What to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles

Jerry Jacobson – Your Immediate Post-Crash Legal Guide

Have You Just Had An Accident? Follow This Guide To Protect Your Rights!

24/7 Emergency Hotline: 1-800-529-7910

The First Moments After the Accident Are Critical

Car accidents are unexpected and stressful. Even the most careful drivers can be involved in an accident. The first minutes and hours after the crash are absolutely critical to protect your health, your safety, and your legal rights.

A mistake at these crucial moments can cost you thousands of dollars in compensation. Follow this step-by-step guide to protect yourself and your family after any car accident.

With Over 30 Years of Experience – We Know Exactly What To Do

STEP 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Breathe Deeply and Remain Calm

Immediate Evaluation

• Take several deep breaths
• Stay calm and don’t panic.
• Assess whether you or your passengers are injured.
• See if other drivers need help

Verify Injuries Immediately

• Ask all passengers if they are well
• Carefully moves neck and limbs
• Do not move abruptly if you feel pain.
• Look for bleeding, pain, or difficulty moving.

IMPORTANT: Many injuries are not immediately obvious. Adrenaline can mask pain and serious injury.

STEP 2: Secure the Accident Scene

If It’s Safe to Move

Minor Accidents

• Move vehicles to a safe place out of traffic
• Turn on the emergency lights immediately
• Use emergency triangles if you have them.
• Stay away from moving traffic

Serious Accidents

• DO NOT move vehicles if there are casualties
• Leave everything exactly as it is
• Turns on emergency lights
• Exit the vehicle only if it is safe

Protects All Involved

• Verify that everyone is out of danger
• Help others if possible and safe
• Keep everyone away from traffic
• Find a safe place to wait for help

STEP 3: Call 911 Immediately

Always Report the Accident

Dispatcher Information

• Exact location of the accident
• Number of vehicles involved
• If there are injured persons in need of medical attention
• If vehicles are blocking traffic
• If there are hazards such as spilled gasoline

Why Always Call the Police

• Official accidentreport
• Determination of who is at fault
• Documentation for insurance claims
• Legal protection against false accusations

NEVER assume that an accident is “too minor” to report. Symptoms and damage may appear later.

STEP 4: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Accepts Medical Care

If an Ambulance Arrives

• Accept the medical examination even if you feel “fine”.
• Don’t refuse transportation to the hospital if recommended.
• Explain any pain or discomfort, no matter how minor.
• Mention if you have pre-existing medical conditions

Injuries That May Not Be Obvious

• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
• Neck and backinjuries (whiplash)
• Internal bleeding without external symptoms
• Hairlinefractures that do not initially hurt

Yes No Immediate Pain

• See a doctor within 24-48 hours either way.
• Many injuries manifest themselves days later
• Early medical documentation strengthens your case
• Tests can detect hidden lesions

STEP 5: Document Everything Completely

Take Comprehensive Photos

Vehicles

• Damage to your vehicle from all angles
• Damage to the other vehicle from multiple perspectives
• License plates of all vehicles involved
• Final position of all vehicles

Accident Scene

• General view of the intersection or road
• Traffic signals and traffic lights
• Tire marks on pavement
• Weather conditions and visibility
• Any debris from the accident

Injuries

• Visible lesions if appropriate
• Damage to clothing or personal belongings
• Position where you hit in the vehicle

If You Cannot Take Pictures

• Ask a witness to take photos on your behalf.
• Uses a passenger if uninjured
• Focus on your health first, photos second.

STEP 6: Exchange Critical Information

Other Driver Information

Personal Data

• Full name as it appears on the license
• Driver’s license number
• Current residential address
• Cell phone number and home

Vehicle Information

• Vehiclemake, model, year
• License platenumber
• VIN number if visible
• Color and distinguishing characteristics

Insurance Information

• Name of insurance company
• Complete policy number
• Insured’s name (may be different from the driver)
• Take a picture of the insurance card

If the Driver Is Not the Owner

• Relationship between driver and owner
• License to drive the vehicle
• Actual owner’s contactinformation

STEP 7: Gather Witness Information

Witnesses Are Critical

Contact Information

• Fullnames of all witnesses
• Current phonenumbers
• Emailaddresses if possible
• Residentialaddresses

Witness Statements

• Ask what exactly they saw
• Record statements on your phone if they accept
• Write detailed notes of what they say
• Get information before they leave

