Qué Hacer Inmediatamente Después de un Accidente de Auto en Los Ángeles (Paso a Paso)
By Alina Bagasian
6 min read
Siga estos pasos críticos después de un accidente de auto en Los Ángeles. Actuar rápido protege su salud y fortalece su reclamo.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Los Angeles
A car accident in Los Angeles can happen in seconds — but the decisions you make in the minutes, hours, and days that follow can determine whether you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Every year, thousands of Angelenos lose money on valid claims simply because they didn't know what steps to take at the scene.
Here is the step-by-step guide our Los Angeles car accident attorneys recommend to every client.
Step 1: Stay Safe and Call 911
Even if the collision seems minor, always call 911. A police report creates an official record of the accident that insurance companies and courts rely on. Move to a safe area if possible, but do not leave the scene — leaving can result in criminal charges under California Vehicle Code 20001.
Step 2: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Many injuries — including whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue damage — don't produce symptoms for hours or even days. If you delay medical treatment, the insurance company will argue your injuries aren't related to the accident or aren't serious. Visit an emergency room or urgent care the same day, even if you feel fine.
Important: A gap of even a few days between the accident and your first doctor visit can significantly reduce the value of your claim.
Step 3: Document Everything at the Scene
Use your phone to capture:
- Damage to all vehicles from multiple angles
- Skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signals
- Your visible injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling)
- The other driver's license plate, insurance card, and driver's license
- Contact information for any witnesses
If you have a dashcam, preserve that footage immediately. This evidence can be the difference between winning and losing your case.
Step 4: Exchange Information — But Do NOT Admit Fault
Share your name, phone number, and insurance information with the other driver. However, never say "I'm sorry" or "it was my fault" — even as a polite reflex. Under California's pure comparative negligence law, anything you say can be used to assign you a percentage of fault and reduce your recovery.
Step 5: Report to Your Insurance — But Say Minimal
You're required to report the accident to your insurance company, but keep the conversation brief. Provide only the basic facts: date, time, location, and other driver's information. Do not give a recorded statement or speculate about your injuries before consulting an attorney.
Step 6: Do NOT Accept an Early Settlement Offer
Insurance adjusters are trained to contact you quickly with a lowball offer — often before you understand the full extent of your injuries. These early offers rarely cover future medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Once you accept, you cannot ask for more money later.
Step 7: Contact a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney
An experienced car accident lawyer in Los Angeles can protect your rights from the start. At Casa Legal, our consultations are always free, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Call (888) 585-2529 for a Free Case Review
Don't let the insurance company take advantage of you after a car accident. Contact Casa Legal today to speak with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney who will fight for the compensation you deserve.