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Car accidents are always unexpected—and often overwhelming. In the aftermath, you may be dealing with physical pain, car repairs, insurance calls, and mounting medical bills. If the crash wasn’t your fault, you may also be wondering how to protect your rights and whether you need a personal injury attorney.
Daly City, with its busy intersections, dense neighborhoods, and close proximity to Highway 280 and Highway 1, sees its share of accidents every year. Whether you were rear-ended near Westlake or sideswiped along Junipero Serra Boulevard, what you do in the hours, days, and weeks after the accident can have a big impact on your recovery—both physically and financially.
Here’s a clear step-by-step guide on what to do after a car accident in Daly City and how a personal injury attorney can help.
1. Prioritize Medical Attention—Even If You Feel “Fine”
After an accident, adrenaline can mask injury symptoms. It’s common for pain or stiffness to appear hours—or even days—later. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you think your injuries are minor.
Not only does this protect your health, but it also creates medical documentation that is crucial for your personal injury claim.
Common post-accident injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck pain
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back and spine injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue damage
If you’re taken by ambulance to Seton Medical Center or another local facility, follow up with your primary care provider or a specialist as recommended.
2. Document the Scene and Your Injuries
If you’re physically able to, gather as much information as possible at the scene of the crash.
Important steps:
- Take photos of all vehicles, license plates, damage, and road conditions.
- Get names and contact info of any witnesses.
- Exchange insurance and driver’s license information with the other driver(s).
- Avoid admitting fault or making assumptions at the scene.
As soon as you can, write down everything you remember about the accident while the details are fresh.
3. File a Police Report
Even if the accident seems minor, it’s always smart to involve law enforcement—especially if there are injuries. In Daly City, the Daly City Police Department will typically respond to crashes within city limits. Be sure to get a copy of the police report, as this can be a key piece of evidence when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing legal action.
If the police don’t respond or you’re told to self-report, you can file a report online through the California DMV SR-1 form, which is required in any accident involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company—but Be Careful
You are required to notify your insurer about the accident in a timely manner. However, be cautious about what you say. Stick to the facts and don’t provide a recorded statement without speaking to a lawyer first.
Why?
Insurance companies may try to minimize your injuries, shift blame, or get you to accept a low settlement. Their goal is to protect their bottom line—not your well-being.
5. Avoid Posting on Social Media
It might be tempting to share what happened, but resist the urge to post on Facebook, Instagram, or other platforms. Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys can use your posts to argue that your injuries aren’t serious or that you’re not as limited as you claim.
Even a seemingly harmless photo of you walking at a park or attending a family event can be taken out of context and used against you.
6. Speak With a Daly City Personal Injury Attorney Early
One of the most important things you can do after an accident is to speak with a qualified local attorney—before you talk to the other driver’s insurance company.
Here’s how an attorney can help:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence
- Connect you with medical providers
- Handle all communication with insurers
- Calculate the full value of your claim (including future medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering)
- Negotiate a fair settlement—or take your case to court, if necessary
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit—but waiting too long can hurt your case. Witness memories fade, evidence disappears, and delays may make you seem less serious about your claim.
7. Know What You’re Entitled To
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
Insurance companies may offer quick settlements to close the case fast—but these offers are rarely enough to cover the true cost of your injuries. A skilled attorney will ensure you’re not left paying out of pocket for an accident you didn’t cause.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Daly City, don’t go through the recovery process alone. The steps you take in the days after the crash can have a long-term impact on your health, finances, and future.
By getting medical care, documenting the incident, avoiding insurance missteps, and working with a trusted personal injury attorney, you’ll be in the best position to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. We recommend Daly City personal injury attorney.
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