A car accident is stressful even when no one is hurt. Knowing what to do ahead of time helps you stay safe, meet your legal obligations and protect your insurance claim. Save this checklist on your phone. It's general information, not legal advice.
At the scene
1. Stop and check for injuries
California law requires drivers involved in an accident to stop. Vehicle Code §20001 covers accidents resulting in injury or death, and §20002 covers property damage. Leaving the scene can be a crime. Check yourself and passengers, and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Don't move seriously injured people unless they're in immediate danger.
2. Move to safety
If the cars are drivable and no one is hurt, move out of traffic, turn on hazard lights and use flares or triangles if you have them.
3. Call the police when needed
Call 911 for injuries or hazards. For freeway crashes, the CHP responds; on local streets, police or sheriff. A police report can help your claim. If police don't come, you can file a report later.
4. Exchange information
California requires drivers to exchange certain information, including name, address, driver's license number, vehicle registration and insurance information (Vehicle Code §16025). Collect:
- Name, phone, address
- Driver's license number
- License plate and vehicle description
- Insurance company and policy number
- Vehicle owner, if different from the driver
5. Document everything
- Photograph all vehicles, damage, plates, the scene, skid marks, traffic signs and road conditions.
- Get names and phone numbers of witnesses.
- Note the time, location, weather and direction of travel.
- Write down what happened while it's fresh.
6. Be careful what you say
Be polite and cooperative, but avoid admitting fault or speculating. Fault is determined later based on evidence. Don't sign anything other than police documents.
7. If you hit an unattended car or property
Leave a note with your name and address, and report it to police or CHP (Vehicle Code §20002).
In the days after
8. Get medical care
Some injuries appear later. See a doctor promptly and keep records. Medical payments coverage on your auto policy, if you have it, can help with bills.
9. File an SR-1 with the DMV if required
You must report an accident to the DMV within 10 days using form SR-1 if anyone was injured or killed, or if property damage exceeded $1,000. This applies regardless of fault and in addition to any police report. See the California DMV Driver Handbook – Financial responsibility and collisions. Failing to file can lead to suspension of your license. Drivers without insurance at the time may face license suspension; see our SR-22 page.
10. Notify your insurer promptly
Your policy requires prompt notice of accidents. Report even if you think the other driver is at fault. Give facts, photos, the police report number and witness information.
11. Understand your claim options
- The other driver's insurer (third-party claim): if they're at fault, their property damage and bodily injury liability coverage pays, up to their limits.
- Your own collision coverage: you can claim through your insurer, pay your deductible, and let your insurer pursue the other driver's insurer (subrogation). This is often faster.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: if the other driver has no insurance, too little insurance, or it's a hit-and-run. See our UM/UIM guide. California's minimum liability limits are low; see our car insurance minimums by state table and California minimums page.
12. Repairs
In California, you generally have the right to choose your repair shop; the insurer can recommend shops but can't require you to use one. The California Department of Insurance explains auto claim rights: CDI – Auto insurance claims. Ask about rental reimbursement coverage on your policy.
13. Total loss
If repairs cost more than the car's value, the insurer may declare a total loss and pay actual cash value. If you owe more than that, gap insurance may cover the difference. See our total loss and gap guide.
14. Injury claims and deadlines
Injury claims can be complex. California generally has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits (Code of Civil Procedure §335.1), and claims against government entities have much shorter deadlines. Consult an attorney for serious injuries.
Special situations
- Rideshare and delivery drivers: report to both the app company and your insurer. See our gig driver guide.
- Rental cars: notify the rental company and your insurer. See our rental car insurance guide.
- Teen drivers: coach teens on these steps. See our teen driver guide.
Glovebox checklist
- ☐ Stop, check for injuries, call 911 if needed
- ☐ Move to safety
- ☐ Exchange information
- ☐ Photograph everything and get witness contacts
- ☐ Don't admit fault
- ☐ See a doctor
- ☐ File SR-1 within 10 days if required
- ☐ Notify your insurer
- ☐ Keep records of all expenses
Questions about coverage after an accident? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to report a car accident to the DMV in California?
Yes, using form SR-1 within 10 days if anyone was injured or killed or property damage exceeded $1,000, regardless of fault.
Should I call the police after a minor accident?
Call 911 for injuries or hazards. A police report can help your claim even for minor accidents.
Can I choose my own repair shop in California?
Generally yes. Your insurer may recommend shops but can't require you to use a particular one.
What if the other driver has no insurance?
Uninsured motorist coverage on your policy can help pay for injuries and, in some cases, vehicle damage.
How long do I have to file an injury lawsuit in California?
Generally two years for personal injury, with much shorter deadlines for claims against government entities. Consult an attorney.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.