Nobody plans for a crash, and most people have no idea what they are supposed to do after one. The steps below apply to almost any collision in California. If you are badly hurt, the only step that matters is the first one.
At the scene
Stop and call 911
California law requires every driver involved in a collision to stop. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries and call 911. Ask for police to respond, and write down the officer’s name and the report number before you leave.
Get to safety and exchange information
If the cars can be moved and it is safe, get out of traffic. Exchange names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, plate numbers and insurance details with every driver involved.
Document everything
- Photograph all vehicles, the road, traffic signals, skid marks and debris.
- Photograph your visible injuries.
- Get names and phone numbers from witnesses. They are hard to find later.
- Note nearby businesses or homes that may have security cameras.
Be careful what you say. Give the officer the facts, but do not apologize or guess about who was at fault. You may not know everything that happened yet.
In the first few days
See a doctor
Get examined the same day if you can, even if you feel fine. Concussions, soft-tissue injuries and internal injuries often take hours or days to show. A prompt medical record also connects your injuries to the crash, which insurers look for.
Notify your insurer and the DMV
Report the crash to your own insurance company. You must also report it to the DMV on form SR-1 within 10 days if anyone was injured or killed, or if property damage exceeded $1,000.
Keep a file
Save medical bills, repair estimates, pay stubs showing missed work, and a short daily note about your pain and what you could not do. These records are the foundation of a claim.
Dealing with the other driver’s insurer
An adjuster may call quickly and ask for a recorded statement or offer a fast settlement. You are generally not required to give that insurer a statement, and an early offer is usually made before the full cost of your injuries is known. Once you sign a release, the claim is over. It is reasonable to say you will respond after getting legal advice.
When to call a lawyer
If you were injured, if fault is disputed, or if the other driver was uninsured or left the scene, talk to a lawyer early. Most injury lawsuits in California must be filed within two years, and some claims have much shorter deadlines. Our California car accident lawyer page explains how these claims work and what compensation may be available.
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This article is general information about California law as of its publication date. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change, and how they apply depends on your facts. Consult an attorney about your situation.
