You Just Got in a Car Accident. Here's What to Do.
Whether you've been injured in an accident, are dealing with a personal injury claim, or facing another legal issue, Mendez & Sanchez APC is here to fight for you. We handle a wide range of cases and focus on one thing—getting results. Our goal is to win the maximum compensation you deserve and help you get the justice you're owed in California or Nevada. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Call Us Now
You Just Got Hit. You're Shaken. Here's What Matters Right Now.
The moments after a car accident are confusing and stressful. Most people don't know what to say, what to do, or who to call. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, in plain language, no legal jargon.
Step 1: Check Yourself and Everyone Else for Injuries
Before anything else, make sure you're safe. Check yourself for pain, numbness, or dizziness. Check your passengers. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately. Don't try to move anyone who might have a neck or back injury, wait for paramedics.
Important: Some injuries, like whiplash, internal bleeding, or traumatic brain injury, don't show symptoms right away. Even if you feel "fine," see a doctor within 24–48 hours. Insurance companies will use any gap in medical treatment against you later.
Step 2: Call the Police, Even for Minor Accidents
A lot of people skip this step, especially when the damage looks minor. Don't. A police report creates an official record of what happened, who was there, and what the officer observed. Without it, the other driver can change their story later, and you'll have no official documentation to fall back on.
In California, you're legally required to report any accident that causes injury or death, or property damage over $1,000.
Step 3: Don't Admit Fault, Even if You're Sorry
It's human nature to apologize after an accident, even when it wasn't your fault. Don't. Saying "I'm sorry" or "I didn't see you" can be used as an admission of fault by the other driver's insurance company. Stick to facts. Exchange insurance and contact information. Let the investigation determine fault.
Step 4: Document Everything at the Scene
Use your phone to take photos and videos of:
- All vehicles involved, from multiple angles
- The damage to each car
- The position of the cars on the road
- Skid marks, debris, traffic signs, and road conditions
- Any visible injuries
- The other driver's license, registration, and insurance card
If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers. Witness accounts can be critical if the other driver disputes what happened.
Step 5: Don't Talk to the Other Driver's Insurance Company Alone
The other driver's insurer may call you quickly, sometimes within hours. They'll sound helpful and sympathetic. They're not. Their job is to minimize what they pay you. Before you give any recorded statement or accept any offer, speak with an attorney. It costs nothing (consultations at Mendez & Sanchez APC are always free) and it can make a massive difference in your outcome.
Real Example: Quick Settlement vs. Full Recovery
A client came to us after a rear-end collision in Los Angeles. The other driver's insurance offered $8,500 within days. The client thought it was fair. We investigated, documented the full injury impact, and ultimately recovered $185,000. That's the difference between settling fast and settling right.
Step 6: Contact an Accident Attorney Before You Sign Anything
Insurance companies often push for a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you sign a release, you can't go back, even if you need surgery six weeks later. A personal injury attorney reviews your case, protects your rights, and ensures you're not leaving money on the table.
At Mendez & Sanchez APC, we handle everything, from dealing with insurers to connecting you with medical providers who treat on a lien (meaning you don't pay out of pocket). We only get paid if we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
I just got in a car accident, what is the very first thing I should do?
First, check yourself and everyone else for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Move to a safe location if possible. Then call the police to file a report, even for minor accidents. Do not admit fault and do not leave the scene.
Do I have to call the police after a minor car accident in California?
In California, you are legally required to report any accident involving injury or property damage over $1,000. Even for seemingly minor accidents, a police report protects you if the other driver changes their story later. Always call the police.
Should I admit fault at the scene of the accident?
No. Do not admit fault, apologize, or make statements like "I didn't see you." Even saying sorry can be used against you by the other driver's insurance company. Stick to exchanging information and let the investigation determine what happened.
The other driver and I agreed not to call the police, is that okay?
This is risky. Without a police report, the other driver can change their story, deny the accident happened, or claim their injuries were worse than reported. A police report is your official record. Always file one, even for minor accidents.
Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company after the accident?
Not without speaking to an attorney first. The other driver's insurance company will try to get you to give a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement. Their job is to pay you as little as possible. A free consultation with an attorney costs nothing and protects your rights.
I feel fine after the accident, do I still need to see a doctor?
Yes. Many serious injuries, including whiplash, concussion, and internal bleeding, do not show symptoms immediately. See a doctor within 24–48 hours. Insurance companies will also use any gap in medical treatment to argue your injuries weren't serious.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally 2 years from the date of the accident. If a government vehicle was involved, you have only 6 months to file a government claim. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Does it cost anything to talk to a car accident lawyer?
No. Mendez & Sanchez APC offers free consultations with no obligation. We also work on a contingency fee, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. There is no upfront cost to get legal help after an accident.