What to do after a car accident in California
Getting into a car accident can turn your life upside down in seconds. Whether it’s a fender bender or a major collision, knowing what to do after a car accident in California can protect your health, your finances, and your legal rights.
This guide answers some of the most common and important questions drivers ask after a crash in California.
Step 1: Get Medical Help
Immediately after a crash, your body is flooded with adrenaline. That means you might not feel pain right away, even if you’ve suffered a serious injury.
What happens if I don’t feel pain until later?
It’s very common for symptoms like neck pain, back pain, or concussion effects to show up hours or even days later. That’s why you should always:
See a doctor within 24–48 hours
Tell them about the accident
Document every symptom, no matter how small
Failing to seek treatment early can hurt both your health and your legal claim.
Step 2: Don’t Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Alone
You may get a call from the other driver’s insurance adjuster. They might sound helpful — but remember, they’re not on your side.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
No. Not without speaking to a lawyer first.
Insurance companies are trained to:
Get you to admit fault (even without realizing it)
Record your statements to use against you
Offer a lowball settlement before you know your rights
At HH Law Firm, we handle all insurance communications for you — so you don’t get tricked into saying something that can hurt your case.
Step 3: Get Legal Advice Before You Sign or Settle
Do I need a lawyer after a car accident in California?
If there were injuries, vehicle damage, or any confusion about fault, the answer is yes.
Here’s why having a lawyer is critical:
We calculate what your case is truly worth
We fight for fair compensation, not quick settlements
We can uncover hidden policy coverage you didn’t know existed
We ensure your medical bills, lost wages, and pain are factored in
Most importantly: You don’t pay us anything unless we win.
Step 4: Understand Who Pays for Medical Bills in California
Who pays for medical bills after an accident?
In California, the answer depends on who was at fault and what coverage is available.
If the other driver was at fault:
Their liability insurance should cover your medical bills
If they’re uninsured or underinsured, your own policy may kick in
You may also use MedPay coverage (optional) from your own policy
But here’s the truth: Most insurance companies don’t pay fairly without pressure. That’s why legal representation is so important.
Step 5: Know What Your Case Is Worth — Before You Accept Any Offer
How much is my car accident case worth in California?
It depends on the facts, but possible damages include:
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages from time off work
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Property damage
Some cases are worth thousands — others are worth hundreds of thousands or more, especially in cases involving serious injury or long-term disability.
Let HH Law Firm give you a free case evaluation so you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Why HH Law Firm?
We're not billboard lawyers. We're real trial attorneys who fight for California families every day — especially when insurance companies try to lowball or delay.
We offer:
- Free consultations
- No fees unless we win
- In-home, hospital, or remote visits
- Legal help in English, Spanish, and Arabic
From fender benders to catastrophic crashes, we’re here to make sure you don’t go through it alone.
What Should You Do Now?
Don’t wait. California has strict deadlines, and evidence can disappear fast.
📲 Call HH Law Firm today for a free case review
💻 Or message us online — we're ready to fight for you
WHERE WE TURN PAIN INTO POWER.