After a California car accident, move to safety, call 911 if anyone is hurt, exchange information, document the scene, and report the accident to the DMV if required.
- Check for injuries and move vehicles out of traffic if it’s safe to do so.
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Police or the CHP should be called for any crash with injuries.
- Exchange names, driver’s license numbers, insurance information, and vehicle registration with the other driver.
- Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, road conditions, and any injuries, and get witness contact information.
- File an SR-1 report with the DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured or killed, or if property damage is more than $1,000.
- See a doctor promptly, even if you feel fine, and notify your insurance company.
Questions about your own policy? Elye Insurance in Mission Viejo helps homeowners and drivers across California and Nevada compare options from multiple carriers.
Related FAQs
Yes, if you carry Comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive covers flood, fire, falling trees, hail, and theft. Liability-only policies, including California's minimum coverage, don't pay for damage to your own car. Flood- ...
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage isn't mandatory, but California requires insurers to offer it, and it's strongly recommended. Industry estimates put roughly one in six California drivers on the road without ...
No. California is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver who causes an accident, and their insurance company, is responsible for the other people's injuries and property damage. Because California doesn't ...
