The choices you make right after the collision can affect whether you get the evidence you need.
Do this first:
- Get medical care even if injuries seem “minor.” Some conditions (neck strain, concussion symptoms, soft-tissue injuries) can worsen over days.
- Request a copy of the police report if one was filed. In California, the incident documentation often becomes the anchor for early fault discussions.
- Preserve rideshare details: trip start/end time, pickup/drop-off location, and any in-app information you can access.
Capture evidence while it’s still fresh:
- Photos of vehicle positions and scene conditions (traffic signals, lane markings, crosswalks, lighting).
- If you were a pedestrian or cyclist: photos of where you were struck and any relevant signage or curb/sidewalk conditions.
- Names and contact info for witnesses—especially people who saw the crash near a curbside pickup or a busy intersection.
Be careful with insurers: In many Westminster cases, the first calls come quickly. Avoid giving recorded statements or accepting a settlement “to make it easier” before your medical picture is clear.


