If you're safe and able, gather photos of the scene, the names and numbers of any witnesses, the other party's insurance and contact info, and a copy of the police report. Then get medical care right away and keep every record.
Photos matter more than most people think. Shoot the vehicles, the damage, skid marks, the intersection, traffic signals, weather, and your injuries. In San Diego, a lot of intersections and businesses have cameras, but that footage gets overwritten fast, sometimes in days, so it helps to note where cameras were pointed.
Write down what happened while it's fresh. Get witness contact info before people leave, because they're hard to track down later. Save your medical bills, prescriptions, and any note that says you missed work.
Why the rush? California generally gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, but evidence disappears long before that. And if a city, county, or other public entity may be at fault, the deadline to file a claim can be much shorter.
This is general information, not legal advice, and every case turns on its own facts.
Whether your case involves a car accident, a pedestrian accident, or a slip and fall, Joe Crudo can help you preserve what matters. Call (858) 622-7280 or reach us through the contact page for a free, confidential consultation.