Accident Facts

Immediate Actions

1. Stop the vehicle and move it out of the traveled roadway if it is clear, safe and legal. (In some states, it is against the law to move the vehicle from the place where the auto accident occurred. If in doubt, do not move it.)
2. Turn off the ignitions of all cars involved.
3. Check on all people involved in the accident to see if there are injuries and the seriousness of the injuries.
4. Call the police, and if necessary, emergency medical services.
5. Mark the scene of the auto accident with flares or reflective triangles.
6. Gather the names of all people in the vehicles and the people who witnessed the auto accident.
7. Make a quick diagram of where the vehicle occupants were seated and indicate the vehicle's directions of travel and lanes. Also make note of the date, time and weather conditions.
8. Ask the other driver for driver's license information, and write down the number.
9. Exchange insurance company information.
10. Do not discuss "fault" or make statements about the auto accident to anyone but the police.
11. Get a copy of the police report for the auto accident from the local precinct.

After The Accident

Property Damage: An automobile accident is always stressful. You are not alone. This advice has been prepared to help guide you through some of the steps you should take to insure that your property damage claim is handled speedily and that your interests are protected.

Vehicle Damage: When an accident is someone else's fault, generally that person's insurance company will compensate you directly. Otherwise, your own insurance company may reimburse you for your vehicle, e.g. property damage, if you have the appropriate insurance coverage. A property damage claim is resolved in one of two ways: either your car can be repaired or it will be considered a total loss -- meaning that the cost of the repair exceeds the actual value of the vehicle.

Repairs: You may have the right to have your car repaired at the body shop of your choice. You need not accept the insurance company's property damage appraisal of the actual repair costs. Take your car to your selected body shop, and present a written estimate to the insurance company. Make sure you retain 2 or 3 written estimates from different body shops. Do not rely solely on an insurance company's estimate.

The Law Offices of Calvo & Mattingley is a law firm dedicated to the practice of Personal Injury Law within the State of California. We are strategically located to serve all of Southern California with offices in Diego and Santa Ana.