What should you do after a car accident? Here are the basics:

1. Stay There - Don’t leave the scene of an accident. This is a crime, and you could face charges for doing so. If you’re on the interstate, move the vehicles out of travel lanes and onto the right shoulder.
2. Check On All Parties - First and foremost, check on all parties to determine the extent of injuries, if any. Assess yourself, and then any passengers in your vehicle. If you’re able, assess the other parties involved in the accident.
3. Call the Police - State Farm recommends that the very next step should be calling 911. Inform the dispatcher of what happened, where you’re located and whether or not there were any injuries. The dispatcher will send police and paramedics to the scene, as well as any other emergency services if necessary.
4. Tell Your Story - When the police arrive, you’ll need to give them a statement about what happened. It’s important that you tell them everything that happened, as it happened, without coloring your statements. Keep your information as factual as possible, whether you were at fault or not. Write down everything you can remember about the accident as soon as possible, (on the scene works best).
5. Exchange Insurance Information - You’ll need to get a good bit of information from the other driver, including their name, their address, license plate number, and insurance information (including a contact number and their policy number). They will need to get the same information from you. If the driver’s name is different from that on the insurance card, write down the information (their name, their relationship to the insured, etc.).
6. Look for a Lawyer - Okay, chances are good that if it was a fender-bender you probably don't need a lawyer. However, if you or a family member was injured you should contact our car accident attorneys in Los Angeles to learn about your rights. While your insurance company will get to work immediately, it’s important that you have a legal expert on your side from the get-go.

While you’re speaking with other people involved, remain cordial. Do not attempt to lay blame, make apologies or admit guilt. Focus on gathering the information necessary only.

Being involved in even a minor traffic accident can be stressful. Remembering what not to do is as important as what you should do. However, if you're ever in the unfortunate circumstances of a car wreck, remember the following tips:

• Don’t sign anything, unless it’s for the police or your insurance company.
• Don't lose your cool - Emotions tend to run high after an accident, it's easy to lose your temper especially if the other driver was at fault... it helps no one.
  
• Don't offer to pay for damage. Let the insurance companies figure this out, offering to pay for damages, (or apologizing), is like admitting fault.
  

With these tips, you should be better prepared if you’re ever involved in an auto accident.

Concussion can occur in a wide range of situations, many of which are seemingly minor, but this traumatic brain injury can be very dangerous. A concussion could stem from a sports injury, an auto accident, a fall or it could be from a violent act, such as domestic abuse or child abuse. However, understanding the signs and symptoms of concussion will help you protect yourself and your loved ones.

Common Causes
Concussions are caused by a wide range of things, from car accidents to shaken baby syndrome. Violent blows to the head and neck can cause the brain to slide back and forth within your skull, and sudden acceleration or deceleration (car accident, violent shaking, etc.) can cause injuries to your brain. These can lead to bleeding within the brain, which can be life threatening if left untreated.
Symptoms of Concussion
Depending on the severity of the concussion, there is a wide range of symptoms that might present. You’ll need to watch for the following:

• A feeling of pressure within the skull
• Temporary loss of consciousness
• Tiredness
• Daze
• Vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Sleepiness/drowsiness
• Ringing in the ears

In addition to these immediate symptoms, there are others that may be delayed by several hours, or even days after the initial injury. These include:

• Strange/abnormal tastes and smells
• Sleep disturbance
• Memory loss
• Irritability
• Depression

If you or someone you love may have a concussion, it’s important to seek medical help immediately. While most are minor injuries, there is always the potential for serious damage to occur, as with any other type of traumatic brain injury. Doctors can employ a wide range of tests to determine whether or not a patient has sustained a concussion, including neuropsychological tests, CT scans, MRIs and more.
Treatment for a concussion will depend on the severity of the injury. Many patients are sent home with pain medication to rest, but others may have to spend time in the hospital. Only a doctor can determine which treatment option is best for a specific patient.

If you believe that you or a family member has suffered a brain injury in the Los Angeles area due to the negligence or or misconduct of another person, you should call our injury lawyers in Los Angeles who can help identify your options and recommend a course of action.