After a California car accident: 7 steps that protect your claim

The minutes after a crash are chaos. But the choices you make in the first 24 hours can decide whether you recover what you’re owed — or fight for it for years.

1. Get to safety, then get medical attention

Always. Even if you feel fine. Adrenaline hides serious injuries, and gaps in medical records are weaponized by insurers.

2. Call the police and get a report

An official report is the spine of every successful injury claim in California.

3. Document everything at the scene

Photos of every angle, license plates, road conditions, weather, and visible injuries. Names and numbers of witnesses.

4. Exchange information — but don’t admit fault

Get the other driver’s name, license, plate, and insurance. Don’t say “I’m sorry.” California is a comparative fault state, and casual words become evidence.

5. Notify your insurance — carefully

You have a duty to report. You do not have a duty to give a recorded statement before talking to an attorney.

6. Don’t talk to the other driver’s insurer

Their adjuster’s job is to minimize what you receive. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney.

7. Call ISTEPLAW before signing anything

Settlements offered in the first weeks are almost always lowballs. We’ll evaluate your case for free and tell you honestly whether you need an attorney.

If the insurance company is moving fast, that’s a sign — not for you, for them.