Car accidents can be devastating and life changing, but you may be able to obtain financial compensation for your injuries and other losses you suffered. A witness statement is a powerful tool that can help you do that. Here’s how you may be able to obtain a statement from any witnesses that saw the collision. Ask at the Scene of the Accident If you are not badly injured after the collision, take note of any witnesses on the scene. You can ask them what they saw and to retell their version of the story, or you can get their contact information so you can follow up with them later. If you are injured and someone else in your party is able to get witness contact information, ask if they will do so. This can be extremely valuable evidence in your case. Communicate with Police Police will generally be called to the scene of even minor accidents to take a report of what happened. Often, they will interview witnesses at the scene or contact them later and discuss what they may have seen. Follow up with the officer that responds to your car accident regarding the police report and any witnesses they may have spoken with at the time of the incident. Contact Nearby Businesses or Homeowners If your car accident occurred near a home or business, it could be beneficial to reach out to the business or homeowners to find out if they saw anything they can provide a statement on. For example, a nearby homeowner may have heard the crash and looked out their window to see what caused the sound. Businesses often have security cameras or CCTV that monitors their parking lot, storefront, and nearby intersections. You may be able to obtain footage from their cameras that shows the accident occurring. This is even better than a witness statement and can paint a full picture of how the accident occurred and whose fault it may have been. Homeowners may also have doorbell cameras that recorded the accident; it may benefit you to ask around the neighborhood to find out if anyone has any evidence that may be of value in your case. Get Help from an Experienced Pasadena Attorney Attorney Grace Lea Chang is an experienced California lawyer who offers a wide range of expertise in legal cases of many different kinds. If you were injured in a car accident, contact our office today for a consultation at (626) 792-5888.

One of the most common legal issues is being pulled over and suspected of driving under the influence. However, law enforcement cannot arrest you without enough evidence that you are operating your vehicle unsafely. Before deciding to arrest you for drunk driving, a police officer should: Assess the Nature of Your Driving Your driving behavior is observed and gauged well before a police officer puts their lights on to pull your vehicle over. A law enforcement officer needs to have what is known as probable cause, or the legal right to stop your vehicle. For example, an officer would have probable cause to stop you if you were driving carelessly or disobeying traffic laws. Evaluate Your Vehicle A police officer is legally allowed to evaluate any readily available signs that you may be driving while intoxicated. For example, the officer can check for the smell of alcohol or marijuana on your breath or in your vehicle and can look with their flashlight at open areas for any contraband that may be visible. Observe Your Behavior While You’re Stopped As the officer engages with you during the stop, your speech, coordination, and cognitive skills will be observed. The officer is looking for signs of intoxication like extreme confusion and lack of coordination. Slurred speech is also a significant reason drivers are charged with drunk driving, even though this can easily be caused by fatigue or a speech impediment. Request That You Submit to Chemical Testing A common part of a DWI stop is to conduct chemical testing to determine scientifically if there are any intoxicating substances in the driver’s bloodstream. This can be done before an arrest using a breathalyzer, however, this does not check for the presence of drugs like opiods. The officer may decide to take you into police custody and transport you to a lab or hospital for a more accurate blood test. Arrested and Charged With Drinking and Driving? Attorney Chang Can Help If you’ve been arrested for drinking and driving — or for another crime — don’t wait to get experienced legal help. Grace Lea Chang is an experienced general attorney that can provide you with a zealous defense. Attorney Chang has an excellent track record with her clients and will represent you with skill and expertise. Call our office today for your initial consultation to discuss your legal needs at (626) 792-5888. We are available now to assist you.