What to Do After a Car Accident in Northern California’s I-680 Corridor

Car accidents can happen in an instant — but the steps you take immediately afterward can make a huge difference in your safety, health, and ability to recover compensation. Whether your accident occurs in Concord, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, or anywhere else along the I-680 corridor, knowing what to do after a crash can help protect both your well-being and your legal rights.

1. Check for Injuries and Call 911

Safety comes first. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s best to let medical professionals evaluate you. Adrenaline can mask symptoms of serious injuries like concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding.

2. Move to Safety if Possible

If your vehicle is blocking traffic and it’s safe to move, pull over to the shoulder or a safe area. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

3. Call the Police

California law requires reporting accidents involving injuries or significant property damage. When officers arrive, give accurate details, but avoid admitting fault. The police report will be a critical piece of evidence for your insurance claim or legal case.

4. Exchange Information

Be sure to gather the following from all involved drivers:

  • Full name and contact information
  • Driver’s license number
  • License plate number
  • Insurance company and policy number
  • Vehicle make, model, and color

If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact info as well.

5. Document the Scene

Use your phone to take photos and videos of:

  • Vehicle damage
  • Road conditions
  • Traffic signals and signs
  • Skid marks and debris
  • Any visible injuries

These details can make your case stronger later on.

6. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t feel hurt, schedule a medical check-up as soon as possible. Injuries sometimes take hours or days to appear. Medical records also help prove that your injuries came directly from the accident.

7. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly. Stick to the basic facts and avoid speculating about fault or how the crash happened.

8. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in the I-680 Corridor

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts — even when fault is clear. A local personal injury lawyer who knows Contra Costa and Alameda Counties can help you:

  • Protect your legal rights
  • Handle communication with insurance companies
  • Pursue maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering

Schauman & Hubins — Serving Car Accident Victims Along the I-680 Corridor

At Schauman & Hubins, we’ve represented clients across Northern California, including Concord, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, and Pleasanton. We know the local courts, insurance adjusters, and the unique challenges drivers face along the 680 corridor.

📞 Call us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Schauman & Hubins, PC

2890 North Main Street, Suite 307

Walnut Creek, CA 94597

(925) 448-2122; Fax: (925) 448-2132

Northern California Wrongful Death Lawyer | Serving the I-680 Corridor

Northern California Wrongful Death Lawyer | Schauman & Hubins

Lost a loved one in a fatal accident in Concord, Walnut Creek, Pleasanton, or along the I-680 corridor? Schauman & Hubins helps families pursue justice and compensation. Free consultations.


Compassionate Wrongful Death Lawyers Serving Northern California

The loss of a loved one in a car accident or other tragedy is devastating. Beyond the grief, families are often left facing medical bills, funeral expenses, and financial uncertainty. At Schauman & Hubins, our attorneys help families throughout Concord, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, and Pleasanton seek justice through wrongful death claims.

We are here to provide compassionate support while fighting to hold negligent drivers and companies accountable.


What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

Under California law, a wrongful death claim may be filed when someone’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act causes another person’s death. In many cases, surviving family members (spouse, children, or dependents) may seek compensation for both economic and emotional losses.


Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Northern California

Our firm represents families in wrongful death cases involving:

  • Fatal car accidents on I-680, Hwy 242, and I-580
  • Collisions at dangerous intersections in Concord, Walnut Creek, and Pleasanton
  • Drunk or distracted driving accidents
  • Pedestrian or bicycle accidents along busy roadways
  • Commercial truck and rideshare (Uber/Lyft) accidents
  • Other fatal accidents caused by negligence

What Compensation Can Families Recover?

A wrongful death claim may help surviving family members recover damages for:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical bills related to the accident
  • Lost income and future financial support
  • Loss of companionship and emotional support
  • Pain and suffering endured by the family

Every case is unique — our attorneys will work with you to determine the full scope of damages you may be entitled to.


Why Choose Schauman & Hubins for a Wrongful Death Case?

