Car accident FAQ (Hayward, California)

​What to do after a car accident?

In an accident, the most important thing you can do is stay calm and assess the situation. Here are a few steps that you should take:

Get your license and registration information:

​If you are in a car accident, it is important to get your license and registration information. Not only will this help the police identify who was at fault, but it may also protect you from potential legal action. Keep these documents handy in case you need to prove your identity or discuss the details of your accident with the authorities.

Call your insurance company or roadside assistance service:

  1. If there will be any claims or if anybody will be injured, you are not obligated to call your insurance company from the site, although it is recommended.
  2. In an emergency, it’s important to know how to contact your insurance company or roadside assistance service. Not all emergencies are covered by your policy, so it’s important to be aware of your coverage and what you should do in case of a situation that falls outside of its scope.
  3. If the situation is life-threatening or urgent, then contacting roadside assistance may be your best option. 

Check to see if there are any injuries on either side of the accident:

Injuries are always a concern after an accident, but it’s imperative to check for injuries on either side of the collision.

​If you or someone you’re with is injured, don’t hesitate to call 911 or your local emergency number. However, before doing anything else, make sure that neither you nor anyone else is in danger. Otherwise, continue with the following safety steps:
  1. Check for any signs of injury. This includes checking for broken bones and assessing if there’s anyBurns or lacerations on the skin.
  2. Warn other drivers about the crash site and request they stay clear until authorities arrive.
  3. Stay calm and take note of what happened prior to the crash – this can help officials investigate more effectively.

Do not admit fault:

​If you are involved in a car accident, it is important not to admit fault or try to negotiate an out-of-court settlement.
​By admitting fault, you may open yourself up to being sued and could face substantial damages if the other driver Wins their lawsuit. Even if you are not at fault for the accident, saying anything that can be interpreted as minimizing your involvement could lead to further trouble. Stick to the facts of what happened and refuse to discuss any others details until after consulting with an attorney.

Exchange information:

​In the event of a car accident, it is crucial to exchange information with your passengers as quickly as possible.
This includes
  • Your full name and  contact information
  • Vehicle registration
  • Insurance details.
  • Policy number
By doing this, you can ensure that everyone knows who they are dealing with in an emergency. Additionally, it will help prevent any confusion or misunderstandings. Additionally, make sure to take photos of the scene of the accident and all involved vehicles – this could be very useful in later legal proceedings if something goes wrong.
Having a towing service on call can be crucial in an emergency. Not only will they be able to transport your vehicle to the nearest safe location, but they will also be able to help you deal with any insurance issues that may arise. A tow truck can also provide vital assistance after an accident by removing debris and cleaning up the scene.

​If you don’t have a towing service on call, consider asking a friend or family member to come and pick you up. If you are around Hayward, CA, we are available 24 hours to help you.

In addition, many insurance companies offer roadside assistance services that can help you in the event of an accident. These services usually include towing and help with getting your car started if it has been involved in a collision. If you have this coverage, call your insurer and ask for assistance.