California Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
Accidents happen. We all hope to avoid them, but what should you do if while driving in Los Angeles you are stopped for a red light and rear ended or while going through a green light hit by someone who ran the red and broadsided you, often called a T-Bone collision?
If you are the victim of an accident in L.A. (which includes Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley with North Hollywood, Studio City, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Reseda, Tarzana, Canoga Park and Woodland Hills) here are some things you should do:
• If the collision is not your fault, you should call 911 to report it to the LAPD to obtain a police report called a Traffic Collision Report. Even with the wait for the police to arrive, this time will be more than saved later by having the police document what occurred, the parties involved, who is at fault and why.
• If you are injured, do not be shy or macho when asked. Do not deny it or make light of it. It is important to document all injuries. Further, we understand that often the LAPD is busy and may not come to investigate and prepare a report of an auto accident unless there are injuries. Thus, when asked, be sure to identify each injury you have.
• Be sure to get the full name, current address and telephone numbers of all persons involved. Ask to see their drivers’ licenses and proof of automobile insurance, write down all of the information on the license and insurance card, and ask if there are any new addresses.
• Write down the full license plate number on each involved vehicle.