  • Local Knowledge: We’ve handled cases throughout Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, giving us an edge in navigating local courts and insurance companies.
  • Proven Experience: Our attorneys have successfully represented families in complex wrongful death and serious injury cases.
  • Compassionate Approach: We understand this is more than a case — it’s about your loved one and your family’s future.

Serving Families Along the I-680 Corridor

We proudly serve wrongful death clients in:

  • Concord
  • Walnut Creek
  • Pleasant Hill
  • Danville
  • San Ramon
  • Dublin
  • Pleasanton

Contact a Northern California Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal accident in Northern California, you don’t have to face this alone. At Schauman & Hubins, we will stand by your side, handle the legal process, and fight for the justice your family deserves.

📞 Call us today for a free, confidential consultation.

Schauman & Hubins, PC

2890 North Main Street, Suite 307

Walnut Creek, CA 94597

(925) 448-2122; Fax: (925) 448-2132

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

Losing a loved one is one of the most painful experiences a family can endure. When that loss is caused by someone else’s negligence — whether in a car accident, truck collision, or other tragedy — California law allows surviving family members to pursue justice through a wrongful death claim.

At Schauman & Hubins, we help families throughout Concord, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, and Pleasanton understand their rights and seek the compensation they deserve.


Who Is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?

California’s wrongful death statute (California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60) specifies which family members can bring a claim. Typically, this includes:

  1. The Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner
    A husband, wife, or registered domestic partner is usually the first eligible party to file.
  2. Children of the Deceased
    Biological and legally adopted children may also file a claim.
  3. Dependent Minors
    If the deceased was caring for minor children (such as stepchildren), those dependents may be eligible if they relied on the deceased for at least 50% of their support.
  4. Parents of the Deceased
    If there is no surviving spouse, partner, or children, the parents may have the right to file a wrongful death claim.
  5. Other Heirs Under California’s Intestate Succession Laws
    In certain cases, other relatives — such as siblings, grandparents, or others who would inherit under California law — may be allowed to file.

What Damages Can Be Recovered?

A wrongful death claim can help family members recover compensation for:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical costs related to the fatal accident
  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
  • Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
  • Emotional pain and suffering

How Long Do Families Have to File?

In California, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of death. Waiting too long can prevent your family from recovering compensation.


Why Hire a Northern California Wrongful Death Lawyer?

Wrongful death cases are complex — insurance companies and defendants often fight hard to limit what they pay. A knowledgeable local attorney can:

  • Investigate the accident thoroughly
  • Gather key evidence and expert testimony
  • Handle negotiations with insurance companies
  • File suit in court if necessary
  • Provide compassionate guidance during a difficult time

Serving Families Along the I-680 Corridor

At Schauman & Hubins, we represent families throughout Northern California, including Concord, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, and Pleasanton. Our attorneys are committed to helping you seek justice and the financial security your family needs.

📞 Call today for a free, confidential consultation.

Schauman & Hubins, PC

2890 North Main Street, Suite 307

Walnut Creek, CA 94597

(925) 448-2122; Fax: (925) 448-2132

Whiplash Injuries Can Have Long Term Effects by William Schauman

People involved in automobile accidents are often diagnosed with what some people commonly refer to as “whiplash.” “Whiplash” is a common term that is medically often referred to as either a neck sprain/strain or cervical sprain/strain. These type of injuries are particularly common in rear end car accidents.  Insurance companies will often claim that these type of injuries will resolve on their own within a few weeks, with or without treatment. Although that may hold true in some cases, recover time varies from person to person depending several factors, including age, pre-existing conditions, and speed of the vehicles at the time of impact. Further, when evaluating a personal injury claim insurance companies often fail to consider the long term effects a “whiplash” injury may cause someone to suffer in the years following an accident. Even more concerning is that after you have suffered a “whiplash” type injury you are more likely to have cervical issues in the future or suffer an even greater cervical injury if involved in another traumatic impact.  

Below are a couple of websites discussing the possible short and long term effects of “whiplash” injuries: