Car accidents affect millions of people every year. Over three million people are injured each year in car accidents, resulting in billions of dollars in damages.
Mr. Waldman diligently works to uncover every possible contributing factor of an accident. Mr. Waldman’s goal is to ensure that you receive the full compensation for your injuries for which you are entitled. Mr. Waldman evaluates all the facts surrounding your case, handles the investigation (hiring private investigators and accident reconstruction experts, etc. when necessary) and answers your questions about your car accident so you can concentrate on your recovery.
The law of negligence is typically the deciding factor on car accidents in California. Anyone who negligently operates a vehicle may be required to pay for any damages they caused by their negligence, either to person or property. Reasonable care must be exercised by people who operate autos under the circumstances. Most lawsuits are based on failure to use reasonable care with vehicles.
A number of factors come in to play in the courtroom as to whether a driver was negligent. For example:
- Driving too fast or too slow
- Failure to signal your intentions
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- A disregard for weather or traffic conditions
- Disobeying traffic signals or signs
- Failing to drive on the right side of the road
The driver may be liable if their intentional or reckless conduct causes an accident.
General Steps to Follow After An Auto Accident
- Ensure everyone is ok. Call 911, even if the accident appears to be minor. Injuries in auto accidents are not always directly proportionate to the severity of the accident itself. Even if it is slow speed fender-bender, do not assume no one has been hurt.
- Do not move your vehicle unless it is blocking traffic, or creating an unnecessary danger. It is important to keep the original accident scene intact, if at all possible. Do not leave the scene of the accident until advised to do so.
- Seek medical attention. It is crucial you go to a doctor’s office or hospital as soon as possible after an accident. You may feel fine in the hours after a relatively minor accident, but bruises and strained muscles tend to reveal themselves within two to three days of an accident. Additionally, some serious internal injuries – such as brain damage – may go undetected unless a healthcare professional examines you and runs the appropriate tests. Prompt action on your part can lead to the earlier diagnosis ad treatment of a medical condition.
- Do not apologize or make excuses for the accident; this can be interpreted as an admission of liability. Though it may seem polite, this simple formality will likely create unexpected headaches later on.
- Take pictures. Whether you own a cell phone with a camera, or keep a disposable camera in your car, having proof of damages after an accident is important. Items to focus on include the accident scene, skid marks on the road leading up to the crash site and the damage done to your motor vehicle. If there are any disputes later, photographs generally serve as a critical source of evidence.
- Write down your memories of the accident. While the details of how the accident occurred and any factors you believe played a role in it may be fresh in your mind right now, memories fade over time. It is important to document everything you can about your accident as soon as possible.
- Call your insurance company, regardless of fault. Notifying your insurer is essential in keeping a well-documented record of the accident, especially if a lawsuit becomes necessary.
- Gather the license plate numbers of all involved vehicles, as well as the drivers’ names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information. Also try to collect the contact information from any witnesses of the accident.
If you, a loved one, or friend is a victim of an automobile accident, call Mr. Waldman. The initial consultation is free. If Mr. Waldman agrees to represent you, you don’t pay unless funds are recovered on your behalf.
Contact our office at (619) 255-2844 as soon as possible after an accident.