CALL OR TEXT CASTRO & CO AT 949-482-1000 AT THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY

People change their stories all of the time. Make sure to get independent witness names and telephone numbers immediately, as your injuries permit. Witnesses are typically busy and don’t have time to wait around for authorities or management to arrive. They can leave but first, take their names and telephone numbers. If you can, record a video of their eye-witness account at the scene (what did they see, etc.). Independent witnesses are any persons who saw the accident and do not know you. Unfortunately, your passenger does not count because they know you and have “bias.” Find someone who (1) saw what happened (not just the aftermath) (2) can tell you who was at fault and (3) who has no relation to you. If you have dashcam footage, or another car has the footage, do your best to secure the footage. We highly recommend getting dash cams for the front and rear of your vehicle as an extra safety measure.

Contact 911 if you have serious injuries. It is possible for local authorities not to come out to the scene. If that is the case, no problem. See #3 information Exchange steps below. If 911 does arrive and you are unable to take the steps below due to your injuries, ask a family member or witness to assist you while you are being treated medically (if you can). Your health and safety are paramount. Please do not worry about any of these steps if your health or safety is not first secured.

If no police report is taken, be sure to exchange information with the other party involved. Try to do this as well, even if a report is taken because police reports take a few weeks to be ready and can cause delays in your case. If there is more than one vehicle, get their information as well. Be sure to get a photograph of everyone’s (a) driver’s license (b) auto insurance (c) license plate and (d) vehicle registration. Make sure none of their documents are expired. If they are, ask for up-to-date documents. We recommend you wait to call to report your accident to either your auto insurance or other party’s insurance until you have spoken with an attorney.

Be sure to take photographs of all of the damage to your vehicle and that of the other party(ies) involved. If 911 did not arrive on the scene, try to take video statements of all parties involved. Do also take photographs of the scene of the accident from different angles. If your accident occurred on the freeway, be sure to move to the nearest shoulder but please be careful when you do so. Further collisions and injuries may arise from other reckless drivers if you are stopped on a moving highway or out walking on the highway or shoulder, exposing yourself to further danger. Unfortunately, your passenger does not count. Your life is not worth the photograph. Do also make sure to have your hazard lights on immediately after impact.

If paramedics and an ambulance do not arrive on the scene, we recommend going immediately to the emergency room. If your injuries are not as severe, you should still go to urgent care to document your injuries. The best way to strengthen your case is to go to an emergency room or urgent care the day of or the following day after a collision.

Call an attorney: CALL OR TEXT CASTRO & CO AT 949-482-1000 AT THE SCENE OF ANY ACCIDENT OR INJURY