If you’ve ever been involved in a car accident in San Diego—even a minor one—you’ve probably wondered whether you need to call the police. It’s a common question, and the answer can depend on the circumstances of your specific crash. At HHJ Trial Attorneys, we often help clients understand their legal obligations and the best steps to take after an accident. So let’s break it down.
We are San Diego’s Award-winning personal injury law firm. In the last three years, our San Diego personal injury lawyers have won tens of millions in settlements and verdicts for our clients. HHJ Trial Attorneys have been featured in the San Diego local news (ABC 10News San Diego) for recovering some of most challenging personal injury cases in southern California.
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You are required to call 911 after a minor accident in San Diego if there are any injuries, property damage exceeding $1,000, a hit-and-run, or the other driver is uninsured or appears to be under the influence.
It’s important to remember that the police are there to help. Therefore, it’s essential that you take steps to reach out to them immediately. This can help you both physically and emotionally as well as strength your potential claim further down the line.
Let’s say you’re in a minor accident and both vehicles seem relatively undamaged. The other driver suggests exchanging information and moving on. No harm, no foul, right? Maybe not.
It’s not uncommon for injuries to appear hours or even days after an accident—things like whiplash, back pain, or a concussion may not be immediately obvious. If you didn’t file a police report, proving how the injury occurred can be a lot harder.
Also, drivers don’t always stay true to their word. Someone who seemed cooperative at the scene might later deny responsibility, or even claim you were at fault. A police report provides an official, unbiased record of what happened, including statements from everyone involved, details of the scene, and whether any citations were issued. That document can be critical for filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action.
As personal injury attorneys, we can’t stress enough how useful a police report can be when building a case. It serves as a third-party account of what happened and often includes helpful details like road conditions, weather, witness statements, and whether anyone violated traffic laws.
Insurance companies rely on these reports to assess fault and decide how much to pay in damages. And if your case goes to trial, a police report can serve as valuable supporting evidence.
Without one, it becomes your word against the other driver’s—which can lead to complications, delays, or even denied claims.
If you’re in a car accident, your first priority should be safety. Check on everyone involved and move vehicles out of traffic if it’s safe to do so. Then, regardless of whether you’re calling the police, document everything. Exchange contact and insurance information, take photos of the damage, and gather any witness names and phone numbers.
If there’s even a slight chance that injuries are involved or damage is significant, make the call to the police. It’s better to have the report and not need it than the other way around.
If you’ve been in a car accident and aren’t sure what to do next, HHJ Trial Attorneys is here to help. We represent victims throughout San Diego and have years of experience helping clients recover the compensation they deserve. Whether you need guidance dealing with insurance companies, assistance gathering evidence, or support filing a personal injury claim, we’ve got your back.
Not sure if you need a lawyer? We offer free consultations, so there’s no pressure—just answers.
