What to Do if You Are in a Car Accident During COVID-19

Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough, however trying to cope with an accident that occurs during COVID-19 compounds the stress and anxiety that is normally associated with any motor vehicle accident. It is important to know what to do if you are involved in an auto accident during this pandemic.

1. The first thing to remember is not to panic. If you require immediate medical attention, call 911 and request an ambulance and police assistance.
2. If you are able to get out of the car and safely exchange information with the other driver, this is what I recommend. Put your mask on before you get out of the car and maintain your safe social distance .
3. Ask the other driver for his cell phone number so you can text him a copy of your drivers license, registration and insurance information.
4. Ask the other driver to text you his drivers license, registration and insurance information. You can also ask them to put their those documents on a flat surface so you can take a picture of them while maintaining a safe social distance and wearing your mask.
5. Use your phone to take photos of your vehicle and the other vehicle and it’s license plate.
6. If the other driver is unwilling to cooperate with you, keep a safe social distance and return to your car and call the Police.
7. Do not leave the scene of the accident until you obtain the drivers license, registration and insurance information from the other driver. Don’t hesitate to call the police if the other driver won’t cooperate. California law requires you to exchange information at the scene of the accident.

When you get home, if you do not want to go to the emergency room, call your primary care doctor and ask him or her for advice as to how to handle your situation. They may request that you do a telemedicine conference or they may advise you to come into the office for an examination and diagnostic tests.

I can’t stress enough the importance of seeking medical attention as soon as possible after your accident if you experience any discomfort. If you delay, the insurance company will try to use that against you to argue that you were not really hurt. If you do not have a primary care doctor, we can make arrangements for you to see a doctor that utilizes full safety protocol to ensure the safety of their patients.

Please remember that the most important thing to do after a car accident is to get yourself appropriate medical care. You should concentrate on getting well and we will concentrate on working with the insurance company to get you the best possible settlement to compensate you for all of your damages, which may include medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of income, emotional distress, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment of life and loss of earning potential.

We are here for you and can help you during this highly stressful time. If you are involved in any type of an accident or if you need legal assistance in any other area, please do not hesitate to call our office.