After an auto accident in San Luis Obispo, the next steps you take are crucial in determining whether or not your medical bills, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering will be paid for.
California is a fault state, meaning that even if you’re partially at fault for the accident, you can still claim damages from the other driver’s insurance. So, consider talking to a car accident attorney who can protect your rights whenever you’re in an accident. Here are important steps to take following an accident:
- Remain at the scene until police arrive
- Seek medical treatment immediately if you’ve been injured
- If medical treatment is unavailable, move to a safe area
- Record information about the other vehicle
- Take photos of the accident scene
- Exchange contact information with the other driver and witnesses in the area
- Do not admit fault
- Do not pretend to be tough and claim you’re not hurt
- Make a record of your version of the accident when it is fresh in your mind
- Document your injuries
- Report the accident to the California DMV
- Notify your insurance
- Consider hiring a car accident attorney
Do I Need a Lawyer After an Accident?
A personal injury attorney can help if you’ve incurred damages due to a car crash, no matter how minor they seem. Medical bills, disability, auto repair, and pain and suffering are all things insurance companies will try to downplay after you’ve suffered an auto accident.
An experienced attorney will hold the insurance companies accountable for everything your accident has put you through. If you’ve suffered injuries due to an auto accident, there are options available to you. Contact one of our car accident attorneys at Maison Law for a free consultation and case evaluation.
How Long Does an Auto Accident Stay on Your Insurance in San Luis Obispo?
The severity of your accident determines the length an accident will stay on your insurance. Minor accidents would be on your record for 3 years from the day of the accident. More serious accidents will stay on your record for 5 to 10 years. Not only are accidents on your insurance, but they are placed on your public record in California, making that information available to potential employers and law enforcement.
However, if the accident was deemed to be not your fault, then it is illegal for insurance companies to raise your premiums. This is why having a trusted attorney after an accident is important, especially if another driver claims you were at fault.
What Happens After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver in California?
You’ve just been through a traumatic accident, and now you have to deal with the aftermath of an uninsured driver. It is illegal to drive without insurance in the state of California and the penalties for doing so are harsh. Unfortunately, it does happen. So, what do you do when it happens to you?
- The first thing you should do is get medical attention. Even if you think you got lucky and walked away from an accident without a scratch, injuries and vehicular damage can manifest weeks later.
- Seek legal guidance and support. When an uninsured driver is at fault, it complicates things. A car accident attorney can give you options when it seems like you don’t have any.
- Document the accident. Take photographs, record the damage, and take note of all your injuries. Write down the names of eyewitnesses at the incident. Documenting every detail will help you build a strong case.
- Check with your own insurance company. Your own insurance may account for accidents with uninsured drivers.
Navigating the legalities of being hit by an uninsured motorist is complicated, but our experienced uninsured motorist attorneys are here for you at Maison Law. We’ll protect your rights during this difficult time and explore every option to get you compensated. If you or a loved one were in an accident with an uninsured motorist, call us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
FAQs
Q: Which US states do not require car insurance?
A: New Hampshire and Virginia are the only states in the US that do not require car insurance.
Q: Do insurance companies have the right to pursue compensation from uninsured individuals if they’re at fault for an accident?
A: Yes, insurance companies have the right to pursue compensation from uninsured drivers through subrogation. This is when the insurance recovers costs through a third party.
Q: How long is your license suspended for when you get into an accident without insurance in California?
A: 4 years. After 1 year, it may be returned to you if you show proof of insurance to the DMV.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney in San Luis Obispo
If you or a loved one has suffered the misfortune of being hit by an uninsured driver, the experienced accident attorneys at Maison Law are here to help. We offer a free, no-risk case consultation to all victims and their families. Maison Law does not require a dime upfront and we only get paid if we win your case.
