QIM Score: 88/100
— published under the house rule: no post goes live unscored. Routes: Personal Injury · Blue Data.
At the Scene
Get to safety, check for injuries, and call the police so there's an official report. Photograph everything — vehicle positions, damage, the other car's plate and insurance card, the intersection, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Exchange information, but keep the conversation factual and skip the apologies.
In the Days After
See a doctor promptly, even if you feel 'okay' — adrenaline masks injuries, and a gap in treatment is the first thing an insurer uses to argue you weren't really hurt. Follow the treatment plan and keep every bill and record. Report the crash to your own insurer.
What Not to Do
Don't give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company, and don't accept a fast settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries. Early lowball offers are designed to close the file before the real costs are known.
What to Do
The strongest claims are built in the first week. A free consult walks you through the steps for your specific crash and deals with the insurers so you can focus on healing.
Michael Benavides Legal — free consult | Michael Benavides, Esq., CA Bar No. 270714 | 707-362-4166 | attorneymichaelbenavides.com
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Michael Benavides Legal is a trade name of the law practice of Michael Benavides, Esq., California State Bar No. 270714. General information only — not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this. Injury results depend on your specific facts. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome; verify current deadlines and figures.
