What Should I Do Before Calling A San Francisco Auto Accident Attorney?

If you’ve been in a car wreck around San Francisco, talking with an experienced auto accident attorney is usually one of those “yeah… better do this sooner than later” things.

A good one can keep the insurance folks from twisting your words, explain what actually matters, and basically fight for the money you should’ve gotten from the start.

However, before you call anyone, there are a few things worth knocking out first, just so your lawyer isn’t starting from zero.

And honestly, right after a crash? Your brain’s buzzing, you’re trying to figure out what just happened, and meanwhile, people are asking questions you’re in no mood for.

Taking the right steps early—nothing fancy, just practical stuff—can really help down the road, especially if your injuries sneak up on you later or the insurance company decides to play games. So here’s what to handle before dialing a San Francisco car accident lawyer.

What To Do Before Calling An Auto Accident Attorney In San Francisco?

Before​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ you get in touch with an auto accident attorney in San Francisco, make sure that you have gone to a doctor and received a full medical evaluation.

Additionally, collect essential pieces of information such as a copy of the police report, accident details, and pictures.

Do not get into discussions about who is at fault with the other parties, and do not talk to the other driver’s insurance company until you have checked with a ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌lawyer.

Here are all the steps that you need to take:

1. Make Sure You’re Safe And Seek Medical Care Right Away

Firstly, you should ensure that you are safe! Your body comes first… even though the adrenaline will trick you into thinking you’re OK. Check yourself, check whoever’s with you. If something looks seriously wrong, call 911 immediately—don’t wait for it to “settle.”

Even if the pain hasn’t hit yet, please get looked at. Things like concussions or soft-tissue injuries can be sneaky little monsters. Besides, you don’t feel them until hours later.

Why this matters:

• Your medical records end up being a huge piece of your case.
• If you wait, insurance companies love saying the injury “must’ve happened later.”
• Early treatment keeps things from spiraling into something worse.

2. Report The Accident To Law Enforcement

Secondly, in SF, if someone’s hurt or cars got banged up—or the other driver’s being weird about exchanging info—report it.

The police report becomes that official “this is what happened” document. For instance, it usually has stuff like:

• What drivers and witnesses said
• The officer’s early take on who caused what
• Road/weather notes
• A little diagram of the scene

Your lawyer will definitely want this.

3. Gather Important Evidence At The Scene

Thirdly, if you’re able to move around safely, try to grab whatever info you can before everyone scatters. Doesn’t have to be perfect.

For instance, take photos or video of:

• All the car damage
• The whole scene (wide shots help)
• Skid marks
• Traffic lights/signs
• Any debris, weird road conditions, potholes—stuff like that

Get info from those involved:

• Names, contact details
• Insurance
• License plates
• Vehicle makes/models

And if anyone saw it happen:

• Their name
• A cell number
• A quick “this is what I saw,” if they’re willing

Even a little bit of evidence now saves a ton of headache later.

4. Avoid Apologizing Or Admitting Fault

This part is tough. A lot of us say “sorry” out of habit. But in car accidents, that tiny word can get twisted into “yes, I caused everything.”

Try not to say things like:

• “I’m sorry.”
• “It was my fault.”
• “I didn’t see you.”
• “I should’ve braked sooner.”

Just basic facts. Nothing extra. Let the investigation figure out the details.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company

California requires reporting accidents with injuries or property damage, so you’ll need to call your insurer at some point—just don’t overshare.

When you talk to them:

• Stick to basic facts. Short and simple.
• Don’t do a recorded statement.
• Don’t try to guess who was at fault.
• And definitely don’t settle anything on the spot.

Even your own insurer may try to cut costs. Happens all the time.

6. Keep All Accident-Related Documents Organized

Before you contact a lawyer, gather whatever paperwork or screenshots you already have. It doesn’t need to look pretty—just keep it together.

Stuff like:

• Medical bills/records
• Prescriptions
• Discharge papers
• The police report (if you have it)
• Repair estimates
• Tow truck receipts
• Photos and videos
• Contact info for drivers/witnesses

Handing this to your lawyer early means they can get moving fast.

7. Follow All Medical Advice

Your treatment choices matter more than people expect. If your doctor gives instructions—physical therapy, rest, meds—try to follow through.

Insurance companies go through your medical timeline like they’re hunting for typos. Missed appointments or big gaps in care? They will absolutely try to use that against you.

8. Avoid Posting On Social Media

Even innocent stuff can get misread. A smiling photo, a weekend outing, a “feeling okay today!” post—insurance adjusters will twist whatever they can.

Avoid posting about:

• The accident
• Your injuries
• Physical activities
• Trips or events

Seriously, one post can cause huge headaches.

9. Make Your Attorney Call At The Right Time — Sooner Rather Than Later

After you’ve handled the basics—safety, medical care, photos, etc.—go ahead and call an attorney. No need to wait weeks.

Calling early helps them:

• Lock down evidence before it gets lost
• Guide you before insurance calls get awkward
• Prevent little mistakes that cost big money later
• Do their own investigation
• Figure out the real value of your damages

The sooner they’re in the loop, the smoother everything goes.

10. Choose A Lawyer With A Proven Record In San Francisco

Not every law firm is built for serious crash cases. When you call around, don’t be shy about asking:

• How long they’ve handled car accident cases
• Whether they’ve dealt with injuries like yours
• Their bigger settlements/verdicts
• How they keep clients updated

A firm like Mary Alexander & Associates, P.C. has the kind of experience and courtroom chops that help in tougher SF cases.

Taking The Right Steps Strengthens Your Case

Everything you do right after a crash—big things, small things—adds up. These steps help preserve evidence, protect your rights, and make your attorney’s job a whole lot easier.

If you’ve been injured in a San Francisco car accident, you don’t have to figure all this out on your own. The team at Mary Alexander & Associates can help you pursue the compensation and answers you deserve.

For a free consultation, visit MaryAlexanderLaw.com or call (415) 433-4440.