Injured in a Car Accident? Here’s What to Do Next – A Guide for Central Valley Drivers

If you've been injured in a car accident anywhere in Tulare County, Kings County, or across the San Joaquin Valley, it can feel overwhelming to know what to do next. The first priority, of course, is your health. But after seeking medical attention, the steps you take in the hours and days that follow can have a major impact on your ability to recover fair financial compensation.

At Nelson, Rozier, and Christenson, we help injury victims throughout California’s Central Valley – including residents of Visalia, Tulare, Farmersville, Porterville, Hanford, Lemoore, Exeter, Goshen, Dinuba, Reedley, and more – take the right legal steps after a crash.

Step 1: Call 911 and Seek Medical Help

Always call emergency responders after a crash, especially if anyone is injured. Even if you feel “okay,” some injuries (like whiplash or internal trauma) may not show symptoms right away. In towns like Woodlake, Lindsay, or Tipton, rural distances can mean a delayed response, so don't wait—document the incident as early as possible.

Step 2: Collect Information at the Scene

If you’re able, take photos of all vehicles involved, the road conditions, traffic signs, and your injuries. Gather the names, phone numbers, and insurance information of everyone involved. This will be crucial later during your insurance claim or injury lawsuit. This applies whether the accident occurred on a quiet road in Terra Bella or a busy intersection in Selma.

Step 3: Report the Accident

California law requires that you report your accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles if there’s more than $1,000 in damage or any injuries. Your insurance company should also be notified promptly.

For help understanding your obligations, you can visit the official California Department of Insurance guide here: Had an Accident? What Next?

Step 4: Don’t Go It Alone – Contact a Central Valley Injury Lawyer

After a serious accident in Corcoran, Ivanhoe, Sunland, Strathmore, or Kingsburg, the road to recovery can be long. You may be facing hospital bills, lost wages, emotional distress, or long-term disability. Insurance companies may try to offer lowball settlements — or deny your claim altogether.

This is where Nelson, Rozier, and Christenson Attorneys at Law come in.

Our experienced team helps injury victims across the Central Valley get the justice and compensation they deserve. We proudly represent clients in towns large and small, including Pixley, Orosi, Laton, Armona, Stratford, Riverdale, Caruthers, Fowler, Lucerne, Raisin City, and beyond.

Why Choose Nelson, Rozier, and Christenson?

• ✅ No upfront fees – You pay nothing unless we win your case.
• ✅ Local expertise – We understand the roads, hospitals, and insurance companies here in the Central Valley.
• ✅ Personal attention – We treat you like family and keep you informed every step of the way.

We’ve helped clients across Tulare and Kings counties recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, property damage, and lost income. Let us do the legal heavy lifting while you focus on healing.

Call Us Today for a Free Consultation

If you've been injured in a crash in or near Visalia, Hanford, Exeter, Dinuba, or any of the surrounding areas, don't wait. The sooner you talk to an attorney, the better we can preserve evidence, protect your rights, and build a strong case.

📞 Call Nelson, Rozier, and Christenson Attorneys at Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll fight to get you the maximum compensation – and you won’t pay a penny until we win your case.

Serving the communities of Central California – because your recovery matters.