Accident Checklist

What to Do After a Car Accident in Northern California

A complete step-by-step guide to the first 10 days after a crash — what to do at the scene, critical deadlines you can't miss, and how to protect your legal rights.

Critical Deadlines

After a California car accident: Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured. Within 10 days, file an SR-1 report with the DMV if there was any injury or property damage over $1,000. Within 24-72 hours, notify your insurance company. Within 2 years, file any personal injury lawsuit. If a government vehicle was involved, you have only 6 months to file a claim.

At the Scene: The First 15 Minutes

The moments after a crash are chaotic, but what you do (and don't do) can make or break your insurance claim and any future legal case. Follow these steps in order:

Check for Injuries & Call 911

Check yourself, passengers, and others involved for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt, if the accident is blocking traffic, or if there's significant property damage. In California, you must report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 to police or CHP.

Move to Safety (If Possible)

If vehicles are drivable and no one is seriously injured, California law allows you to move vehicles to the shoulder or a safe location to prevent additional accidents. Don't move vehicles if someone has a serious injury or if moving them would be unsafe.

Exchange Information

California law requires you to exchange: name, address, phone number, driver's license number, vehicle registration, insurance company and policy number, and license plate numbers. Get this from ALL drivers involved.

Document Everything

Take photos of: all vehicles and damage from multiple angles, the accident scene and surrounding area, skid marks, traffic signs and signals, weather and road conditions, any visible injuries. Pro tip: photograph the other driver's license and insurance card instead of writing it down.

Get Witness Information

If anyone saw the accident, get their name and phone number. Witness statements can be crucial if the other driver disputes what happened. Ask if they'd be willing to provide a statement to police or your attorney.

Get the Police Report Information

If police or CHP respond, get the officer's name, badge number, and report number. Ask which department will have the report and when it will be available. For CHP accidents, you'll receive a crash card with a QR code to access your report online.

Never Admit Fault

Don't apologize or say "it was my fault" at the scene — even if you think it was. California uses "pure comparative negligence," meaning fault can be shared. Anything you say can be used against you by insurance companies to reduce your compensation.

Critical Deadlines You Can't Miss

California law sets strict deadlines after an accident. Miss them and you could lose your license, your insurance claim, or your right to sue.

Days

DMV SR-1 Report

Required if anyone was injured OR property damage exceeds $1,000

Months

Government Claims

If a city, county, or state vehicle was involved in the accident

Years

Personal Injury Lawsuit

Statute of limitations to file a lawsuit for injuries

The SR-1 Report: California's 10-Day Requirement

This is the deadline most people don't know about — and missing it can get your license suspended.

When You Must File an SR-1

California Vehicle Code Section 16000 requires you to file an SR-1 report with the DMV within 10 days of any accident where:

• Anyone was injured (no matter how minor — even a complaint of pain counts)
• Anyone was killed
• Property damage to any person's property exceeds $1,000

This is required in addition to any police report. Filing a police report does NOT satisfy this requirement. Your insurance company will not file this for you unless you specifically ask them to.

Penalty for not filing: Automatic suspension of your driver's license until you file the form.

File online at dmv.ca.gov or download the form and mail it in.

The First 48 Hours: What to Do Next

See a Doctor — Even If You Feel Fine

Adrenaline masks pain. Over 40% of accident victims who initially refused medical care later developed symptoms requiring treatment. Whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding often don't show symptoms for hours or days. Medical documentation also creates crucial evidence linking your injuries to the accident.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Most policies require "prompt" reporting — typically within 24-72 hours. Stick to the basic facts: date, time, location, other driver's info. Don't speculate about fault, don't downplay injuries ("I think I'm fine"), and don't agree to give a recorded statement yet.

Start a Documentation Folder

Create a folder (physical or digital) for everything related to the accident: photos, medical records, repair estimates, police report, correspondence with insurance, receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, notes on missed work days.

Get the Police/CHP Report

Request your accident report as soon as it's available (usually 7-10 business days). For CHP accidents, use the free online portal at crashes.chp.ca.gov. For local police, contact the department that responded.

