Nestled in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Lake Wildwood is aptly named. With nearly 5,000 residents, the Lake Wildwood community enjoys the serene beauty of the wooded mountains and the natural attractions of a 300-acre manmade lake, offering all sorts of water sports and activities like sailing, water skiing, and just plain lounging on the shores. For a fisherman, Lake Wildwood has long been considered one of the state’s top spots for bass fishing.

There’s no doubt Lake Wildwood and Nevada County have a lot to offer both residents and tourists, and that means it’s also no surprise that every year, the area attracts a lot of visitors — and a lot of traffic. Unfortunately, that also means the region sees its fair share of auto accidents. In fact, about 700 people were killed or injured in Nevada County in 2016, according to the latest data from the California Office of Traffic Safety. Of those accidents, 178 involved vehicles traveling above the speed limit, and 92 involved drivers operating their vehicles while under alcohol. While most accidents involved two or more automobiles, 63 involved motorcycles, and 27 involved pedestrians. In fact, the diversity of accident types and causes demonstrates how important it is to drive safely — and how accidents can still occur, even when you’re following the rules of the road and doing everything you can to prevent them.

Auto accidents can have long-lasting repercussions that go well beyond the damage to your vehicle. Cars are heavy – a couple of tons or more – and that means a vehicle doesn’t have to go at a very high rate of speed to cause physical injuries. Even seemingly minor “fender-bender” accidents can wind up causing severe injuries, including injuries that can be difficult to diagnose and assess, like whiplash and nerve damage. Many car accident injuries are costly, requiring acute or emergency care and long-term treatment like physical or occupational therapy to help restore pain-free movement.

While physical injuries and treatment costs comprise a considerable portion of the damages associated with auto accidents, they’re not the only costs you can have. Many accidents – even those “minor” ones – can also take an emotional toll, causing nightmares, panic attacks, and other symptoms that can interfere with sleep and affect your overall quality of life. And, of course, work absences also take a big bite out of your budget and your savings. The effects can be financially devastating as medical costs and missed workdays increase.

The steps that you take after an accident can vary based on the extent of your injuries. You first want to get out of the roadway to avoid being hit by another vehicle. If others are injured (and you’re not), see if you can provide any assistance, but don’t try to move an injured person since that can worsen injuries. Call the police immediately to report the accident and get medical personnel to the scene as quickly as possible.

Assuming you’re not seriously injured, you should try to gather as much information as you can. Use your phone to take photos of the accident scene from different angles and try to take video as well. Include pictures or video footage showing the road conditions and landmarks. Write down what you recall about how the accident occurred, and if there are witnesses, get their names and contact information so they can be contacted in the future if you decide to file a lawsuit. Do not share your notes with any insurance provider. These notes are for your reference and for your attorney. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver.

If you’re not transported to the hospital, you should still see a doctor for an evaluation. Some injuries like nerve injuries, concussions, and even soft tissue injuries can take a while to cause symptoms, so seeing a doctor right away will help ensure those problems are treated as early as possible. Keep records of all your medical appointments and treatments and copies of your medical bills.

Of course, you’ll need to contact your insurance company as soon as possible, but be careful not to sign any releases or other paperwork without speaking to an attorney. Keep a record of any conversations with the insurance companies, and get a copy of the police report for your records.

Finally, depending on the extent of the accident and your injuries and other damages, it’s a good idea to consult with an attorney immediately so you’re prepared in case you need to file a lawsuit. While it would be great to think insurance would cover all your accident-related costs and losses, the fact is, insurance companies are businesses, and that means they’re going to work very hard to minimize their own losses — and reduce your claim as a result.

When you think about your insurance company, you probably think of the agents you work with. But insurance companies also have lawyers whose sole purpose is to protect the agency and its interests. If you’ve been in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you should be compensated for all your losses. Having a skilled Lake Wildwood personal injury attorney by your side means your rights will always be pretty represented so you can get the compensation you deserve.

An experienced Lake Wildwood car accident lawyer understands the legal processes involved in a successful auto accident claim. They’ll work tirelessly to gather evidence and build a strong case supporting your needs and rights. And just as importantly, a skilled attorney can provide you with the guidance and support you need to feel confident and regain your peace of mind. That can be a significant benefit during the post-accident period when your emotions and fears are already running high.

The video below explains what you can expect in a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer regarding your case.

If you’ve been in an accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious. Knowing you have a top-rated, experienced Lake Wildwood personal injury lawyer on your side means you can feel confident your rights will be protected at every step. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please call us for free, friendly advice at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400.

^{Editor’s Note: updated 10.30.23 Photo by: Pok_Rie on Pixabay wa-kz cha [cs 1094]}