What should I do after a car accident in California?

By Jimin Oh, Founding Attorney, Solution Now Law Firm. Last updated: November 2026.

After a car accident in California, stop at the scene, check for injuries, call 911 if anyone is hurt, and exchange information with the other driver. Then document the scene, get medical care, and report the accident to the DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured or property damage exceeds $1,000. What you do in the first hours and days can affect both your health and your ability to recover compensation.

Here is a step-by-step guide.

At the scene

Stop and stay. California law requires drivers involved in an accident with injuries to stop at the scene (Vehicle Code section 20001). Leaving can turn a traffic accident into a hit-and-run charge.
Check for injuries and call 911. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor, ask for police to respond so there is an official record.
Move to safety if you can. If the cars can be driven and no one is seriously hurt, move out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights.
Exchange information. Get the other driver’s name, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance company and policy number. Take a photo of their license and insurance card.
Take photos and video. Close-up photos of the damage are important, but so are wide photos of the whole scene. If it is safe, take pictures before the cars are moved that show the street or intersection, the lanes, and where each car ended up. Try to capture which direction you were traveling and which direction the other car came from, along with street signs, traffic signals, stop signs, and nearby landmarks that show exactly where the crash happened. Then photograph the damage to every vehicle from several angles, license plates, skid marks, debris on the road, road and weather conditions, and any visible injuries. A short video walking around the scene can capture all of this at once. These photos often become the best evidence of how the accident happened, especially if the other driver later tells a different story.
Talk to witnesses. Ask for names and phone numbers. Independent witnesses can be very important if fault is disputed later.
Be careful what you say. Be polite, but do not apologize or guess about what happened. Statements like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you” can be used to argue you were at fault.
Get the report number. If police respond, ask for the officer’s name, agency, and the report number.

In the first 24 to 72 hours

See a doctor, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can hide pain for hours or days. A prompt medical visit protects your health and creates a record linking your injuries to the accident.
Notify your own insurance company. Most auto policies require prompt notice of an accident. Give basic facts only.
Be cautious with the other driver’s insurer. You are not required to give them a recorded statement. It is often best to speak with an attorney first.
Write down what you remember. Note the time, location, weather, direction of travel, and what each driver did, while it is fresh.

Within 10 days

If anyone was injured, even slightly, or property damage to any one person exceeds $1,000, each driver must file an SR-1 report with the California DMV within 10 days (Vehicle Code section 16000). This is required even if police came to the scene. Missing it can lead to a suspended license.

In the weeks that follow

Follow your treatment plan. Attend every appointment. Gaps in treatment are one of the most common reasons insurers offer less.
Keep everything. Save medical bills, receipts, repair estimates, rental car costs, and records of missed work.
Stay off social media about the accident. Insurers review public posts, and photos or comments can be taken out of context.
Do not sign anything from an insurance company without understanding it. A release ends your claim permanently.

When to call a lawyer

If you were injured, the sooner you speak with an attorney, the easier it is to preserve evidence, start treatment without upfront cost, and avoid early mistakes. At Solution Now Law Firm, we also handle your vehicle damage and rental car claim at no additional charge.

Every case is different

This page is general information, not legal advice for your specific situation. If you were injured in a car accident, call Solution Now Law Firm for a free consultation. We will walk you through what to do next.

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