Thousand Oaks traffic stays pretty busy year-round, but certain stretches of November, December, and January can prove treacherous for local drivers. Holiday shoppers in a rush. Motorists coming from a Christmas party that have had too much to drink.
These are all added risks on already dangerous stretches like Hillcrest Drive and Highway 101. Even safe drivers could be forced into accidents by speeding drivers or motorists checking their phones for texts.
The occupants of vehicles in collisions can end up with serious injuries and spend Christmas in the hospital or in physical therapy. They may be forced to seek assistance from an at-fault driver’s unhelpful car insurer. Knowing how to collect the right evidence and demand what’s fair in support will help victims recover physically and financially.
What To Do After a Thousand Oaks Car Accident During the Holidays
After a frightening collision on the highway or on a downtown street, you should first check everyone, including yourself, for injuries. Call 911 and request an ambulance if anyone is hurt. Then be ready to give Thousand Oaks Police or the California Highway Patrol a full account of what happened.
Then, once the scene is secure and you are feeling strong enough, you should collect as much evidence on the scene as possible. This evidence may be cleared and hauled away shortly after you leave, but it will be the strongest proof that the other driver was at fault.
Try to gather these details:
- Take pictures of everything at the scene. Show the damage to cars. Grab photos of street signs and lane markings. Show any visible injuries you have.
- Note if the other driver involved appears to be intoxicated, perhaps after coming from a holiday gathering.
- Get witness contact information so your lawyer can contact them for testimony.
- Get information from the other driver unless the investigating officer provides it to you.
- Alert your car insurance provider about your accident.
- Schedule an appointment with your own doctor. Get any new pain that arises the next day checked out. Follow your doctor’s orders.
- If you suffer a serious injury like a broken bone or head trauma, contact a skilled Thousand Oaks car accident lawyer as soon as you can.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me With a Car Accident Claim?
There are two basic reasons you may want a lawyer to represent you after you’ve suffered a serious injury on the highway. A lawyer protects your case from the tactics of insurance adjusters and a lawyer also often secures more money for your recovery than you could win on your own.
A skilled attorney also works to get support to you as soon as possible, especially during the holiday months when you’ll want to focus on family time instead of worrying about medical expenses.
These are just a few of the reasons you may benefit from having a lawyer on your case:
- Fully investigates your case and has evidence prepared in the event there is any question of fault
- Stands up for your rights when an insurance adjuster tries to claim you were at fault
- Stands up for your rights when an insurance adjuster tries to downplay your injuries
- Stands up for your rights when an insurance adjuster tries to pay you too little in an injury claim
- Demands the maximum in compensation on your behalf for your medical bills
- Demands the maximum in compensation on your behalf for your lost income while you can’t work
- Demands the maximum in compensation on your behalf for the physical pain you endure and the emotional trauma you must cope with
- Handles the frustrating negotiation process with insurers while allowing you time to focus on healing
- Handles the frustrating claims process while giving you time to enjoy the holidays with your family
Have a Safe Holiday Season on the Road
Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s are supposed to be times to celebrate and enjoy time with family and friends. But a driver’s mistake can change the holiday outlook in an instant. Drivers obeying the speed limit can be forced into impacts with careless and reckless drivers.
If you or a loved one are seriously hurt in a collision, and another driver is to blame, speak to Quirk Accident & Injury Attorneys, APC. We offer a free consultation to all Thousand Oaks and Ventura County victims. It’s a way to stay informed of the benefits a car insurance company won’t tell you about.
If we can help you earn more for your recovery costs, you won’t need any money to hire our car accident attorneys. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee is paid out of the settlement you receive.