A car accident can leave you shaken and unsure what to do next. The good news is that you don’t need to solve everything at once. Focus on a few practical steps, in order, to protect your safety, your health, and your insurance claim.
California also has a few rules worth knowing, including DMV reporting requirements, a fault-based liability system, and filing deadlines if you later need to bring a claim.
- Stay at the scene
Stop immediately. If no one is injured and your vehicle can be moved, California Highway Patrol guidance says to move it out of traffic to the nearest safe place. Leaving the scene can create serious legal problems, especially if anyone was hurt. - Safety is your only priority.
Call 911 if anyone is injured, trapped, unconscious, or if the scene is dangerous. An official report may be necessary, so it is always a good idea to notify the police or CHP. - Take Pictures.
Use your phone to take photos and videos of the vehicles, license plates, visible damage, the road, debris, skid marks, traffic lights or signs, and anything that may have contributed to the crash. Also note the time, location, weather, and what happened while it is still fresh in your mind. - Exchange information.
Get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate, VIN, registration, and insurance information. Give the same information in return. If the other driver refuses, call 911. - Seek medical care
Get checked by paramedics at the scene if needed, and seek prompt medical care afterward, even if you think you are “probably fine.” Some injuries do not feel serious right away. From a claim standpoint, early medical documentation can also help connect your symptoms to the crash. Keep discharge papers, bills, prescriptions, and follow-up instructions. - Avoid admitting fault.
Be polite, and do not admit fault or sign any statements about guilt. Stick to the facts: where you were, what you saw, and what happened. - Report the accident to your insurer quickly.
Notify your insurance company or agent as soon as possible. Your insurance details will have a contact phone number. Make note of the claim number from your insurance company. - Know California’s DMV reporting rule.
In California, each driver must file an SR-1 with the DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured or killed, or if property damage exceeds $1,000. The DMV says this applies whether you caused the crash or not, and even if the collision happened on private property. - Understand California’s at-fault insurance system.
In California, fault matters. The driver found legally responsible, or that driver’s insurer, may be responsible for paying damages. California requires liability insurance with minimum liability limits of $30,000 for injury or death to one person, $60,000 per accident for injury or death to more than one person, and $15,000 for property damage. - Do not wait too long to protect your legal rights.
In California, the general deadline to sue for personal injury is 2 years from the date of the injury. The general deadline for property damage is 3 years from the date of the damage. Claims involving a government vehicle or public agency are different. You usually must first file an administrative claim much sooner, and California courts say that if the agency denies the claim, you generally have 6 months to file a lawsuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I move my car after the accident?
Yes, if no one is injured and the vehicle can be moved safely, CHP says to move it out of traffic to the nearest place of safety. If there are injuries or the scene is unsafe, call 911 immediately. - Do I have to file something with the California DMV?
Yes, if anyone was injured or killed, or if property damage exceeded $1,000, each driver must file an SR-1 with the DMV within 10 days, whether or not that driver was at fault. - What information should I get from the other driver?
Get their full name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, plate number, VIN, and insurance information. California guidance also recommends collecting witness and passenger contact information and verifying the details from the license and registration. - What if I feel okay right after the crash?
You should still consider prompt medical evaluation. Some injuries show up later, and early records can be important for treatment and insurance claims. - How long do I have to bring a claim in California?
Usually, 2 years for personal injury and 3 years for property damage. If a government agency or public vehicle is involved, the deadlines are shorter and different because you generally must file an administrative claim first.
