After the Crash: 10 Things You Need to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Santa Ana Car Accident

For those of us who spend a lot of time behind the wheel in Orange County, car accidents can happen anywhere, like on Main Street, at intersections like Bristol Street and McFadden Avenue, and of course on major freeways like the I-5 near Santa Ana Boulevard. One thing all accidents have in common, however, is that there are numerous steps to take within the first 24 hours after the crash that can significantly impact your health, finances, and your ability to receive fair compensation.

Too often, injured drivers and passengers find themselves making serious mistakes in those critical hours. Below, our Santa Ana accident lawyers discuss what you should do after a car accident. By being prepared, you can avoid common mistakes that can cost you with an insurance company, in a hospital, or in court.

1. Stay Calm and Check for Injuries

We know that staying calm is incredibly hard after a crash. But first things first: Your health and safety, and that of your passengers, is the most important thing. If you are physically able to do so, check yourself for injuries, and check on your passengers. If anyone is injured or not feeling well, call 911 immediately. Remember, even if you feel “fine,” you may not realize the symptoms of injuries like concussion, whiplash, or internal bleeding that can emerge in the hours or days after the accident.

2. Move to a Safe Location (If You Can)

If the vehicles are operable and there are no serious injuries, it is best to move to the side of the road so you don’t obstruct traffic and be in danger of a second collision. If you’re at a major Santa Ana intersection, remaining in the center of the intersection could put you and others at risk for a second crash.

Turn on your hazard lights, and if available, set up any emergency cones or flares.

3. Call the Police – Even for “Minor” Accidents

California law requires you to file a police report in an accident if:

• Someone was injured or killed, or
• Someone sustained property damage exceeding $1,000

You should always file a police report even for minor fender-benders. The Santa Ana Police Department or California Highway Patrol (CHP) should be your first call after ensuring your and your passengers’ safety.

The accident report they file will be critical evidence later if you file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Be sure to get the following information:

• The name and badge number of the responding officer
• The report number
• How to obtain a copy of the report

4. Exchange Information—But Don’t Apologize

Exchange the following information with the other driver (or drivers, if more than one was involved):

• Name and contact information
• Driver’s license number
• License plate number
• Insurance carrier and policy number
• Make, model, and color of the vehicle

Do not admit fault or apologize, even if you think the accident was your fault. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used by an insurance company to try to shift liability to you.

5. Take Pictures and Videos of the Scene

Use your smartphone to take pictures and videos of:

• Vehicle damage
• License plates of all vehicles involved
• Road debris, skid marks, and any other pertinent details
• Traffic signals, signs, or landmarks
• The scene from multiple angles
• Visible injuries, if safe to do so

Be sure to get photos or video evidence that you were in Santa Ana in case the other driver tries to dispute this.

6. Talk to Witnesses and Get Their Contact Information

If anyone witnessed the accident—whether pedestrians, other drivers, or even business owners near the accident scene—ask for their name and phone number. Eyewitness statements can become necessary evidence if the other driver later denies the facts of the accident.

If possible, record a brief video of the witness describing what they saw while it’s still fresh in their mind.

7. Get Medical Attention – Even if You Think You’re Fine

We get it. Sometimes the adrenaline is pumping and you feel like Superman/Superwoman. But don’t be a hero. Injuries like whiplash, head trauma, and soft tissue damage can take hours or even days to become apparent. Getting medical attention within 24 hours:

• Protects your health
• Provides medical documentation for your claim
• Helps prevent insurance companies from arguing your injuries aren’t related to the accident

8. Notify Your Insurer

In most cases, your insurance policy will require you to promptly notify the company if an accident occurs—even if it was clearly not your fault. Provide a basic explanation of the facts and tell them you’ll be sending an adjuster, but don’t give a recorded statement and don’t agree to accept a settlement offer until you’ve spoken to a personal injury lawyer first.

If the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured, your Uninsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may be able to help you—but those policies also have strict deadlines for notification.

9. Start a “Crash File”

Create a folder for the accident and keep all of the following documents:

• Police report
• Medical records and bills
• Auto repair estimates
• Insurance correspondence
• Photos and witness statements
• Journal entries about your pain, injuries, and other accident-related costs

Your “crash file” can be the foundation of your case if you decide to pursue compensation.

10. Contact a Santa Ana Car Accident Lawyer

The sooner you call an attorney, the better your chance of getting the full amount of compensation to which you are entitled. An experienced local lawyer can:

• Investigate the accident
• Deal with the insurance companies
• Negotiate your medical bills
• Calculate all of your damages (past and future, including pain and suffering)
• File a lawsuit if needed

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they don’t get paid unless you win. An accident attorney can help you identify all the possible sources of compensation, including:

• The at-fault driver’s insurance policy
• Rideshare coverage, if applicable (Uber or Lyft)
• Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage or MedPay coverage
• Government liability claims if poor street conditions contributed to the accident

Don’t Wait to Protect Your Rights

In the immediate aftermath of an accident, it’s easy to overlook important steps, forget things you should do, or make a mistake that can cost you thousands of dollars in compensation. But by acting fast, keeping good records, and speaking to a lawyer, you can take important steps to protect your health, your finances, and your future.

Call a Santa Ana Car Accident Lawyer Today

We have helped many accident victims throughout Santa Ana County, from Flower Street to Civic Center Drive. Let us handle the legal and insurance fights, while you focus on healing.