Maison Law can help you through the aftermath of a car accident in Visalia. Of all the questions you might have, there’s one that might get overlooked: what should you do afterward? It seems simple, but can be incredibly difficult because of all the confusion. We can help clear things up for you. Set up a free consultation with our team today to learn more.
What Should I Do After I’m in a Car Accident in Visalia?
Most of the time, a car accident is going to leave you stunned. This only increases when injuries or serious damage is involved. But once the dust settles, the steps you take next can really shape what comes afterward, especially if you need to file a claim. Here’s what you should do to protect yourself and keep things on track:
- Call 911 – If someone’s hurt–or even if you’re not sure–call 911 right away. In Visalia, that’ll bring local police and emergency responders to the scene. They’ll help with injuries, clear the area, and file a report.
- Exchange information with others – Swap names, phone numbers, insurance info, and driver’s license details with the other driver. If anyone saw what happened, ask for their contact information too. Witnesses can help clear up what really happened.
- Be careful what you say – Try not to apologize or say anything that sounds like you’re taking blame. Even a quick “Sorry” can be used against you. Just stick to the facts and let everything else get sorted out later.
- Take pictures and videos of the scene – If it still works, use your phone to take pictures and videos of the scene. Get shots of both cars, your injuries, skid marks, traffic lights or signs–anything that helps show how the crash happened.
- Track your expenses – Keep everything–doctor’s bills, pharmacy receipts, repair estimates, rental car costs, even gas used for appointments. These all help show what the accident has cost you, beyond the obvious.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed after your car accident, that’s totally normal. Taking these steps is a way to clear your head and get ready for what comes next.
What’s the Process After a Car Accident in Visalia?
Once you’ve taken the above steps, it’s all about getting in position to actually use the legal process to your advantage. Legally speaking, the starting point is figuring out who’s responsible for the accident and what you need in terms of financial support.
We help you sort out both. First, we look at liability–that’s who was at fault and why. Under California law, even if you were partially at fault, you can still file a claim and recover financial support. The amount just gets adjusted based on your share of the blame. In most car accidents, here’s who might be held responsible:
- Another driver
- A passenger or pedestrian
- A vehicle owner (if someone else was driving)
- A car company (for defective parts)
- The city, county, or state government (for poor road conditions)
- An employer (if a work vehicle was involved)
Once we understand who’s responsible, we look at your damages–what this accident has cost you physically, emotionally, and financially. But to get your damages, you have to file a claim. Usually, this means you’ll either file:
- An insurance claim – This is usually the first route, where you file a claim with the at-fault person’s insurance company out of court. It’s a quicker, less formal process, and while it can get you a settlement offer more quickly, the insurance company has total control over what you can get.
- A personal injury lawsuit – If the insurance company’s settlement offer doesn’t cover all your losses (which is what usually happens) you can file a lawsuit in civil court. This takes longer and requires more effort, but it’s a fairer process because it’s controlled by a judge.
The point isn’t to “cash in.” It’s to help you move forward without the accident dragging you down long-term. That’s what your “damages” are meant to help with, and they usually include coverage for your:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care
- Lost income or loss of earning potential
- Repair/replacement costs for your car
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
There’s an important thing to remember here: you only have two years from the date of your accident to file your claim. If you miss this deadline, you can’t recover damages at all. That’s why it’s important to act quickly, but also to get help when you need it.
How Can a Visalia Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Not every accident needs a lawyer. If you walked away with a few bruises and your car’s barely scratched, you may be fine handling things on your own. But when injuries are serious, the costs are high, or insurance gets tricky, having someone on your side can make a huge difference. Here’s how we can help you:
- Explain your options clearly so you can decide what makes the most sense.
- Putting together medical records, accident reports, bills, and anything else you’ll need.
- Look into what happened to figure out who’s responsible and why.
- Negotiate and otherwise deal with insurance adjusters.
- Go to court if it comes to that–only if that’s what’s best for your case.
Our goal is to take the weight off your shoulders so you can focus on healing. If you’ve been injured in a car accident here in Visalia, let’s talk. We’re here to help you feel more in control–and to guide you forward, one step at a time. Set up your free consultation today.
