What to Do If You Are Injured While Road Tripping Across California
Do you love going on road trips? It’s nothing surprising, as road trips can be a highly riveting experience. And it’s just becoming increasingly common. Getting on open roads invokes a feeling of adventure that tempts many people, especially avid adventurers.
However, you may unfortunately face an accident due to dangerous road conditions while road-tripping in California. Driving for long hours increases the risk of crashing and getting seriously injured. It can be a daunting and stressful experience.
Things to do if you are Injured While Road Tripping Across California
So let’s find out the things you must do if you face an accident and get injured during a road trip in California.
1. Look for Injuries
If you face a car accident while road-tripping, the first thing to do is check for your injuries and those of others, if any, in the car. In case you or others are injured, call 911 immediately.
2. Call the Police
In cases of severe collisions and injuries, give a call to the police right away. They would help you deal with legal procedures and insurance claims. However, it's better to make contact with the police, even if it's a minor accident.
3. File a Report
Whether the accident is minor or severe, it’s essential to contact the police to file an official report. The local authorities will visit the accident spot and note the circumstances of the accident.
Don’t let the other party involved in the accident intervene, as they may alter the story during the legal proceedings. Make sure to capture some pictures of your damaged car and the other driver’s vehicle, the accident scene, and critical things you suspect to be evidence of the accident.
However, suppose the accident takes place in another state. In that case, you must share information with the other party involved. Likewise, you can avoid making the process complicated.
Collect the driver's license, insurance information, and license plate. Also, write down their state.
4. Get Medical Attention
Your injuries from the accident can be severe or minor. In both instances, you must see a doctor and get medical attention immediately. Don’t underestimate anything. There may not be visible injuries, but they could be internal. Symptoms can appear several hours or days after they become severe.
Medical attention is necessary for healing your injuries and even, to get a medical report to use for an insurance claim.
5. Inform Your Insurance Company
Give a call to your insurance company after the road trip accident. The firm can guide you properly through the legal procedures of the claim and coverage.
6. Hire a lawyer
Suppose you get injured in an accident while road-tripping in California. In that case, it's better to hire a well-known car accident law firm in California such as Arash Law. Your accident may have occurred due to someone else’s negligence.
For example, a rash driver may have bumped into you while road-tripping. On the contrary, the car you rented can have some problems, like defective parts.
An American citizen has the legal right to pursue a claim for personal injury, and a good lawyer can only help you the best in it. Tort laws can vary from one state to another. So your lawyer will help you confirm whether you have valid reasons to file a personal injury claim.
They can advise you better on your legal rights and proceedings. They will file a lawsuit or appeal for a settlement out of court. A professional lawyer is well aware of jurisdictional problems and how to navigate them.
Furthermore, an attorney will help you deal with your insurance companies. They will update you on the proceedings at every stage.
7. Contact Other Necessary Parties
Apart from your insurance provider, you must contact other parties, like any trailer or car rental service who should know about the incident.
Is the crashed car rented? In that case, the damage expenses may come under the rental insurance. However, if you didn't purchase the rental insurance, it may come under your general insurance coverage.
Conclusion
Road trips are undoubtedly very tempting and can be a thrilling experience. The last thing that will strike your mind is an accident while road-tripping. However, you must be prepared for any unusual circumstances. If you know how to handle such situations, you can deal with your injuries and losses better. Your experience will be better.