Types of Valuable Witnesses

• Pedestrians who saw the accident
• Drivers in other vehicles
• Passengers in any vehicle
• Workers in nearby businesses

STEP 8: Talk to the Police Appropriately

Provides Only Facts

What to Say

• Describe what happened without speculating
• Provides factual information only
• Cooperates fully with the research
• Be honest about what you saw and felt

What NOT to say

• “It was my fault” or any admission of guilt.
• “I’m sorry” can be interpreted as an admission
• Speculation on the causes of the accident
• Details you do not clearly remember

Request Police Report

• Ask for the report number
• Obtain contact information for the officer
• Ask when the report will be available
• Request a copy when it is ready

STEP 9: DO NOT Sign Documents

Protect Your Legal Rights

Documents You Should NEVER Sign

• Admissions of fault or liability
• Releases of liability
• Covenant not to sue
• Writtenstatements for insurers

The Only Exception

• Police documents required by law
• Officer’s accident report
• Traffic citations (no fault to sign)

If You Are Pressured To Sign

• Say clearly “I need to talk to my lawyer first.”
• Don’t be intimidated by insurance employees
• Take a photo of the document if they insist
• Obtain contact information for the requesting party

STEP 10: Call a Lawyer IMMEDIATELY

Why Call Immediately?

Immediate Protection

• Step-by-step guidance on what to do
• Protection against insurance company tactics
• Preservation of critical evidence
• Prevention of costly errors

Insurers Act Fast

• Investigators arrive on scene immediately
• Adjusters try to get recorded statements
• Inadequateoffers arrive to pressure settlements
• Evidence is “lost” or “corrected” quickly

Call Jerry Jacobson: 1-800-529-7910

• Available 24/7 for emergencies
• Immediatefree consultation
• Counseling in Spanish
• 30+ years of accident experience

Critical Mistakes to Avoid

Mistakes That Cost Thousands of Dollars

Failure to Seek Medical Attention

• Error: “I feel fine, I don’t need a doctor”.
• Reality: Injuries appear days later
• Cost: No medical documentation, no case

2. Admit Guilt

• Error: “I’m sorry, it was my fault”.
• Reality: Multiple factors cause accidents
• Cost: Admission is used against you forever.

3. Do Not Take Pictures

• Error: “The police will document everything”.
• Reality: Police do not take pictures of everything
• Cost: Critical evidence lost forever

4. Giving Recorded Statements

• Mistake: “I just want to help the adjuster”.
• Reality: Adjusters seek to deny responsibility
• Cost: Your words are twisted against you

5. Accept First Offer

• Error: “This amount sounds reasonable”.
• Reality: First offers are always inadequate
• Cost: You lose the right to fair compensation

6. Waiting Too Long to Call a Lawyer

• Mistake: “I’ll see if I can handle this on my own”.
• Reality: Evidence disappears, cases become more complicated
• Cost: Permanently lost opportunities

Critical Frequently Asked Questions

Should I move my car after a crash?

Minor Accidents

• YES, move vehicles to a safe place
• Out of traffic to avoid further accidents
• Turns on emergency lights immediately
• Use shoulder or nearby parking

Accidents with Injuries

• DO NOT move vehicles under any circumstances
• Leave everything exactly as it is
• Evidence of positions is critical
• Police will determine responsibility for positions

What do I do if the accident was my fault?

NEVER Admit Guilt

• Be kind but do not admit responsibility
• Many factors contribute to accidents
• Another driver may have partial responsibility
• Professional investigation will determine actual cause

Factors You May Not See

• Hazardous road conditions
• Mechanical defects in vehicles
• Traffic violations by the other driver
• Distractions you did not observe

Should I talk to the other driver’s insurer?

NEVER Without Your Lawyer

• Refer all calls to your attorney
• Do not give recorded statements
• Do not accept offers of money
• Insurers seek to minimize payouts

Common Underwriting Tactics

• Immediatecalls to press
• Quickoffers that sound generous
• Questions designed to gain admissions
• Pressure to sign releases

When should I contact a lawyer?

