a Porterville car accident, you don’t have to carry the burden alone. We’re here to guide you through the process, step by step, until your case is resolved. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with our Porterville car accident lawyers.
