About 75% of US car crashes result in some kind of injury. In these cases, victims need to act quickly and with a clear head. They need to call emergency services, the police, and a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. But not all crashes require a 911 call, which raises the question: At what point should you call for help after a crash?
Call Emergency Services
If you ever see blood after a car crash, call 911 immediately. Car crash injuries are often serious and a small amount of blood could signal something much worse. When your health is on the line you can’t wait around to get a police report and then go to the doctor, you need an EMT at the scene to check you for injuries.
You should also call for an ambulance if the crash involves a pedestrian. These crashes tend to be much more severe because the pedestrian has nothing to protect them from the impact. Often, a difference of 5 MPH is all that stands between a pedestrian getting knocked over and breaking a bone.
Call the Police
Under California law, if anyone was injured (no matter how slightly) or killed you need to call the police. Officers will talk to everyone involved and will write up a police report which will serve as an invaluable piece of evidence in determining who was at fault in the accident.
If no one is hurt, like in the case of a minor fender bender, you probably don’t need to call the police. California law requires a police report for any crash that causes more than $1,000 in property damage. If you’re only looking at scuffed paint or a dented bumper, it’s probably better to let your insurance company take care of it.
Call an Attorney
When you’re recovering from a serious car crash, it’s wise to schedule a free case consultation with an experienced auto injury attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the maze of insurance claims and avoid the industry’s most notorious traps.
Evidence shows that the majority of people making successful auto injury claims are represented by an attorney. Not only that, but an attorney can handle all of the paperwork and phone calls, taking a lot of the stress out of a car accident while you rest and recover.
If you or someone you love suffered serious injuries in an auto accident, we are here for you. If you’d like an experienced attorney from Delfino Green & Green to evaluate your case, please send us an email or call 415-442-4646.