What To Do After A Car Accident In California

After a California car accident, protect your safety, document the crash, get medical care, avoid common insurance mistakes, and learn when to contact a personal injury lawyer.

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1. Get To Safety And Call 911

Move out of traffic if you can do so safely. Call 911 if anyone is injured, if vehicles are blocking traffic, if a driver appears impaired, or if there is any dispute about what happened. Ask for police, CHP, fire, or medical response as needed.

2. Get Medical Care Early

Do not guess about injuries. Pain from whiplash, concussion, back injuries, internal injuries, and soft-tissue trauma can worsen after the adrenaline wears off. Medical records also help connect the injury to the crash.

3. Exchange And Preserve Information

Get the other driver’s name, license, plate, insurance, phone number, employer if driving for work, and photos of all vehicles. Photograph skid marks, debris, road conditions, traffic signals, injuries, and visible damage.

4. Be Careful With Insurance Calls

Report the crash, but avoid recorded statements, guesses about fault, or broad medical authorizations before you understand your rights. Insurance adjusters may sound friendly, but they are evaluating exposure for the insurance company.

5. Know The California DMV SR-1 Rule

California DMV states that a collision must be reported to the DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured or killed, or if property damage was more than $1,000. This is separate from a police report or insurance claim.

Official source: California DMV SR-1 accident reporting.

6. Watch The Legal Deadline

California Courts lists the common personal injury lawsuit deadline as two years from the injury, but deadlines can be shorter when a public agency or government entity is involved. Do not wait to get advice.

Official source: California Courts statute of limitations information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I call the police after a California car accident?

Yes, especially if anyone is hurt, a vehicle cannot be safely driven, a driver may be impaired, the crash blocks traffic, or there is any dispute about fault.

Do I have to file a DMV SR-1 after a crash?

California DMV says an SR-1 is required within 10 days if anyone was injured or killed, or if property damage was more than $1,000.

Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company?

You should be cautious. Recorded statements can be used to challenge fault, injury severity, or claim value. Speak with an attorney before giving detailed statements if injuries are involved.

When should I call a lawyer after a car accident?

Call early if you were injured, fault is disputed, the crash involved a commercial vehicle, a government vehicle, an uninsured driver, serious medical treatment, or a wrongful death.

Important Note

This page is general information, not legal advice. Deadlines and legal options can change based on the facts, insurance coverage, government involvement, and the type of claim. Speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.

James McKiernan Lawyers represents injured people and families throughout the Central Coast and California. The firm has more than 50 years of personal injury experience, more than 35,000 cases handled, more than $350 million recovered for clients, and more than 500 five-star reviews across multiple platforms.

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