What To Do After A Car Accident In San Diego (2025)
Contributor
Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Editor
Summary
- After an accident, your first priorities should be safety and medical care
- If you can, document the scene and exchange contact and insurance details
- Don’t accept a settlement without consulting a lawyer first
There’s never a good time to get into a car crash, but accidents tend to happen when we least expect them. Here’s a step-by-step look at what to do after a car accident in San Diego.
Check for Injuries, Get to Safety and Call 911
After the crash, check yourself and others for injuries. Then get to the side of the road, a median, or anywhere else where you’ll be relatively safe. Call 911 to request police and emergency medical services.
Exchange Information and Collect Witness Contact Info
Exchange contact and insurance information with other involved drivers. If there were any witnesses, ask if they would be comfortable giving you their contact information.
Document the Scene
If possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene. Include both wide-angle shots of the scene and close-ups of vehicle damage, debris, skid marks, and anything else that may be relevant.
When police arrive, they should fill out an accident report. This likely will become a key piece of evidence in your case, so ask the officer for the report number.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you’re wondering what to do after a car accident in San Diego, this is one of the most important steps. EMS will transport you to the hospital if your injuries are severe. However, even if your injuries are minor (or you don’t think you’re hurt at all), you should still visit an urgent care center or see your doctor as soon as possible.
Some injuries (like traumatic brain injuries) may not be immediately apparent. If you discover that you’re injured days later, insurance may deny your claim because you didn’t seek medical care right away.
Notify Your Insurer
Most car insurance policies require you to notify your insurer after an accident. Keep it brief, and politely decline to make a recorded statement if asked.
Keep Bills and Records
If you do decide to pursue a car accident lawsuit, you’ll need to have as much documentation as possible. Medical bills and medical records are especially critical.
It’s also important to obtain a copy of the accident report. To do so, you may submit a request to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.
Consult an Attorney
Even if you aren’t sure if you want to pursue legal action, it doesn’t hurt to consult a San Diego car accident lawyer. Most lawyers offer free consultations and will tell you honestly if it’s worth filing a lawsuit.
The Importance of Quality Representation
The right attorney can dramatically increase your chances of recovering fair compensation. If you aren’t sure how to find a lawyer, ConsumerShield can help. Fill out our contact form for a free case review!
Other california Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Most of these attorneys work on contingency, so if you win your case, you pay a percentage of your total compensation.
-
Straightforward accident claims could be resolved in weeks or months, but complicated, high-value cases that go to court could take years.
