Every day, drivers across California find themselves in everything from minor fender benders to life-changing crashes. In 2023, the state recorded 163,343 accidents that led to injuries or fatalities.
Getting into a collision—no matter how severe—can leave you feeling shaken, uncertain about what to do next, or dealing with unexpected challenges. Knowing the proper steps to take after a car accident can help you regain control and strengthen your position when dealing with insurance claims.
Find out what to do immediately after a crash in California and how an experienced attorney can guide you through the claims process to secure the compensation you deserve.
What To Do Immediately After a Car Accident
Knowing what to do right after a car accident can protect your safety and prevent further complications. Follow these steps to handle the situation properly, whether it’s a minor rear-end or a severe multi-vehicle crash:
- Stay calm and check for injuries. Look for pain, bleeding, dizziness, or difficulty moving—these can signal a serious injury even if you don’t feel it right away. If someone is unconscious or has neck or back pain, do not move them, as this can worsen their injuries.
- Move to a safe location if possible. If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent further accidents. California law permits drivers to relocate their cars to the shoulder or a nearby parking area if they are drivable. Activate your hazard lights to warn other motorists.
- Call 911. If there are injuries, contact 911 to dispatch emergency workers and police to the scene. Paramedics can provide medical care, stabilize serious injuries, and transport those needing further treatment to the hospital.
- Stay at the scene. California law requires drivers in an accident to stay at the scene and exchange contact information with the other party. Failing to do so qualifies as a hit-and-run, which can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, fines, license suspension, or jail time.
What To Do in a Minor Car Accident
In accidents where the damage is minor and no one is seriously hurt, the steps you take will differ slightly from those in more severe crashes. In addition to the steps above, do the following to protect your rights to compensation during the car crash claims process:
- Exchange insurance and contact information. Provide your name, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance details to the other driver. Keep the exchange factual and avoid admitting fault, even if the other party asks.
- Take photos and videos for documentation. Capture vehicle damage, license plates, the surrounding area, traffic signs, and relevant road conditions like wet pavement. This can help with insurance claims and potential disputes.
- Call the police when necessary. If the accident caused injuries or significant damage, you may need to report it to law enforcement and the DMV. Here’s how to report a car accident to authorities:
- California law requires reporting accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000.
- If police do not arrive at the scene, you must file a report with the California Highway Patrol or local police within 24 hours.
- The DMV requires an SR-1 form to be submitted within 10 days for accidents meeting the reporting threshold.
Failing to report an accident when required can lead to license suspension.
- Notify your insurance company. Notify your insurance company, ideally within 24 hours, to avoid potential claim denial or coverage delays. Failing to report promptly could lead to disputes over fault, reduced payout, or even policy cancellation in some cases.
What To Do After a Major Car Accident
If you’re involved in a major car accident, it typically means there are injuries requiring medical care and damage that may make your vehicle undrivable. In this case, you’ll need to take the same initial steps, along with these additional actions to protect your health and rights:
- Seek immediate medical attention. If you are injured in a car accident, your first step should be to seek medical care. Even if you feel unharmed, get checked by paramedics or go to a hospital. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not be obvious right away but can worsen without treatment.
- Avoid admitting fault. Insurers conduct thorough investigations in major accidents due to the potential high stakes of settlements. Ideally, your attorney will handle communication; if you give a statement, stick to the facts and avoid saying things like “I didn’t see them” or “I’m sorry,” as these could be used against you in a claim or legal case.
- File an official police report. Report the accident to law enforcement as required per law. Request a copy of the report, as it can be critical for car accident insurance claims and legal proceedings.
- Gather witness statements. If bystanders saw what happened, ask for their contact information and a brief statement. Their accounts can help clarify details and support your version of events in a dispute.
What To Do in a Catastrophic or Fatal Car Accident
In crashes that result in severe injuries or loss of life, it can be overwhelming to know what steps to take—especially for family members of those who were killed or suffered life-altering injuries like traumatic brain damage or paralysis. The following catastrophic and fatal car accident legal advice can help guide you through the next steps:
- Ensure emergency medical services arrive. Call 911 immediately and confirm that paramedics are on the way. Respondents will assess injuries, provide life-saving care, and document the medical emergency in severe or fatal crashes.
- Do not move seriously injured victims unless necessary. Moving someone with a head, neck, or spinal injury can cause further harm. Only reposition a victim if they are in immediate danger, such as a fire or oncoming traffic.
- Work with law enforcement on reports. Officers will conduct an in-depth investigation, which may include accident reconstruction, witness interviews, and toxicology tests if impaired driving is suspected. Request a copy of the report for legal and insurance purposes.
- Contact a car accident attorney to understand your rights. In catastrophic cases, insurers and other parties may dispute liability due to the high cost of claims. A skilled attorney can protect your interests, handle negotiations, and guide you through complex legal processes.
- Consider wrongful death legal action (if applicable). If a loved one was killed due to another driver’s negligence, surviving family members may have the right to pursue compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering through a wrongful death claim.
When To Call a Car Accident Lawyer Near You
Car accident insurance claims can quickly become complicated, especially when they involve costly damages like totaled vehicles, extended hospital stays, and long-term medical care. While an experienced auto accident lawyer can be helpful in any case, you need legal representation if:
- You sustained a car accident injury requiring medical treatment or serious vehicle damage needing significant repairs.
- The insurance company is delaying or denying your claim, making it difficult to recover compensation.
- The other driver was uninsured or underinsured, creating complications with coverage and liability.
- The accident resulted in a fatality, leading to wrongful death claims or other legal proceedings.
An attorney can help in these situations by:
- Communicating with the insurance company to prevent delays, low offers, or wrongful denials.
- Collecting evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements, builds a strong case.
- Handling paperwork and legal filings to keep the claims process moving.
- Negotiating for fair compensation to cover medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and other damages.
- Representing you in court if a settlement isn’t possible or if the case involves a wrongful death claim.
Protect Your Rights After a Vehicle Collision in California
Taking the right steps after a car accident can impact your ability to recover compensation and protect your legal rights. Whether the accident is minor, major, or catastrophic, knowing what to do can reduce stress and financial burden.
If you’ve been injured or need assistance with insurance claims, consult a qualified car accident lawyer to represent your interests and help fight for fair compensation.
