Steps to Take After a California Car Accident (2025)
"What should I do immediately after a car accident in California?"
According to the California DMV, most drivers, no matter how careful, will be involved in at least one vehicle collision in their lifetime, and one in three will be injured or killed. In 2024 alone, California recorded 164,596 injuries and 3,751 fatalities from motor vehicle collisions, making it the highest-ranking state for crash-related injuries and deaths. Nationally, motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of unintentional death.
Some of the most common causes of vehicle collisions include:
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Unsafe speed
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Driver distractions (including texting or phone use)
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Driving on the wrong side of the road
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Improper turns, especially left turns
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Violation of right-of-way rules
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Ignoring stop signals and signs
California is an at-fault state for motor vehicle collisions, meaning the driver responsible for the crash is liable for the injuries and damages caused. However, California also follows comparative negligence, which allows multiple parties to share fault in percentages.
1. Immediate Safety Measures
After a collision, stop as soon as possible, assess the situation, and check for injuries. If injuries are present, do not move the injured person and call 911 immediately.
If no one is injured, move your vehicle off the roadway if it is safe to do so. If you fail to move your vehicle, authorized personnel may remove and impound it under Vehicle Code §§22651 and 22651.05.
If someone is killed or injured and law enforcement is not present, you must report the collision in writing to the police or CHP immediately. If the driver cannot report it, any occupant of the vehicle should make the report.
2. Contacting Authorities and Filing a Police Report
Call 911 regardless of injuries, officers can assess the situation and control traffic. While some departments may not respond to every accident scene, especially on private property, it’s still crucial to make the attempt.
You can request a copy of your police report using the CHP Form 190. In San Francisco and Los Angeles, these requests can be submitted online. This documentation is essential, especially if the at-fault driver later disputes your account.
3. Exchanging Information
When possible, exchange:
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Name
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Driver’s license number
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Phone number
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Address
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License plate number
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Vehicle make and model
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Insurance company name and policy number
If the other driver refuses to cooperate, gather as much as you can, take photos of the vehicle and license plate.
4. Documenting the Scene
Photograph everything: vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, debris, and injuries. These images can be powerful evidence in your claim. Speak with witnesses and get their contact information, their testimony could be invaluable in court.
5. Notifying Insurance and the CA DMV
Contact your insurance company right away. In California, if anyone is injured, killed, or if damage exceeds $1,000, you must report the accident to the DMV within 10 days using the SR-1 form. Failure to do so may result in a license suspension.
6. Seeking Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, some injuries appear hours or days later. Always get checked by a medical professional and keep records of any treatment, these records can directly impact your claim.
7. Consulting a Lawyer
Quick action after a crash can make all the difference. Contacting an experienced California car accident lawyer ensures critical evidence is preserved, witnesses are interviewed, and your rights are protected.
At Dolan Law Firm, we have over 30 years of experience handling complex motor vehicle collision cases. From challenging inaccurate police reports to reconstructing crash scenes with black box data and 3D modeling, we fight to uncover the truth and secure justice for our clients.
If you have been injured in a car collision in California and don’t know what to do next, contact Dolan Law Firm today. Our attorneys are ready to discuss your case and help you pursue compensation from the at-fault party. Learn more about how we handle these cases by visiting our Motor Vehicle Accident Practice Area page and watch our full YouTube video on what to do after a crash for detailed guidance.
