What to Do After a Car Accident in California: Protecting Your Rights
Understanding the Impact of a Car Accident
Car accidents happen in an instant but can have lasting consequences. Victims often face serious injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. At Oakwood Legal Group, our attorneys understand how overwhelming this time can be. We are committed to helping accident victims throughout California rebuild their lives and secure the compensation they deserve.
Even what may seem like a minor collision can cause long-term physical and financial strain. That’s why it’s essential to take immediate action and understand your legal options from the start.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Crash
After an accident, the actions you take can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 and report the crash. Always ensure a police report is filed — it serves as critical evidence.
- Exchange information with all drivers involved, including insurance and contact details.
- Document everything. Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine, injuries like whiplash or concussions can appear later.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney. Their goal is to minimize payouts.
By following these steps, you protect both your health and your legal claim.
California’s Comparative Negligence Law
California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault. For example, if you were found 20% at fault and awarded $100,000 in damages, you would still receive $80,000.
Insurance companies often use this law to reduce payouts by shifting blame. At Oakwood Legal Group, we fight back with evidence, expert testimony, and detailed investigations to ensure our clients receive full and fair compensation.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in California
Many collisions occur due to preventable negligence, including:
- Distracted driving, such as texting or using in-car devices
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Driving under the influence
- Failure to yield or obey traffic signals
- Defective vehicle parts or poor road maintenance
When another driver’s negligence leads to injury, you have the right to hold them accountable through a personal injury claim.
Compensation Available to Car Accident Victims
Victims of car accidents may recover damages for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation and ongoing treatment
In severe cases, victims may also be entitled to punitive damages if the at-fault driver acted with extreme recklessness, such as driving under the influence.
Our attorneys meticulously evaluate every case to ensure no loss is overlooked when calculating damages.
Why Choose Oakwood Legal Group
With Harvard-trained leadership and decades of combined experience, Oakwood Legal Group has built a reputation for excellence in personal injury law. Our team has secured over $1 billion in recoveries for clients across California.
We combine legal expertise with compassion — understanding that every case is not just about numbers, but about people, families, and futures. When you choose our firm, you gain a dedicated partner who will:
- Investigate your case thoroughly
- Handle all communication with insurers
- Negotiate from a position of strength
- Prepare for trial if necessary
We never settle for less than our clients deserve.
Take Control of Your Future After an Accident
A car accident can upend your life, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Oakwood Legal Group, we fight to protect your rights, your health, and your financial stability.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in California, reach out today for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal burdens so you can focus on what matters most — your recovery and peace of mind.
YOUR CASE DESERVES THE BEST.
START TODAY.
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YOUR CASE DESERVES THE BEST.START TODAY.
Don't wait. Every day matters after an injury. Let our Harvard-trained attorneys and record-breaking litigators fight for you.
Contact Information
YOUR CASE DESERVES THE BEST.START TODAY.
Don't wait. Every day matters after an injury. Let our Harvard-trained attorneys and record-breaking litigators fight for you.
Contact Information
