California Car Accident Lawyer
What Information Should I Gather At The Accident Scene?
This depends on whether the police arrive on the scene, or the drivers merely exchange information. Be sure to contact the police immediately and have them make a written report of the accident. When the police arrive, make sure to obtain whatever information they will provide you concerning the other driver right then. It may take several days before you will be able to get a copy of the traffic collision report and you will want to get the other party's insurance information as soon as possible. Be sure to tell the police officer of any symptom of injury you are feeling.
If the Police do not come to the scene, you and the other driver should show each other your drivers' licenses and vehicle registrations. Record the following information:
• The other driver's name, address, phone and driver's license numbers and insurance company.
• The other car's make, year and license plate number.
• The other car owner's name, address, phone number and insurance company, if the driver doesn't own the car
• The names, addresses and phone numbers of any passengers in the other car.
• The names, addresses and phone numbers of witnesses to the accident. When the accident is the other person's fault, ask witnesses to stay to talk to the police. If they insist on leaving, ask them to tell you what they saw, and write everything down.
• Identify people at the accident scene, even if they will not give their names. For example, if a witness drives off, take down his license plate number.
• Obtain the name and badge number of the law officer who comes to the accident scene. Ask the officer where and when you can get a copy of the accident report.
If I Think The Accident May Be My Fault, What Should I Do?
Don't speculate about whose fault the accident was. Talk to your insurance agent, your lawyer or both before taking the blame. You may think you are in the wrong and then learn that the other driver is as much or more to blame than you are. Anything you say to the police or the other driver can be used against you later. Do not agree to pay for damages or sign any paper except a traffic ticket until you check with your insurance company or lawyer. However, be sure to cooperate with the police officer investigating the case. But, stick to the facts. For instance, if you were driving 30 miles an hour, say so. Do not say, "I wasn't speeding."
What If I Get A Ticket?
Sign it. A ticket has nothing to do with your guilt or innocence. When you sign, you merely agree to appear in court. If you do not sign, the police officer can arrest you. While it is okay to sign the ticket, talk with your lawyer before you pay a fine or plead guilty. Find out if you can attend traffic school instead. If you plead guilty, you may hurt your changes of collecting damages from the other driver later.