Hurt in a crash on the Westside? The first seven steps that protect your claim

What you do in the hours and days after a collision can make or break your case. A clear, practical checklist.

If you were hurt in a crash on the Westside, put your safety and your health first, then document what happened and avoid statements that could be used against you later. The steps below help protect both your recovery and your claim.

What should I do right at the scene?

Move to a safe spot if you can, turn on your hazard lights, and call 911. Ask for police and medical help, even if the crash seems minor. A police report creates an official record of the collision, and paramedics can spot injuries you may not feel yet.

If you cannot move, stay where you are and wait for help. Your safety matters more than anything else.

What are the first seven steps after a crash?

1. Call 911. Report the crash and any injuries.
2. Get medical care. Accept an ambulance ride or see a doctor the same day if possible.
3. Document the scene. Take photos of all vehicles, the road, traffic signs, skid marks, and your injuries.
4. Exchange information. Get names, phone numbers, license plates, and insurance details from every driver involved.
5. Collect witnesses. Ask anyone who saw the crash for a name and phone number.
6. Report the crash. Make sure a police report is filed, and notify your own insurer.
7. Keep every record. Save medical bills, repair estimates, pay stubs, and any notes about how you feel each day.

Why does seeing a doctor right away matter?

Some injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries, can take hours or days to show up. Early treatment protects your health first.

It also creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the crash. Gaps between the collision and your first visit are something an insurance company may point to when it questions your claim. Follow your doctor's instructions and keep every follow-up appointment.

What should I say, and not say, to the other driver and insurers?

Be polite and factual, but do not guess about fault. Avoid phrases like "I'm sorry" or "I'm fine," since they can be taken out of context later.

You will likely hear from the other driver's insurance company quickly. You can give basic information, but you are not required to give a recorded statement or sign a broad medical release. An adjuster's job is to evaluate and limit what the insurer pays. It is reasonable to wait until you understand your injuries, or have spoken with a lawyer, before agreeing to anything.

Do not accept a quick settlement offer before you know the full extent of your injuries and costs. Once you accept, the claim is generally closed.

Are there deadlines in California?

Yes. California generally gives you two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Exceptions exist, and some situations change the timeline.

If a government vehicle or a government property problem, such as a dangerous road condition, played a role, the deadlines are much shorter. A written claim against a public entity must generally be filed within six months of the incident. Waiting to find out which rules apply can put a claim at risk.

California also requires a driver to report a crash to the DMV, generally within 10 days, when anyone is injured or killed or property damage is more than $1,000. Check the DMV's current requirements, and ask a lawyer if you are unsure.

What if the crash was partly my fault?

You may still have a claim. California generally reduces compensation by your share of fault instead of barring the claim entirely. That is one more reason to avoid blaming yourself at the scene. Fault is often decided after the evidence is reviewed, not by first impressions.

When to call a lawyer

You do not need to figure this out alone. If you were hurt in a crash, the team at Toros Law Firm can review what happened, explain your options in plain English, and answer your questions. We serve clients across California in English, Armenian, and Spanish.

The first consultation is free. In injury cases, there is no attorney's fee unless the firm recovers money for you. If there is no recovery, you owe nothing for fees or case costs. Call (818) 641-5221, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm Pacific, whenever you are ready.

This article is general information about California law, not legal advice.