Get Your FREE
Car Accident Case Evaluation

TOP RATED CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER

Results-Driven Legal Representation | No Fee Until We Win!

We understand that car accidents can devastate lives. At The Sterling Firm, we’re committed to easing your journey, and fighting diligently to secure the maximum compensation you deserve. With our strong track record and relentless dedication, your car accident case becomes our mission.

Don’t bear this burden alone – make the “Sterling” choice. Consult with us today, FREE of charge! No Upfront Fees! No Risk Obligation! Call Now!

Tel: (310) 498-2750

24/7 SERVICE. CALL OR TEXT 310.498.2750

What To Do After A Car Accident in California

A car accident can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure about what to do next. However, the decisions you make during the first hours can affect your health and any future car accident injury claim.

First, focus on safety. Then, report the collision, gather evidence, and seek medical care. Additionally, avoid statements or agreements that could weaken your right to compensation. For more information on how to get maximum compensation, plese see maximum compensation for car accidents.

After a California car accident, move to a safe location, call 911, obtain medical care, photograph the scene, exchange information, speak with witnesses, report the crash to your insurer, and preserve all records.

Additionally, file an SR-1 report with the California DMV when the accident causes an injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage.

The following California car accident checklist explains the practical steps to take after a car accident.

1. Stop and Move to a Safe Location

California law requires drivers to stop after a collision. Therefore, never leave the scene before exchanging information and completing any required reporting.

If your vehicle creates a traffic hazard and you can safely move it, pull to the shoulder or another protected area. However, do not move an injured person unless immediate danger requires it.

Next, activate your hazard lights and remain alert for passing traffic. Secondary collisions can occur when vehicles stop in active lanes.

2. Call 911 and Report the Accident

Call 911 when anyone reports pain, suffers a visible injury, or needs emergency assistance. You should also request law enforcement when:

A driver appears intoxicated
A vehicle blocks traffic
Someone leaves the scene
The parties dispute what happened
A commercial or government vehicle caused the crash

A responding officer may document the drivers, vehicles, witnesses, roadway conditions, and apparent violations. Although the police report does not always decide fault, it can provide important evidence.

Additionally, ask how and when you can request a copy of the traffic collision report.

3. Seek Medical Care Promptly

Some injuries cause immediate pain. However, concussions, internal injuries, whiplash, and soft-tissue damage may produce delayed symptoms.

Therefore, accept emergency assistance when you need it. Otherwise, arrange a medical evaluation as soon as reasonably possible.

Tell the medical provider how the crash occurred and describe every symptom accurately. Furthermore, follow treatment recommendations and attend follow-up appointments.

A treatment delay does not automatically defeat a claim. Nevertheless, an insurer may argue that the accident did not cause your injuries. Consistent medical documentation can help address that argument.

4. Photograph and Record the Scene

Evidence can disappear quickly. For example, the parties may move their vehicles, workers may clear debris, and businesses may erase surveillance recordings.

Therefore, use your phone to photograph or record:

Every vehicle and licence plate
Damage from several angles
Skid marks and debris
Traffic signals and signs
Lane markings
Road defects
Weather and lighting
Visible injuries
Nearby cameras
The wider accident location

Also, photograph the other driver’s licence and insurance card. However, remain calm and avoid arguing about fault.

5. Exchange Information

Collect the following information from each driver:

Full name
Address
Telephone number
Driver’s licence number
Vehicle registration
Insurance company
Policy number
Vehicle owner’s name

Additionally, note whether the driver worked for an employer, delivery service, rideshare company, or another business when the collision occurred. Commercial activity may create additional insurance coverage or liability.

6. Speak With Witnesses

Independent witnesses may clarify which driver had the right of way, changed lanes, ran a light, or used a phone.

Therefore, ask witnesses for their names, telephone numbers, and email addresses. If they agree, record a brief statement about what they observed.

Do not rely only on the police officer to collect this information. A witness may leave before law enforcement arrives.

7. Report the Accident to the California DMV

You must submit a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California, known as an SR-1, within 10 days when someone suffers an injury or death or when property damage exceeds $1,000. This requirement applies even when you did not cause the collision. Additionally, a police report does not replace your SR-1 filing.

The SR-1 reports the accident for financial-responsibility purposes. However, it does not determine who caused the crash.

8. Notify Your Insurance Company

Most automobile policies require prompt accident notice. Therefore, report the collision to your insurer even when another driver appears responsible.

Provide basic facts, including:

The date and location
The vehicles involved
The police-report information
Whether anyone suffered injuries

However, avoid guessing about speed, fault, or the extent of your injuries.

