What to Do After a Car Accident in California: A Step-by-Step Checklist

The moments after a car accident are confusing and stressful. What you do in the hours and days that follow can affect both your recovery and any insurance claim. This checklist covers the steps that matter most.

At the Scene

1. Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Move to a safe spot if you can do so without risk.
2. Call the police. A police report creates an independent record of what happened.
3. Exchange information with the other driver: name, phone number, driver’s license, insurance company, policy number, and license plate.
4. Take photos of every vehicle, the road, skid marks, traffic signals, and your visible injuries.
5. Get names and phone numbers of witnesses. Independent witnesses are often the most persuasive evidence.
6. Do not apologize or guess about fault. Stick to the facts.

In the Days After

1. See a doctor promptly, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, including concussions and soft-tissue injuries, take time to appear, and a gap in treatment is something insurers use against you.
2. Report the accident to your own insurance company as your policy requires.
3. California law requires a report to the DMV (form SR-1) within 10 days if anyone was injured or killed, or if property damage exceeded $1,000.
4. Keep a folder with medical records, bills, receipts, and time missed from work.
5. Write down what you remember while it is fresh.

What to Avoid

Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before speaking with a lawyer. Do not sign medical authorizations or releases they send you. Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries on social media; insurers look.

When to Call an Attorney

If you were hurt, a short conversation with an injury lawyer early on can help you avoid mistakes that are hard to undo. At The JVB Law Firm, consultations are free and there is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.