Berkeley Car Accident Attorney

What to Do After a Car Accident

It is common to feel overwhelmed immediately following a car accident. However, taking the right steps can significantly improve your chances of recovering the compensation you are owed.

After a car accident, it is important that you:

• Remain at the scene
• Check yourself and others involved in the crash for injuries
• Call 911 and report the accident
• Move to a safe location if you are able to do so
• Exchange insurance information with the other driver
• Document the crash scene by taking pictures and videos
• Get the contact information of any eyewitnesses
• Seek medical attention
• Call your insurance company and report the accident
• Reach out to an attorney

It is important that you do not admit fault for the accident when talking to the other driver, the police, or your insurance company. Additionally, do not accept a settlement offer from an insurance company until you have spoken to an attorney.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

At Crane Flores Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we represent clients in a wide range of car accident cases. Our firm has successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients, and we can help you, too.

We handle all types of car accident cases, including those involving:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Rollovers
• Teenage drivers
• Whiplash
• Road defects
• Underinsured/uninsured drivers
• Vehicle defects
• Vehicle ejections
• Vehicle ramming
• Whiplash
• Wrong-way accidents

California Car Accident Laws

California operates under a comparative fault system, meaning fault can be shared among multiple parties. If you’re involved in a car accident, the determination of fault will influence your ability to recover damages. The extent of each party’s fault is evaluated, and damages are apportioned accordingly. If you are found to be partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

For example, if you are deemed 20% at fault and your total damages are $10,000, your compensation will be reduced by $2,000 (20% of $10,000).

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim resulting from a car accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you’re seeking compensation for property damage, the limit is also two years from the date of the incident.

Gathering evidence at the scene of the accident is crucial. This includes taking photographs, exchanging information with other parties, and obtaining witness statements. Documentation of medical treatments and repair costs will also support your claim. Evidence helps establish fault and the extent of damages, which are critical in legal proceedings or insurance claims.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?

Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and they will do everything they can to minimize your claim. This includes using your own words against you to argue that you were at fault for the accident or that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. Having a car accident lawyer on your side can help level the playing field.

A car accident lawyer can help you by:

• Investigating the accident to prove liability
• Gathering evidence to support your claim
• Calculating the full extent of your damages
• Negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement
• Representing you in court, if necessary

At Crane Flores Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, we know how to go up against large insurance companies and their teams of adjusters and lawyers. Our car accident lawyers in Berkeley have a comprehensive understanding of California personal injury law, and we can help you understand your rights and options at every stage of the process.