Truck Tire Failures: Preserve the Tire Before Assuming the Cause
Updated October 16, 2026. A damaged tire after a collision does not establish whether it failed before impact or was damaged during it. Preserve the tire and investigate the sequence before naming a cause. Driver conduct, maintenance, loading and product condition can raise different questions. The earlier version described an April 12, 2026 Grapevine pileup […]
Rideshare Safety Data and Your Crash File: Different Records, Different Uses
Updated October 16, 2026. A public rideshare safety report and the records of your own trip answer different questions. Aggregate reporting can describe a dataset; it cannot by itself prove how your collision happened. Keep the scope and source clear when investigating an Uber or Lyft incident. Understand what public reports contain The CPUC TNC […]
Before an Accident Consultation: Five Questions That Help Identify Urgent Issues
Updated October 16, 2026. You do not need a perfect file before asking about an accident. Identify urgent decisions first, then explain what you know and what is missing. A focused initial conversation is more useful than trying to estimate a settlement from a headline. The previous article described an April 11, 2026 I-5 crash […]
Post-Crash Communications: Keep a Clear Log Without Guessing or Concealing
Updated October 16, 2026. After a collision, several people may contact you about different issues. A clear communication log helps identify who requested what and what remains unanswered. It is more useful than assuming every call is a trap or every caller handles the entire claim. Identify the caller and purpose Record the name, organization, […]
CA-4 Chain Collisions: Build an Impact Sequence Before a Fault Theory
Updated October 16, 2026. A chain collision may contain several separate impacts. Establish the sequence before treating the event as one undifferentiated crash. The first contact, later contacts and final resting positions may tell different parts of the story. The earlier version described an undated CA-4/Bailey Road collision, critical injuries and suspected causes without adequate […]
Dashcam Footage After a Crash: Preserve Originals and Understand Its Limits
Updated October 16, 2026. A dashcam can provide valuable evidence, but it does not “never lie” or automatically decide fault. Preserve the complete original and understand what the camera could—and could not—record. Lens position, exposure, missing audio and clock settings can affect interpretation. Protect the recording from routine overwrite Once safe, follow the manufacturer’s instructions […]
Work-Zone Collision Claims: Separate Traffic Control, Vehicle Conduct and Injury Evidence
Updated October 16, 2026. A work-zone collision can involve changing lanes, queues and temporary traffic controls. Identify the layout and each vehicle’s movement before assigning responsibility. The presence of construction does not alone establish contractor or government liability. The earlier article described an April 9, 2026 I-5 collision and labeled its purported news link “simulated.” […]
Already Made a Post-Crash Error? Correct the Record Without Hiding Evidence
Updated October 16, 2026. If you notice an error after a collision, the next step is to explain it accurately. Preserve the original record and distinguish a correction from a new recollection. Do not hide information or assume a lawyer can undo every signed document. Identify exactly what is wrong A wrong plate number, uncertain […]
Nighttime Freeway Collisions: Preserve Lighting and Visibility Context
Updated October 16, 2026. A nighttime collision does not by itself prove that someone was impaired, fatigued or speeding. Preserve the visibility and timing evidence before making a cause claim. The conditions seen in a later photograph may differ from what a driver encountered. The earlier version described an April 9, 2026 US101/Gower Street fatality […]
Auto Insurance Premiums and Injury Claims: Two Different Questions
Updated October 16, 2026. Your premium and the value of an injury claim are different questions. A pricing discount does not establish fault, coverage or compensation after a collision. Review the issue you actually need resolved instead of relying on alleged insurance “secrets.” Start with policy information Keep the declarations, endorsements and effective dates. They […]