Updated October 17, 2026.
When drivers disagree about an intersection collision, “the light was green” may not answer the whole question. The relevant movement, signal phase and timing of each person entering the intersection all matter. A useful account separates those details instead of choosing a conclusion first.
This article replaces unverified April 2026 crash and casualty narratives involving Crenshaw and Rosecrans and other locations. It is an evidence guide, not confirmation that those reported events occurred as previously described.
Identify the precise movement
Record the street names, direction of travel and lane used by each vehicle. Was the movement straight ahead, left, right or a U-turn? Identify the crossing used by a pedestrian or cyclist and the signal they could actually see.
A sketch can help, but label estimated positions. Final resting positions do not necessarily show the moment of impact. Do not infer a particular speed merely from damage.
Record signals and signs without recreating danger
Preserve existing photographs of arrows, lane markings, stop lines and turn restrictions. Note the date of the images and any construction or temporary controls. A later site visit may show a changed configuration.
The DMV handbook distinguishes green lights, protected arrows and other controls. A driver’s permitted movement still must be examined alongside people already in the intersection; a signal color alone is not a complete liability analysis.
Ask witnesses what they observed
Keep contact information and ask where the witness stood, which direction they faced and when they first noticed the event. Seeing the aftermath is different from seeing the approach or impact. Do not coach a witness or convert a statement about one signal into testimony about every direction.
Nearby businesses, buses or vehicles may have footage. Identify possible sources promptly, but do not assume every traffic camera records or that footage is available to the public. Obtain records through authorized requests or appropriate legal process.
Keep official records in context
Record the responding agency and report number. An initial dispatch log, a completed collision report and a later supplement have different purposes. Preserve the version and date of each. A report may be important without resolving every factual dispute.
For broader next steps, see our post-crash guide. Fairmont Law Firm offers a free case review at (800) 324-7666, with intake assistance 24/7 in English and Spanish. Collecting records is not a substitute for timely review of insurance duties and legal deadlines.
General information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on the facts, available evidence and applicable law.