Car accidents can leave you shaken, stressed, and unsure of what to do next. Whether it’s a fender bender or something more serious, knowing how to report the accident properly can protect your rights, your health, and your potential claim for damages. At HHJ Trial Attorneys, we’ve helped countless accident victims across San Diego navigate the post-accident process—and it all starts with reporting the incident the right way.
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It might be tempting to skip reporting a minor accident, especially if both parties agree to handle it privately. But in San Diego—and across California—that’s rarely a smart move. Reporting the accident creates an official record, protects you from false claims, and ensures you stay compliant with both police and DMV requirements.
If there’s any property damage, injury, or disagreement at the scene, reporting is absolutely essential. You never know when that simple “handshake agreement” could turn into a legal headache.
Immediately after an accident, your first priority should be safety. Move your vehicle to the side of the road if it’s safe to do so, turn on your hazard lights, and check on everyone involved. If anyone is hurt—even slightly—call 911.
Even if the accident seems minor, it’s still smart to contact law enforcement. In San Diego, you can call the San Diego Police Department’s non-emergency line at (619) 531-2000 if it’s not an emergency situation. When officers arrive, they’ll document the scene and file an official police report. That report will become a key piece of evidence in any insurance claim or legal action.
If the police are unable to respond, don’t worry—you can still file a report after the fact.
While waiting for officers to arrive (or if they don’t respond), take the time to collect important details. This includes:
Names, phone numbers, and addresses of all drivers and passengers
Driver’s license numbers and vehicle registration
Insurance policy numbers for each vehicle
Make, model, color, and license plate of all cars involved
Contact information for any witnesses
Photos of the vehicles, damage, injuries, and the overall scene
This documentation may be critical later on, especially if the other driver disputes your version of events or tries to dodge responsibility.
If officers didn’t respond at the time of the crash, you can still file a report with the San Diego Police Department. The easiest way is through their online reporting portal, which can be found on the city’s official website.
For accidents involving injuries or significant property damage, you may be required to file the report in person or contact the department directly. Either way, be prepared to share the information you gathered at the scene, as well as any additional evidence like dashcam footage or written statements.
Once your report is submitted, you can typically request a copy of it within a few days—a critical step if you’ll be filing an insurance claim or speaking with a personal injury lawyer.
A lot of people don’t realize that in addition to filing with the police, you may also need to report the accident to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
According to state law, you must file a Form SR-1 with the DMV within 10 days if:
Anyone was injured, even slightly
There was a fatality
Property damage exceeded $1,000
This report must be filed even if a police report was already made. You can download the form from the DMV’s website and either mail it or submit it through their virtual office. Failing to file the SR-1 can result in license suspension, so don’t skip this step.
Once the report is filed, you’ll want to obtain a copy for your records. In San Diego, you can request the report online through LexisNexis, by mail, or in person from the SDPD Records Division. There may be a small fee, and you’ll need the case number or information from the day of the accident to make the request.
Having this document on hand is especially helpful when working with your insurance company—or with a personal injury lawyer if you decide to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Not all accidents require legal action, but many do. If you’ve been injured, are facing expensive repairs, or are struggling to deal with insurance adjusters, a personal injury attorney can be your best ally.
At HHJ Trial Attorneys, we know how confusing this process can be—and we’re here to help. From gathering evidence and reviewing police reports to filing claims and negotiating settlements, we’re committed to protecting your rights every step of the way.
If you’re unsure about your next steps after a car accident in San Diego, we encourage you to reach out for a free consultation.
