On the 3rd of September a vehicle accident at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre sent at least four people to the hospital and injured five more, according to the Los Angeles Times. An elderly driver is alleged to have to have lost control in the parking lot and struck several pedestrians, a fence, and multiple vehicles before coming to a stop. Thankfully, no lives were lost in the accident. Police are pursuing a non-criminal investigation into the cause. No drugs or alcohol are thought to have played a part in the crash.

In cases like this where there may be no criminal charges filed, what can victims do to protect their own legal right to a personal injury lawsuit, while still at the scene of the accident?

Gather Information to Protect Your Rights

The best thing that you can do to protect yourself right away is to gather information while still at the scene. Be sure to get medical help if you need it first, and never interrupt emergency personnel who are working, but try to gather any details that you can before you leave for home. Here are a few things that you may do right after the crash to help yourself later:

  • Take photographs. Many people carry phones with built-in cameras. Take shots of the scene, including vehicles and their license plates, people involved in the accident, your injuries, and a nearby street sign or other indicator of location. Never endanger yourself or other for a photograph, though.
  • Seek contact details. If you are unable to talk to the other driver directly, speak to the police and ask for as much information as they can provide, including names, addresses, and insurance details.
  • Find witnesses. You don’t have to get a full account of the accident from witnesses right now, but at least ask for names, phone numbers, and addresses.

Personal Injury Lawsuits Help Victims Get Compensation

Even though the driver who caused the accident may not be prosecuted criminally, the victims may still be legally entitled to compensation for their medical bills, property damage, and other expenses. Collecting information at the scene means that the victims’ lawyers can begin assembling a personal injury suit right away, regardless of whether or not there is a criminal case pending.

Steinberg Injury Lawyers has over 34 years of experience helping automobile accident victims recover financially after they’ve been hurt. If you or someone in your family has been injured, call us today for a free case evaluation at 1-800-350-8888.

 

Peter Steinberg
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Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney Since 1982
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