What to Do After a Car Accident Not Your Fault in California?

Steps to Take Following a Car Accident in California That Wasn’t Your Fault

In 2023, the Mileage Death Rate, or MDR, was 1.26 fatalities per 100 million miles traveled. While this was a decrease from previous years, thousands of car accidents take place across the state, and in 2026, car accidents aren’t showing any signs of going away.

When you are involved in a car accident, particularly in cases where you share no fault, the emotions you feel in the aftermath can be confusing. At Bentley & More LLP, we want to share some clarity as to what you can do following a California car accident. Should you be physically capable of doing so, take the following actions:

Check for injury and move to safety. Every day, 6,500 Americans are injured in car accidents. When you are hit by a negligent or reckless driver, it is important that you check yourself over for injury and move yourself to a place of safety off the roadway. If you are able, you should also remove your vehicle from the lanes of oncoming traffic. If not, turn your hazard lights on.
Call 911. Even if you do not feel seriously injured, it is still wise to get looked over by medical professionals, as you could be suffering invisible injuries like internal bleeding. You will also want to make local law enforcement aware of the accident. They will arrive at the scene of the accident and can write up an official report that can be later used as evidence, should you file a civil claim for damages.
Gather evidence. Once you have been looked over by medical professionals, gather evidence if you can. This evidence should include photographs and videos of your injuries, the damage your vehicle has sustained, conditions of the roadway, and any missing or malfunctioning traffic signs or signals. Also, gather the contact and insurance information of the liable driver, as well as contact information for any possible eyewitnesses.
Notify your insurance company. Following the accident, as soon as you are able, it is important that you notify your insurance company. Do not discuss fault with your insurance company. Instead, you should only stick to the concrete facts. You should also examine your insurance policy to better understand the protections that are currently available to you.
Call an attorney. One of the most important steps you can take is hiring the right car accident lawyer. Even in situations where you shared no fault in the accident, the involved insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid offering a fair payout. Your attorney is here to handle all communications with the involved insurance companies and advocate for your rights to fair and full compensation.
Keep track of all related expenses. Finally, it is very important that you keep track of all expenses related to your accident and all medical reports. You will also want to follow all of your doctor’s orders to the letter, as doing so can help validate your claim and need for compensation.

How a Lawyer Can Help You After a Car Accident

About Bentley & More LLP

For decades, the team at Bentley & More LLP has been assisting victims of personal injury accidents in getting the compensation and justice they deserve. While we are effective and passionate negotiators, we are also skilled litigators, and we are not afraid of taking your case all the way to a California courtroom, should the need arise. Our team of award-winning attorneys is here to listen to your side of the story and advocate for you so that your voice can be heard.

FAQs

What Mistakes Should I Avoid After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, there are several mistakes you should avoid making. First, do not, under any circumstances, discuss fault or even offer an apology at the scene of the accident. Stick to facts no matter what. Do not accept a low settlement offer from an involved insurance company that just wants to get you off its back. Instead, call a lawyer who can help you seek the full amount you are entitled to.

What if I Am Falsely Accused of Causing the Accident?

If you have been falsely accused of causing the accident in California, it is important that you hire an attorney who can help you gather the necessary evidence to prove your side of the story. Likewise, it is important that you follow all of your attorney’s advice and allow them to help you navigate the legal system in a way that can hold the correct party liable.

What Compensation Am I Entitled to After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, there are several forms of compensation you could be entitled to recover, depending on the severity of your injuries and the exact circumstances of your accident. Keep in mind that non-lethal accidents cost around $162,000 in damages, on average. Compensation can include medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death.

Where Are the Most Dangerous Roadways in California?

In California, some of the most dangerous roads include stretches of highway I-80 between Exit 14A and Exit 8A, affecting drivers in Berkley, Emeryville, Oakland, and Albany. Another dangerous stretch is that of I-15, between Exit 138 and Exit 129, through Hesperia. In Orange County, the most dangerous road is Santiago Canyon Road, aptly named “The Road of Death”, due to a long history of fatal car accidents.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer Serving California

After a car accident in California, it is natural to have fears and questions and not know where to turn next. At Bentley & More LLP, when you hire a car accident lawyer from our firm, you gain the confidence that comes from knowing you have the right legal team on your side. We are passionate about recovering compensation and justice for you and your family, and we aren’t afraid of taking your case to court, should the need arise. Contact us today for a free consultation.

About the author: Greg Bentley

Co-Founder & Trial Lawyer at Bentley & More LLP

Greg Bentley is Co-Founder of Bentley & More LLP in Newport Beach, California. With 36 years of experience, he represents plaintiffs in personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, insurance bad faith, dangerous road and property conditions, and construction-site failure cases. Admitted to the State Bar of California, Greg earned his J.D. from Western State University College of Law in 1990. He is a member of several invitation-only trial organizations, including the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and is active in multiple statewide and regional trial lawyer associations.

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