Legal Experts Outline Critical Steps Following Automobile Accidents to Protect Health and Rights

The experienced personal injury team at Maho & Prentice, LLP has issued a public guide outlining critical steps to transform confusion into clarity following a collision. Founder Tyrone Maho emphasized that having a clear plan helps protect health, rights, and recovery prospects during overwhelming moments. The firm's attorneys, who bring decades of combined litigation experience and have achieved millions in recoveries for clients across Southern California, stress that immediate decisions significantly impact both health outcomes and legal rights. Their guidance applies to all motor vehicle accidents, including incidents involving pedestrians struck by vehicles.

First, individuals should prioritize safety and documentation. After ensuring everyone is in a safe location and calling for emergency assistance if needed, those physically able should photograph and video the scene. This includes capturing vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, signage, and surroundings. Such evidence can later help reconstruct how the accident occurred and determine liability. Communication at the scene requires particular caution. While it may be tempting to apologize or assume fault, such statements could jeopardize compensation recovery. The firm advises politely exchanging factual information and insurance details while letting legal professionals handle subsequent communications with insurers.

Medical attention should be sought promptly, even without immediate symptoms. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, spinal trauma, or internal damage may manifest hours or days later. Early medical evaluation establishes crucial documentation and protects both health and legal rights. Consulting a qualified auto accident attorney early in the process is another critical recommendation. If another driver's negligence caused the accident—even with partial responsibility—individuals may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering. Maho & Prentice handles such cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning clients pay only if the firm succeeds.

Early engagement allows attorneys to collect vital evidence, manage insurer communications, and explain rights under legal frameworks like California's pure comparative negligence system. Legal timelines present another crucial consideration. Most car accident injury cases in California must be filed within two years of the incident, with shorter deadlines potentially applying to crashes involving governmental entities. Delaying action can compromise claim viability and recovery prospects. The firm's guidance underscores that while health remains the primary priority, understanding these procedural elements helps ensure comprehensive protection following traumatic events.