Of the many safety laws related to car accidents in California, one of the most important involves the exchanging of vital information at the scene. Under California Vehicle Code (CVC) 16025, you and others involved have to provide certain identifying information to make things easier.
Still, a car accident can be difficult. To protect your rights and claim, contact our car accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
What Information Do You Have to Provide Under CVC 16025?
Most people know that exchanging insurance and contact information is fairly standard after a car accident. But in California, it’s not just the right thing to do–it’s the law. But you might be wondering what information you have to provide under CVC 16025. Here’s a quick overview:
- Your name and current address.
- Your car’s registration number and vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Your driver’s license number.
- Your car insurance policy number and contact information for your provider.
Again, providing this information is required under California law. But it’s also really important for what comes next: the claims process.
What’s the Claims Process After a Car Accident?
Obviously, the main reason it’s important to exchange information with others involved in your car accident is so it’ll be easier to file a claim. The more hurt you are, the more help you’ll likely need and the claims process is going to allow you to get better by giving you certain “damages.”
It typically happens in two ways: through an insurance claim or a lawsuit. You have the right to file a claim and get financial support. Here’s how the two processes work:
- Insurance claim – The at-fault person’s insurance company reviews your claim and offers a settlement. It’s quicker and avoids court, but the offer might not cover all your costs.
- Lawsuit – If you decide to file a lawsuit, it usually takes longer, but you might receive more in damages because it’s overseen by an impartial judge. Our team handles the paperwork and negotiations, and we’re ready for trial if needed.
Once your claim is filed, you can then start looking at what you can recover in damages. The stronger your case is (meaning the more information you have to go off of), the more you can potentially recover. Usually, though, this is going to include things like:
- Medical expenses – This covers the cost of your treatment after the accident, like hospital bills, doctor visits, surgery, and medication. It also includes ongoing care, such as physical therapy or rehabilitation.
- Lost wages – If the accident caused you to miss work while recovering, you can get financial support for the money you didn’t earn during that time. This includes future income if your injuries keep you from returning to work.
- Pain and suffering – This is for the physical pain and mental suffering you go through because of the accident. It includes things like ongoing pain, trauma, and the impact on your mental health.
- Property damage – This covers repairs or replacement of your car and any other belongings damaged in the accident, like your phone or other personal items inside the vehicle.
- Loss of enjoyment of life or companionship – If your injuries stop you from enjoying activities or spending time with loved ones like you used to, you may be able to get support for that loss. It focuses on how your life has changed since the accident.
- Punitive damages – These are rare, but if the other driver’s behavior was especially reckless or dangerous, the court may award extra financial support to punish them and discourage similar behavior in the future.
The damages you receive depends on how effectively our team builds and negotiates your case. But you also have to file within two years of the date of the accident under California’s statute of limitations.
Contact Maison Law After a Car Accident in California
Taking swift action after a car accident is an extremely important part of any car accident claim in California. This includes making sure you provide all the information you’re supposed to under CVC 16025. At Maison Law, we’re ready to guide you through the process and explain how we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
