What to Do After a Car Accident in California
The first decisions after a collision should focus on safety, medical care, and preserving accurate information. You do not need to resolve fault at the scene.
1. Stop and address immediate safety
Remain at the scene as required by law. Check for injuries and call 911 when emergency assistance is needed. Move out of active traffic when it is safe to do so and follow responding officers’ directions.
2. Exchange and preserve information
Obtain the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license information, license plate, vehicle information, and insurance information. Ask witnesses for a phone number or email address. If police respond, obtain the agency and report or incident number.
3. Photograph the scene and vehicles
When safe, photograph all involved vehicles, areas of impact, license plates, debris, roadway markings, traffic-control devices, the surrounding intersection or roadway, and visible injuries. Save dashcam or security footage immediately and keep the original files.
4. Get medical attention
Accurately tell medical providers what happened and what symptoms you are experiencing. Seek further care if symptoms develop or worsen. Preserve appointment records, imaging, prescriptions, and work restrictions.
5. Keep reporting obligations separate
A police report, DMV report, and insurance claim are different things. California DMV requires an SR-1 report within 10 days when anyone is injured or killed or when property damage exceeds $1,000. The SR-1 is required in addition to reports made to law enforcement or an insurer.
6. Preserve financial and insurance records
Keep medical bills, insurance letters, claim numbers, towing and rental expenses, wage-loss documentation, receipts, and communications concerning the collision. Before signing a release, understand exactly which claims and rights it resolves.
7. Keep deadlines separate from negotiations
An open insurance claim generally does not stop a statute of limitations from running. California personal-injury actions are generally subject to a two-year limitations period, but shorter deadlines and claim-presentation requirements can apply in matters involving public entities or other special circumstances. UM/UIM claims also have separate statutory and policy requirements.
When legal review can help
Legal review is particularly useful when liability is disputed, injuries are significant, multiple insurance policies may apply, the responsible driver is uninsured, a public entity may be involved, or an insurer requests a broad release while treatment is continuing.
Glendale Law Group represents injured drivers and passengers throughout Southern California. Learn more about our car-accident representation or call (818) 745-0101 for a free consultation.
This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Deadlines and rights depend on the facts, applicable law, and insurance policy language.
