Experiencing an accident in your own home due to external factors, like a neighbor’s tree falling, can be a harrowing experience. Beyond the damage to your property, personal injuries add another layer of distress.

If you find yourself seriously hurt after such an incident in California, you need to follow specific steps to protect yourself and your interests.

Seek medical attention immediately

Your health and safety come first. Even if injuries seem to be minor, you should get medical attention as soon as you can. Some injuries, particularly head injuries like concussions, may not show symptoms right away and waiting could worsen your condition. Keep all medical records and documents related to the injury, as you may need them in the future.

Document the scene

Once you ensure your safety, try to document the incident as comprehensively as possible. Take photos of the fallen tree, the damage to your home and your injuries. This visual evidence is important if you need to make any claims or if any disputes arise concerning the incident.

Report the incident to your homeowner’s insurance

Notify your homeowner’s insurance company about the incident as soon as possible. They will guide you on the next steps and inform you about the coverage available for damages and injuries due to external factors.

Speak with your neighbor

Maintain open communication with your neighbor. While it might be a challenging conversation, remember that accidents happen. Discuss the incident with them and determine if they had prior knowledge that the tree was a potential hazard. Their homeowner’s insurance might cover damages and injuries caused by trees on their property.

Keep a record of expenses

Document any costs associated with the incident. This includes medical bills, repair costs for your home and any other related expenses.

California has specific laws about property lines and trees. Generally, if a tree falls due to natural causes, like a storm, each homeowner covers their own damages. However, if the tree was a known risk and the owner neglected to address it, they might be liable for damages.