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

Being involved in a car accident is disorienting and stressful. The steps you take in the immediate aftermath can have a major impact on your health, your insurance claim, and your ability to recover full compensation. Here is exactly what to do after a car accident in California — and what to avoid.

Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call 911

Your first priority is safety. Check yourself and all passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured — or if you’re unsure — call 911 immediately. Do not move seriously injured people unless there is an immediate danger (such as fire). Request both police and ambulance.

Even if the accident seems minor, calling the police to create an official accident report is strongly recommended. A police report documents the facts of the accident at the scene and is powerful evidence in your insurance claim and any subsequent lawsuit.

Step 2: Move to Safety if Possible

If your vehicle is drivable and it is safe to do so, move it out of traffic to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. Turn on your hazard lights to warn approaching drivers. If you cannot move the vehicle, stay inside with your seatbelt on until emergency responders arrive.

Step 3: Exchange Information

California law requires drivers involved in accidents to exchange: full name and contact information, driver’s license number, vehicle registration number, insurance company name and policy number, and license plate number. Do this for every driver involved in the accident.

Step 4: Document the Scene

Use your phone to photograph and video: all vehicles involved (including damage and license plates), the accident scene from multiple angles, road conditions, weather conditions, traffic signals and signs, skid marks, debris, and any visible injuries you or your passengers have. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be.

Step 5: Collect Witness Information

If anyone witnessed the accident, get their name and phone number. Witnesses are valuable — they provide independent corroboration of how the accident happened and are particularly powerful when the other driver disputes fault.

Step 6: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel fine, see a doctor the same day or the next morning. Adrenaline and shock mask pain — many serious injuries (whiplash, concussions, internal bleeding, herniated discs) are not immediately apparent. Delaying medical care gives insurance companies ammunition to argue your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident. Your medical records from the first visit after the accident are critical evidence.

Step 7: Report the Accident — But Be Careful What You Say

California law requires you to report accidents causing injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 to the DMV within 10 days using form SR-1. You must also notify your own insurance company of the accident promptly.

However, be very careful about what you say to any insurance company — including your own. Do not: admit fault, speculate about what happened, give a recorded statement before consulting an attorney, or accept any settlement offer without legal advice. Stick to basic facts only until you have spoken with a lawyer.

Step 8: Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Before Accepting Any Settlement

Insurance companies often contact accident victims within days offering a quick settlement. These early offers are almost always far below the true value of your claim. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you cannot go back for more — even if you later discover your injuries are more serious than initially thought.

Before signing anything, contact Krash Lawyers for a free case evaluation. We will tell you honestly what your case is worth and fight to get you every dollar.

What NOT to Do After a California Car Accident

• Do not leave the scene (hit and run is a crime in California)
• Do not admit fault or apologize — even “I’m sorry” can be used against you
• Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company without an attorney present
• Do not accept the first settlement offer without legal advice
• Do not post about the accident on social media — insurance companies monitor your accounts
• Do not miss medical appointments — gaps in treatment hurt your claim

Free Consultation — Krash Lawyers Serves All of California

If you were injured in a California car accident, Krash Lawyers is available 24/7 for a free case consultation. We serve clients throughout Ventura County, Los Angeles County, and all of California. No fee unless we recover for you. Call us today.