Protect Your Health First
The moments after a car accident can feel overwhelming. Your first priority should always be safety and medical care. Call 911 if anyone may be injured, move to a safe location if possible, and accept medical evaluation even if you think your injuries are minor.
Many accident injuries, including concussions, soft tissue damage, and back injuries, may not show their full symptoms right away. Whiplash is an injury that is often ignored the day of the accident but gets worse in the days that follow:
See: What is Whiplash and Scientifically What Causes It?
Urgent Care Centers
Go to one of the 18 Urgent Care or 8 Emergency Rooms in Contra Costa County so that your injuries are documented and so that you can know what to do to minimize the injuries. For example, what is better to reduce the back pain or neck pain? Motrin? Advil? Aspirin? Depending on your injury one over the counter medication will be better than another. Do you apply heat? Cold? Alternate between the two? Again, depending upon your condition and the injury the answer varies.
We have had excellent results from the following Urgent Care centers.
John Muir Health Urgent Care – Concord
John Muir Health Urgent Care – San Ramon
John Muir Health Urgent Care – Walnut Creek
Stat Med Urgent Care – Lafayette
Stat Med Urgent Care – Concord
If you want an online appointment – Sutter Health offers an Online Appointment Service.
Document Your Injuries
The Horowitz Law Office truly understands the importance of documenting your medical issues. Michael Yates, JD/DC is a chiropractor and law school graduate. He works with us (remotely from his office in Lodi) and any complex medical issue is vetted with Michael so that we can fully and properly. [Note: Michael Yates runs an independent medical consultation service and does not treat patients.]
When needed Michael Yates will contact your treating physician or chiropractor to ensure that your medical condition is stable before we submit a demand for settlement. This is the personal level of care that you get with our local law firm vs a 1-800 firm where they have so many cases it is rare that the person answering the phone knows your personally and knows the details of your case.
Don’t be the tough guy/girl! If you are seriously hurt you need to say “Yes” to the police offer of an ambulance and go to the hospital. Don’t let the adrenalin rush that masks pain prevent you from getting the medical care you need. Which brings us to the next step (we jumped ahead) – Report the Collision.
Report the Collision to Police
If law enforcement responds, provide accurate facts but avoid guessing about speed, distance, or fault. A police report can become important evidence later. If officers do not come to the scene, document the incident carefully and make sure the collision is reported as required. If you do not make a report be aware that the person who is at fault and admits it at the scene may be a completely different person when he/she gets home and starts thinking about how this accident may increase their insurance rates. Suddenly this “I am sorry” person turns into a liar who is shifting blame to you. So therefore ….
Gather Key Evidence
If you are physically able, take photographs of vehicle damage, the roadway, traffic signals, skid marks, visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, and get names and phone numbers for any witnesses. These details can make a significant difference when liability is disputed. If you can get the contact information of even a single witness who knows that you were the right it can be a major factor in allowing your case to settle quickly and for top dollar value.
Be Careful With Insurance Statements
Insurance companies often contact injured drivers quickly after a crash. It is wise to be cautious. A recorded statement or early settlement offer may not reflect the full extent of your injuries, lost income, future treatment needs, or pain and suffering. Before accepting any offer, it is important to understand the true value of your claim. Remember that your own insurance company may become adverse to you. If you have a large policy let’s say $ 250,000 and the other party has only $ 15,000, your own company will pay you for your injuries above that $ 15,000 mark. When that happens they are obligated to treat you with a high level of fairness but they are adverse to you because the worse your injuries the more they have to pay. This is called underinsured motorist coverage and it is beyond the scope of this article but it is a reminder that you should be accurate when you describe your injuries to your own company – do not minimize your injuries (as many people do). As an example, do say “My neck hurts”. Do NOT say “My neck hurts but I’ll be fine”. You don’t know that you’ll be fine and don’t set the expectation that your injury is not consequential.
Understand Why Legal Guidance Matters
Serious injury cases often involve more than vehicle repairs and medical bills. Questions may arise about fault, comparative negligence, long-term care, wage loss, and insurance coverage limits. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help preserve evidence, communicate with insurers, and pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of the accident.
Trusted Local Representation
Law Office of Daniel Horowitz represents injured people in Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Danville, Alamo, Moraga, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Orinda, and surrounding Contra Costa County communities. With more than 40 years of personal injury experience, Daniel Horowitz has represented thousands of injured clients and secured major settlements, arbitration awards, and verdicts in car, motorcycle, and truck accident cases.
If you have been injured in a crash, early action can help protect both your health and your legal rights.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a car, motorcycle, or truck accident, the Law Office of Daniel Horowitz is available to discuss your case. The firm offers free consultations and no fee unless compensation is recovered. Call 925-283-1863 to speak with an experienced Contra Costa County personal injury lawyer.
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