A sudden car crash can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure of what to do next. Whether the collision happened on Mooney Boulevard, Highway 99, or a quiet residential street, your actions immediately after the accident can make a major difference in your safety, recovery, and financial outcome. Knowing these steps — and getting help from an experienced Tulare personal injury lawyer — ensures your rights are protected and your claim is positioned for full compensation.
Check for Injuries and Call 911 Immediately
Your health comes first. Check yourself and passengers for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Even if the collision seems minor, emergency responders will document the scene and create an official accident report — a key piece of evidence in any legal case. Avoid moving your vehicle unless it’s blocking traffic or unsafe to stay put. When in doubt, wait for the police to arrive and follow their instructions.
Move to Safety and Gather Essential Information
If possible, move vehicles to a safe area out of traffic. Exchange details with the other driver, including name, address, license number, insurance policy, and vehicle registration. Stay calm and polite, but do not admit fault or discuss who caused the crash. The accident report and investigation will determine liability later. If you suspect the other driver is under the influence or uninsured, tell the responding officer right away.
Document the Scene with Photos and Video
Use your phone to take detailed photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road debris, traffic lights, and weather conditions. Capture wide shots that show the intersection layout and close-ups of any injuries or property damage. These images can help your personal injury lawyer in Tulare reconstruct the crash and prove negligence later. If witnesses stop to help, ask for their names and contact details — their statements can be invaluable in disputed cases.
Get Medical Attention — Even if You Feel Fine
Adrenaline can mask pain, and some serious injuries (like concussions or internal bleeding) don’t show symptoms right away. Visit an ER or urgent care clinic the same day and explain that you were in a car accident. Follow up with your doctor for additional testing if pain or dizziness develops. Keep every medical record, receipt, and referral — your Tulare personal injury attorney will use them to prove the extent of your injuries and calculate fair compensation.
Notify Your Insurance Company, But Be Careful What You Say
Report the accident to your own insurer as soon as possible, but limit your statement to the basic facts: time, location, and vehicles involved. Avoid speculation or recorded statements about fault or the severity of your injuries. Insurance adjusters often look for inconsistencies to minimize payouts. Before giving any detailed statement, consult a Tulare personal injury lawyer who can communicate with insurers on your behalf and prevent costly mistakes.
Request a Copy of the Police Report
Once it’s filed, you can obtain a copy of the police report from the Tulare Police Department or California Highway Patrol. This document includes details like time of day, witness observations, road conditions, and initial fault assessments. Your Tulare accident lawyer will review it for errors or omissions and use it as part of your evidence package.
Keep Records of Every Expense
From the day of the crash, save all bills and receipts related to your recovery. This includes medical treatments, prescription medications, physical therapy, transportation to appointments, and car repairs. If you miss work, keep pay stubs or employer notes verifying lost wages. Your Tulare personal injury attorney will use these records to calculate both economic and non-economic damages, ensuring nothing is left out when negotiating your settlement.
Avoid Social Media Posts About the Accident
It’s tempting to share what happened, but even innocent photos or status updates can be used against you. Insurance companies often monitor claimants’ social media accounts to argue that injuries aren’t serious. Until your case is resolved, avoid posting anything about the crash, your recovery, or your activities.
Contact a Tulare Personal Injury Lawyer as Soon as Possible
The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be. Evidence like video footage, witness statements, and skid marks can disappear within days. A skilled Tulare personal injury lawyer from Bojat Law Group will take immediate steps to preserve this evidence, handle insurance negotiations, and protect you from lowball settlement offers.
Your attorney will:
- Conduct a full investigation into fault and liability
- Work with medical experts to document injuries
- Estimate long-term costs for treatment and lost income
- File all legal documents within California’s strict deadlines
- Negotiate or litigate for maximum compensation
What Compensation You Can Recover After a Car Accident
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and diminished earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage or total vehicle loss
- Future medical care for ongoing issues
A knowledgeable car accident lawyer in Tulare will ensure that your settlement reflects the full impact of the crash — not just the initial expenses.
Why Choose Bojat Law Group for Your Tulare Car Accident Case
The attorneys at Bojat Law Group have a proven record of success handling car, truck, and motorcycle accident claims throughout Tulare County. Their Tulare personal injury lawyers combine aggressive legal strategy with personalized care, keeping clients informed and protected every step of the way. The firm’s focus is simple: securing justice and full compensation for accident victims and their families.
Call Tulare Personal Injury Lawyers at Bojat Law Group Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Tulare, don’t face the aftermath alone. Contact Bojat Law Group for a free consultation with an experienced Tulare personal injury lawyer who will fight for your recovery and peace of mind.
Call (818) 877-4878 or reach out online. You pay nothing unless Bojat Law Group wins your case.