Keep a Pain Journal

Write down your symptoms daily — pain levels, headaches, difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, how injuries affect your daily activities. This becomes powerful evidence if you need to file a claim for pain and suffering.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies aren't on your side — even your own insurer. Their goal is to pay as little as possible. Here's how to protect yourself:

Do

Report the accident promptly to your insurer
Stick to basic facts (date, time, location)
Take photos of all damage
Keep copies of all correspondence
Get repair estimates in writing
Consult an attorney before accepting any settlement

Don't

Give a recorded statement without legal advice
Sign broad medical release forms
Accept the first settlement offer
Say "I'm fine" or downplay injuries
Post about the accident on social media
Discuss fault or apologize

The Other Driver's Insurance Is Not Your Friend

If the other driver's insurance calls you, be careful. They may try to get you to say things that hurt your claim or accept a quick lowball settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries. You're not required to give them a recorded statement. Politely decline and consult an attorney first.

California's 2025 Insurance Minimums

As of January 1, 2025, California increased minimum auto insurance requirements under Senate Bill 1107:

$30,000 per person for bodily injury

Up from the previous $15,000 minimum. This is the maximum the at-fault driver's insurance will pay for one person's injuries.

$60,000 per accident for bodily injury

Up from $30,000. The total maximum for all injuries in a single accident.

$15,000 for property damage

Up from $5,000. Covers damage to vehicles and other property.

Check Your UM/UIM Coverage

If the at-fault driver has only minimum coverage or is uninsured, their insurance may not cover your full losses. Make sure you have adequate Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy — it protects you when the other driver can't pay.

When to Call a Lawyer

Not every fender-bender needs an attorney. But certain situations almost always benefit from legal representation:

You Have Significant Injuries

Broken bones, head injuries, spinal injuries, or anything requiring ongoing treatment. The more serious the injury, the more important it is to have someone fighting for full compensation.

Fault Is Disputed

If the other driver is blaming you, or if the police report doesn't clearly establish fault, you need someone to gather evidence and build your case.

Insurance Is Giving You the Runaround

Delayed responses, lowball offers, requests for unnecessary documentation, or outright denials. Insurance companies often change their tune when an attorney gets involved.

A Government Vehicle Was Involved

Claims against city, county, or state entities have strict 6-month deadlines and special procedures. Miss these and you lose your right to compensation entirely.

Multiple Vehicles or Commercial Trucks

These cases involve complex liability questions, multiple insurance policies, and often much higher stakes. An experienced attorney can navigate the complexity and maximize your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to report a car accident to the DMV in California?

Yes, if anyone was injured (no matter how minor) or property damage exceeds $1,000, you must file an SR-1 report with the California DMV within 10 days. This is required even if police filed a report at the scene. Failure to file can result in automatic suspension of your driver's license.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car accident in California?

California's statute of limitations is 2 years from the accident date for personal injury claims and 3 years for property damage only. If a government vehicle was involved (city bus, police car, state truck), you must file an administrative claim within 6 months. For minors, the 2-year clock doesn't start until they turn 18.

Should I see a doctor after a car accident even if I feel fine?

Yes, absolutely. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain for hours or even days. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding often don't show immediate symptoms. Over 40% of accident victims who initially felt fine later developed symptoms requiring treatment. Early medical documentation also strengthens any insurance or legal claim.

What information should I collect at the accident scene?

Exchange names, phone numbers, addresses, driver's license numbers, insurance company and policy numbers, and license plate numbers with all involved drivers. Take photos of all vehicle damage, the overall scene, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from any witnesses. If police respond, get the officer's name, badge number, and report number.

When should I contact my insurance company after an accident?

Notify your insurance company within 24-72 hours — most policies require "prompt" reporting. Stick to basic facts: date, time, location, and the other driver's information. Don't speculate about fault, don't downplay potential injuries, and don't agree to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance without consulting an attorney first.

Can I still get compensation if the accident was partially my fault?

Yes. California uses "pure comparative negligence," which means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're found 30% responsible for a $100,000 claim, you can still recover $70,000.