What to Do After a Car Accident in California: Step-by-Step Checklist (2026)

# What to Do After a Car Accident in California: Your Complete Checklist

> **QUICK SUMMARY — After an accident in California:**
> 1. Check for injuries and call 911
> 2. Move to safety (California’s “move it” law)
> 3. Exchange information with the other driver
> 4. Document the scene
> 5. File SR-1 with California DMV within 10 days
> 6. Notify your insurance company
> 7. Seek medical attention

California has roughly 485,000 car accidents per year — the second highest in the nation. If you have just been in a crash, here is exactly what to do.

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## Step 1 — Check for Injuries and Call 911

– Check yourself and all passengers for injuries
– **Call 911** if anyone is hurt
– Do not move seriously injured people unless there is immediate danger
– California law requires you to stop and provide reasonable assistance

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## Step 2 — Move to Safety

California has a **”move it” law** that encourages drivers to move vehicles out of traffic lanes if:
– No one is seriously injured
– The vehicles are drivable

Move to the **shoulder, a parking lot, or a safe area** nearby. Turn on hazard lights.

If vehicles cannot be moved, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives.

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## Step 3 — Exchange Information

Collect from the other driver:
– Full name and contact information
– Driver’s license number
– Insurance company and policy number
– License plate number
– Vehicle make, model, and color

Get **witness information** (names, phone numbers).

**Do not admit fault.** Be polite but stick to facts.

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## Step 4 — Document Everything

Take photos and videos of:
– All vehicle damage from multiple angles
– Road conditions, traffic signs, signals, skid marks
– License plates of all vehicles
– Your injuries
– Weather and lighting conditions

Write down the time, date, exact location, and your account of what happened.

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## Step 5 — File Reports

### Police Report
Call the police if there are injuries. Even for minor accidents, a police report helps your claim.

### California DMV — SR-1 Report
**You must file an SR-1 form** with the California DMV within **10 days** if:
– Anyone was injured or killed
– Property damage exceeds **$1,000**

The SR-1 is **separate from the police report**. You must file it even if police responded. File online through the California DMV website or by mail.

**Failure to file can result in license suspension.**

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## Step 6 — Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurer as soon as possible.

– Stick to the facts
– Do not speculate about fault
– Provide the police report number
– Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance without understanding your rights

California is a **fault state** with **pure comparative negligence** — you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault (your recovery is reduced by your fault percentage).

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## Step 7 — Seek Medical Attention

**See a doctor even if you feel fine.** Common delayed-symptom injuries:
– Whiplash (hours to days to appear)
– Concussions
– Internal injuries
– Soft tissue damage

Medical records link your injuries to the accident — critical for your claim.

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## Your Rights Under California Law

– **Fault state:** The at-fault driver is responsible for damages
– **Pure comparative negligence:** You can recover damages even if 99% at fault (reduced by your %)
– **Statute of limitations:** 2 years for personal injury, 3 years for property damage
– **Minimum insurance:** 30/60/15 (increased in 2025 under SB 1107)
– **Government claims:** Only 6 months to file if a government entity is involved

For the full breakdown: [California Car Accident Laws](/california/car-accident-laws/)

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## What NOT to Do

– **Do not leave the scene** — hit and run is criminal in California
– **Do not admit fault** — even “I’m sorry” can be used against you
– **Do not post on social media** about the accident
– **Do not accept the first settlement offer** without careful review
– **Do not skip medical treatment**
– **Do not forget the SR-1** — you have 10 days

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## Frequently Asked Questions

### Do I have to file an SR-1 with the California DMV?
Yes, within 10 days if anyone was injured or property damage exceeds $1,000. This is separate from the police report.

### How long do I have to file a claim in California?
2 years for personal injury, 3 years for property damage. Only 6 months for claims against government entities.

### What if I was partly at fault?
California uses **pure comparative negligence**. You can recover damages even if you were mostly at fault — your recovery is reduced by your fault percentage.

### What are California’s minimum insurance requirements?
As of 2025: **30/60/15** ($30,000 per person BI, $60,000 per accident BI, $15,000 PD). Increased from 15/30/5 under SB 1107.

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## Related Guides

– [How to File an Insurance Claim in California](/california/insurance-claim/)
– [Do You Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident in California?](/california/do-i-need-a-lawyer/)
– [California Car Accident Laws](/california/car-accident-laws/)
– [Rear-End Collision in California](/california/rear-end-collision/)

### Other States
– [What to Do After a Car Accident in Texas](/texas/car-accident-guide/)
– [What to Do After a Car Accident in Florida](/florida/car-accident-guide/)

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**DISCLAIMER:** This website is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This page provides general educational information only. Laws vary by state and change frequently. Always consult a licensed attorney in your state for advice specific to your situation. This is not medical advice. If you have been injured, seek immediate medical attention. Last updated: March 2026.