Glendale Car Accident: What to Do After a Crash and How to Protect Your Rights
Glendale Car Accident: What to Do After a Crash and How to Protect Your Rights
Blog Article
Car accidents can happen in an instant but their consequences can last for weeks, months, or even years. If you’ve been involved in a Glendale car accident, you may be dealing with physical injuries, vehicle damage, lost wages, and mounting medical bills. Whether the crash was a minor fender bender or a serious collision, knowing what to do next is crucial.
This article will guide you through the immediate steps to take after a Glendale car accident, your legal rights, and when to consider hiring a personal injury attorney.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Glendale
Glendale is a bustling city in Los Angeles County, known for its busy intersections, fast-moving freeways, and dense commercial areas. Unfortunately, these conditions also make it a hotspot for vehicle collisions. Common causes of car accidents in Glendale include:
1. Distracted Driving
Drivers who are texting, eating, or using their GPS often miss critical changes in traffic conditions.
2. Speeding
Exceeding the speed limit especially on streets like Glenoaks Boulevard or the 134 Freeway reduces reaction time and increases crash severity.
3. Running Red Lights
Busy intersections such as Brand Boulevard and Colorado Street are known for red-light runners, which often cause T-bone collisions.
4. Driving Under the Influence
DUI-related accidents continue to be a concern in Glendale, especially at night or on weekends.
5. Rear-End Collisions
Stop-and-go traffic in commercial areas can result in rear-end crashes, sometimes causing serious neck and back injuries.
What to Do Immediately After a Glendale Car Accident
After a crash, your safety and legal rights are the top priorities. Here’s what to do:
1. Check for Injuries
Assess yourself and others involved. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 right away.
2. Move to Safety
If the vehicles are drivable, move them to the side of the road to prevent further danger.
3. Call the Police
Even if the accident seems minor, a police report can be critical for your insurance claim or future legal action.
4. Exchange Information
Get the name, contact info, license plate number, insurance details, and driver’s license of all involved parties.
5. Document the Scene
Take clear photos of vehicle damage, injuries, skid marks, traffic signs, and the overall crash scene.
6. Get Medical Attention
Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Visit a doctor as soon as possible, and keep records of all diagnoses and treatments.
7. Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured or face expensive damages, a Glendale car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and fight for compensation.
Common Injuries After a Car Accident
Even low-speed accidents can result in significant injuries. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones
- Back and spinal injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- PTSD or emotional distress
A Glendale car accident can lead to long-term physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Proper medical care and legal representation are essential.
Do You Need a Glendale Car Accident Lawyer?
While not every crash requires an attorney, here are situations where hiring a car accident lawyer in Glendale is highly recommended:
- You suffered serious injuries or permanent disability
- Fault is disputed or unclear
- The insurance company denies your claim or offers a low settlement
- Multiple vehicles were involved
- A commercial or rideshare vehicle was part of the accident
A lawyer can help you gather evidence, deal with insurance adjusters, calculate your true damages, and represent you in negotiations or court.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
- Emotional trauma and loss of quality of life
An experienced Glendale car accident lawyer will fight to ensure you receive the full value of your claim not just what the insurance company wants to pay.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, deadlines may be shorter if a government entity is involved (such as in a crash with a city vehicle).
It’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your Glendale car accident to preserve evidence and avoid missing important deadlines.
Contact a Glendale Car Accident Lawyer Today
You don’t have to handle the aftermath of a Glendale car accident alone. From dealing with insurance companies to recovering lost income and paying medical bills, a skilled attorney can handle the legal side while you focus on healing.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash, reach out to a trusted Glendale car accident lawyer today for a free consultation. The sooner you act, the better your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.
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