Auto accidents have a way of creating confusion in the immediate aftermath regardless of whether they result in serious injury or no injuries at all. There will still be physical property claims even when no one is injured. However, most California auto accidents will produce some type of claimable personal injury. Everyone involved in an accident should at least be evaluated by a personal doctor as soon as possible, and most should go to an emergency treatment facility immediately. And remember, how you respond at the scene is important because it can affect the assignment of fault, which can later impact future insurance coverage.
Response at the scene
In accidents beyond a simple fender-bender, it is a requirement in California that all involved parties stay at the scene of the accident. Always follow instructions from authorities upon arrival, and especially allow emergency medical technicians to evaluate your physical condition regardless of the perceived seriousness of your injuries. Many car accidents result in delayed reaction injuries such as whiplash or internal damage that is not immediately recognized.
Communicating with police
While it is important to tell all medical responders everything that is hurting or could be injured, this is not the best policy when talking to the police. The reason is that fault is still central to accident claims settlement, and the police will be looking for information that establishes fault. Never admit to causing an auto accident, and only answer the questions that the officers ask when conducting an investigation. Do not embellish because it could impact the ability to maintain insurance protection in the future, and especially regarding premiums.
Insurance companies are always focused on fault percentage following a car accident because it impacts their bottom line. Likewise, the amount of payout in an accident case also is a negative reflection on the negligent drivers’ claim histories.