Your own insurer may also provide medical payments, collision, rental-car, or uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

Consequently, ask for a complete copy of your policy and declarations page.

9. Avoid Common Insurance Mistakes

The other driver’s insurer may contact you quickly. Although the adjuster may sound helpful, the company protects its own financial interests.

Therefore, use caution before:

Giving a recorded statement
Signing a medical authorization
Accepting an early settlement
Signing a release
Minimising your symptoms
Speculating about fault
Posting accident details online

An early payment may not account for future treatment, wage loss, or lasting limitations. Moreover, signing a release usually ends the claim.

10. Preserve Your Records

Create one file for all accident-related information. Include:

Medical bills and records
Prescription receipts
Repair estimates
Towing and storage charges
Rental-car expenses
Wage-loss documents
Insurance correspondence
Photographs and videos
Police and DMV reports

Additionally, keep a brief journal about pain, treatment, sleep, work limitations, and daily activities. These details may help explain how the injuries affected your life.

iIf you’re confused on how to proceed on your own and need help immediately, check out how to hire a car accident lawyer.

What Should You Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

After a hit-and-run accident, call 911, record everything you remember about the vehicle, photograph the scene, locate witnesses and cameras, obtain medical care, and notify your insurer promptly. Uninsured motorist coverage may apply, but the policy and California law may impose specific reporting and notice requirements.

Write down the vehicle’s colour, make, model, direction of travel, licence plate, and identifying damage.

Furthermore, ask nearby homes and businesses to preserve surveillance footage. Many recording systems erase video automatically.

How Long Do You Have to File a California Car Accident Claim?

California generally gives an injured person two years to file a personal injury lawsuit based on another person’s wrongful act or negligence. However, exceptions can change that period.

Claims involving a government entity can move much faster. For example, a person generally must present a qualifying personal injury or property damage claim within six months.

Therefore, do not wait until a deadline approaches. Early action also protects video, vehicle evidence, and witness testimony.

If you’re wondering role a car accident lawyer, please see what does a car accident lawyer do.

When Should You Contact a Car Accident Lawyer?

Consider contacting a lawyer when:

You suffered more than a minor injury
The insurer disputes fault
Several vehicles or parties were involved
The other driver lacked insurance
A commercial or government vehicle caused the accident
The insurer requested a recorded statement
Your injuries affect your work or future care
The settlement offer does not cover your losses

A lawyer can investigate liability, identify available insurance, preserve evidence, calculate damages, and communicate with insurers. For more information on car accident cases, please see car accident lawyer. If you’re in Los Angeles, you can see the Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I admit fault after a car accident?

No. You should exchange information and cooperate with law enforcement, but avoid admitting fault or guessing about what happened. Stress and confusion can affect your memory after a crash. Instead, describe the facts accurately and allow the evidence, insurers, and investigators to determine responsibility.

What if the other driver does not have insurance?

If the other driver lacks insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage may provide compensation for bodily injuries. Your collision coverage may also help with vehicle damage. Therefore, notify your insurer promptly, request a complete policy copy, and preserve evidence showing that the uninsured driver caused the accident.

Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault?

Yes. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. As a result, you may still recover compensation even if you share responsibility for the collision. However, your percentage of fault may reduce the final recovery. Strong photographs, witness statements, and traffic evidence can help challenge unfair fault allegations.

Should I speak with the other driver’s insurance adjuster?

You should use caution before speaking with the other driver’s insurer. The adjuster may request a recorded statement or ask questions about fault and injuries. Therefore, provide only necessary identifying information until you understand your legal options. Also, avoid signing medical authorizations or settlement releases without reviewing them carefully.

What compensation may be available after a car accident?

Compensation may include medical expenses, future treatment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, vehicle damage, and other accident-related losses. However, the value of a car accident injury claim depends on liability, insurance coverage, injury severity, medical evidence, and the long-term effect on your life.

Protect Your Rights After a California Car Accident

Knowing what to do after a car accident can protect both your health and your legal options. Most importantly, obtain medical care, document the scene, comply with reporting rules, preserve your records, and avoid a premature settlement.

The Sterling Firm helps injured people evaluate California car accident claims and pursue compensation from responsible parties and applicable insurance policies.

FREE PERSONAL INJURY CASE EVALUATION
NO UPFRONT ATTORNEY FEES
NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN

Call or text (310) 498-2750
Toll Free: (844) 4-GETLEGAL
Visit TheSterlingFirm.com/free-evaluation

WHY HIRE OUR LAW FIRM

Get Your FREE
Car Accident Case Evaluation

CALL US

QUESTIONS ABOUT A LEGAL ISSUE? ASK OUR EXPERTS.

Tags: car accident