PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS IN HAYWARD, CA

The steps you take immediately after an accident in Hayward can impact your health and potential personal injury claim. In order to protect your legal rights and your potential claim, our Hayward personal injury attorneys recommend taking the following steps:

1. Contact law enforcement. Call 9-1-1 to report the accident. If anyone is injured and requires emergency medical attention, mention this during the call. Law enforcement will organize emergency responders, block off the accident scene, and prepare an official accident report.
2. Exchange information. Exchange critical information with all parties involved in the accident. You should gather names, contact information, and insurance information. You should also get driver's license numbers, vehicle identification numbers (VINs), and license plate numbers.
3. Gather evidence. If possible, gather as much evidence as you can before leaving the scene. Take photos of the vehicles involved, interior and exterior damages, and any visible injuries. Request names and contact information from any witnesses. You should also make note of other relevant factors, such as time, location, weather conditions, and road conditions.
4. Seek medical attention. Even if you feel okay, you should get a complete medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries, like a concussion or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately but can become critical if left untreated. Additionally, waiting to get medical attention can hurt your potential accident claim if you need compensation to cover medical bills. The insurance company may downplay your injuries because you waited to see a doctor, blame them on pre-existing conditions, or something other than the accident.

Contact a personal injury attorney in Hayward. An experienced Hayward personal injury attorney can listen to your story and determine whether you have a strong compensation claim. They can also help you understand your legal rights, navigate the claims process, and avoid common pitfalls that could inadvertently hurt your claim.

You may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages depending on your unique situation. However, you can generally seek compensation for monetary and non-monetary losses you incurred due to the accident. For example, you may be able to recover the following damages:

• Past and future medical expenses. You can seek all past and expected future medical costs resulting from your injuries, such as hospital bills, surgeries, prescription medications, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages. If your injuries cause you to miss work, then you can seek compensation for your lost income and work benefits.
• Loss of future earning capacity. In severe cases, your injuries may prevent you from returning to work in the same capacity or at all. If this happens, then you can seek compensation for your long-term financial losses.
• Property damage. If the accident resulted in personal property damage, such as your vehicle in a car accident, you can seek repair or replacement costs.
• Pain and suffering. Pain and suffering damages compensate you for the physical, emotional, and psychological impacts of your injuries. For example, you can seek compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and adverse psychological effects you have endured due to your injuries.

We recommend scheduling a free consultation with us if you have questions about the potential value of your claim. Our personal injury lawyers in Hayward can review your case and determine what you may be able to expect from pursuing a personal injury claim.

If your loved one died due to someone else's negligence or wrongdoing, you may have a viable wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim allows specific surviving family members to pursue compensation from the responsible party for the financial and emotional losses they have suffered due to their loved one's death.

In California, only certain family members have the legal right to file a wrongful death claim. We recommend consulting an experienced Hayward personal injury lawyer to determine your eligibility.

Do not hesitate to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with us about your and your family's situation. We are here to listen to your story, answer your legal questions, and help you understand your best legal options for moving forward.