IMMEDIATELY After the Accident

• First hours are critical
• Evidence disappears quickly
• Insurers act immediately
• Professionalguidance prevents errors

Cases Definitely Needing a Lawyer

• Any injury no matter how minor
• Significant damage to vehicles
• Liability disputes
• Multiple vehicles involved

What To Do If You Get Hurt

Seek Immediate Treatment

Emergency Medical Care

• Emergency room for serious injuries
• Urgent care clinic for moderate injuries
• Family doctor for complete evaluation
• Specialists as needed

Types of Treatment

• X-ray and MRI examinations
• Chiropractic treatment for neck injuries
• Physiotherapy for rehabilitation
• Pain specialists for chronic injuries

Documents All Treatment

• Keep all medical receipts
• Keep track of missed appointments at work
• Documents daily pain and limitations
• Follow all the doctor’s recommendations

Occupational Accidents – What to do

If You Were Injured at Work

Immediate Action

• Report the injury to your supervisor immediately
• Seek authorized medical care
• Fill out a work accident report
• Keep copies of all documents

Workers’ Rights

• Compensation for medical expenses
• Pay for time away from work
• Protection against dismissal for complaining
• Benefits regardless of immigration status

When Do You Need an Employment Lawyer?

Complicated Situations

• Employer denies that accident occurred at work
• Insurer denies medical coverage
• Inadequate or denied benefits
• Threats of dismissal for complaining

Legal Protection

• Prevents illegal layoffs
• Ensures maximum benefits
• Navigates complicated legal system
• Protects rights regardless of status

Post-Accident Checklist

Immediately After the Accident

Health and Safety

• [ Evaluate injuries to all passengers
• [ Move vehicles to a safe location (if possible)
• [ Call 911
• [ Seek medical attention if injured

Documentation

• [ Taking pictures of vehicles and scene
• [ Exchange information with other drivers
• [ ] Obtain information from witnesses
• [ ] Talk to police (facts only)

Legal Protection

• [ DO NOT sign documents (except for police)
• [ NOT admitting guilt
• [ Call a lawyer immediately
• [ Get police report number

First 24-48 Hours

Medical Care

• See a doctor even if you have no pain
• Follow all medical recommendations
• Document symptoms and limitations
• Keep all medical receipts

Communication

• Report an accident to your insurer
• DO NOT talk to the other driver’s insurance company
• Refer all calls to your lawyer
• Obtain a copy of the police report when ready

The Difference A Specialized Lawyer Makes

With Specialized Lawyer

Immediate Protection

• Expertguidance from the outset
• Prevention of costly mistakes
• Properly managedcommunication with insurers
• Evidence properly preserved and documented

Professional Research

• AccidentReconstructionists
• Medicalexperts to evaluate injuries
• Privateinvestigators if necessary
• Liability and causationanalysis

No Specialized Lawyer

Common Risks

• Inappropriateoffers accepted out of desperation
• Damagingstatements recorded by insurers
• Criticalevidence lost or destroyed
• Legalrights not properly exercised

Financial Implications

• Significantly lowercompensation
• Medicalexpenses not fully covered
• Lostwages not compensated
• Pain and suffering not properly assessed

Why Choose Jerry Jacobson

Proven experience:

• 30+ years representing accident victims
• $200+ million recovered for customers
• Thousands of success stories
• Specialization in all types of accidents

Immediate attention:

• Available 24/7 for emergencies
• Accident scene response if necessary
• Immediate free consultation
• Services in Spanish at all times

No Financial Risk:

• You don’t get paid until we win your case
• Completely free consultation
• All expenses covered by us
• No upfront costs ever

ACT IMMEDIATELY – Every Minute Counts

The First Moments Determine Your Future

An accident changes your life in seconds. The decisions you make in the next few minutes and hours will determine whether you receive the fair compensation you deserve or whether insurers take advantage of your vulnerability.

You are not facing this alone. While you recover from your injuries, we fight for your rights.

CALL NOW: 1-800-529-7910

Available 24/7

Immediate Free Consultation

We speak Spanish

30+ Years of Experience

Contact Information

The Law Offices of Jacobson & Associates P.C.

Our Main Office: 3580 Wilshire Blvd Ste 1600 Los Angeles, CA 90010

24/7 Emergency Hotline: 1-800-529-7910 Email: jerry@jacobsoninjurylaw.com

Post-Accident Emergency Service:

• Accident sceneresponse
• Immediate telephoneconsultation
• Step-by-stepguidance
• Legalprotection from the first moment

Your next decision can determine the rest of your life. Make the right one – call Jerry Jacobson now.