Frequently Asked Questions Concerning an Automobile Accident Scene
When a car accident occurs in or around Los Angeles there are many questions that arise. There can be confusion about how to get help, what kind of information do the drivers involved in the auto accident need to swap, who should be the party at fault, and what to do if a traffic ticket is issued to one of the drivers. All of these questions and more will be answered below:
Q: Will I get in trouble if I leave the scene of an automobile accident?
Answer: You WILL be held liable for leaving the scene of the Los Angeles car accident. The law requires that in the event of an auto accident, the car driver or auto drivers are responsible to stop and stay at the scene of the crash. This law does not specify any type of accident, so it should be assumed that it does not matter if it is an accident involving a pedestrian, other kinds of property, a parked car, or a moving vehicle. If you choose to leave the scene of the car crash you can be charged with a Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Accidentand could face pending penalties.
Q: What should I do after a Los Angeles Auto Accident?
Answer: In all cases of Los Angeles auto accidents, you should always call the Los Angeles police by dialing 911 or another emergency phone number. It is very important that if you are not carrying a cell phone that you borrow a phone, or request that a witness make the call for you. Give a description of the car crash, the issues surrounding the car accident as well as inform them of your location, and the kind of help needed for such things as brain injuries, loss of limbs or other serious injuries. It is vital that the 911 dispatcher is aware of the need for an ambulance, paramedics, a police officer or a fire truck or fire engine. Also, if you are in an unsafe location, which might be a dimly lit area, you should try to drive to a nearby secure area and make the call if that is possible.
Q: What specific type of information should I gather and share with the other driver?
Answer: It is essential that you try to get all of the following contact / descriptive information as soon as possible so that you can inform the insurance companies, or use this information during the settlement or litigation process.
- Driver's license number;
- Driver's license expiration date;
- State Issuing driver's license;
- The insurance information for all individuals involved in the accident:
- Insurance provider
- Policy number
- Expiration date
- Policy contact name and number
- The model and make of every car, motorcycle, truck, big-rig, 18-wheeler, semi-tractor trailer truck and pedestrian involved in the car accident, and their corresponding license plate numbers and expirations dates.
- If the driver of the motor vehicle is not the owner of that car, truck or motorcycle, you should obtain the driver's information (as listed above), and get the contact information for the owner of the car and their insurance company information;
- Full names and contact information of the passengers in the other motor vehicles involved;
- Any witnesses who are at the scene of the accident will be very beneficial to a future court claim, so you should get their names and contact information. Even if you are unable to get their information you should try to get their license plate number for the purposes of having the authorities track their car and the owner.
- Make a note of the scenery around the auto accident and draw a diagram of the car accident scene;
- Note any tire marks on the road;
- If you have a camera (or camera phone) available, take pictures of the accident scene;
- You should also make a note of the kind of weather at the time of your automobile accident including the road conditions.
- Make note of the overall appearance;
- If at night, were the street lights working?
- Was it raining?
- Was it foggy?
- Was it day or night?
Q: What should I do if I caused the accident?
Answer: If you caused the Car Accident make sure that you listen and do what what any Los Angeles police officer on the scene advises. It is so important that you DO NOT ADMIT ANY RESPONSIBILITY! Also, listen to what the other people involved in the car accident say concerning the accident and their actions and write their statements down. Often times, you may think you are completely to blame for a car accident, but later it is determined that there is shared negligence.
Most of the statements you make at the scene of a Los Angeles Auto Accident may be used against you during settlement negotiations or at trial. It is therefore very important that you not say anything claiming responsibility for the car crash or auto collision.
Q: What if I am given a traffic ticket?
Answer: If you are issued a traffic ticket, provide the Los Angeles police officer or Los Angeles county sheriff the documents they require. Once they have completed the ticket, take it and do not claim any responsibility. The ticket only means that you will definitely show up in court. If you are reluctant to sign the ticket, the officer can place you under arrest and take you to jail. At this point, you should sign the citation and consult your Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer before you make any pleas or pay any fines.
Q: What should I do if I hit a parked car, SUV, Truck or Motorcycle?
If you were to ever hit a parked car, SUV, Truck or Motorcycle, you should know that California law states that you are to make every effort to find the owner of the vehicle, and if you are unsuccessful, you are to leave your name, phone number and other contact information along with a descriptive explanation as to what happened with the car collision before you leave the scene of the Los Angeles Car Accident. Additionally you are to contact the Los Angeles police department and inform them that you have crashed into a parked car and that you did not leave before you left your correct information.
Contact one of our Los Angeles Car Crash Lawyers
If you or someone that you know has been involved in an automobile accident of any kind in Los Angeles, California there is help for you. Our Los Angeles Car Crash Attorneys can help you as you seek to file any claims or make a defense if need be.
Contact our California Car Accident Lawyers today for a free initial evaluation at 800-715-4489.