Hit and Run
Call the police right away and write down anything you remember about the other vehicle. Your uninsured motorist coverage may apply.
California Car Accident Information
Just Had a Car Accident? Here's What to Do.
A free, plain-language guide to staying safe, reporting the accident, dealing with insurance, and knowing your deadlines in California.
Free · Information only · Not a law firm
Step by Step
What to Do at the Scene
Take a breath. Go one step at a time. These are the basic things to do right after an accident in California.
1
Step 01
Stop and Stay Safe
California law requires drivers involved in an accident to stop. Turn on your hazard lights and move to a safe spot if you can.
2
Step 02
Call 911 if Anyone Is Hurt
Get medical help first. Police or the CHP can also make a report.
3
Step 03
Exchange Information
Share names, driver's license numbers, insurance information, and vehicle details with the other drivers.
4
Step 04
Take Photos
Photograph the vehicles, the scene, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
5
Step 05
Talk to Witnesses
Get names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened.
6
Step 06
Stick to the Facts
Be polite, but don't argue about who was at fault.
7
Step 07
Get Checked by a Doctor
Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, don't show symptoms right away.
8
Step 08
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your own insurer as your policy requires.
Medical Care & DMV Reporting
After an Accident
If anyone is hurt, call 911. See a doctor as soon as you can, even if you feel fine, since some injuries don't show symptoms right away. You are free to choose your own doctor. Keep copies of medical records, bills, photos, and the other driver's information.
In California, if anyone was injured or killed, or property damage is more than $1,000, you must report the accident to the DMV within 10 days using form SR-1.
The DMV report is required even if police made a report. Visit dmv.ca.gov for the SR-1 form.
SR-1 due within
10 days
What to keep
- Medical records
- Bills and receipts
- Photos of the scene
- The other driver's information
Coverage, Simply Explained
Insurance Basics After a Crash
Liability Coverage
The at-fault driver's liability insurance generally pays for other people's injuries and property damage, up to the policy limits.
California Minimum Coverage
California requires drivers to carry at least minimum liability coverage. Minimums can be much less than the cost of a serious accident.
Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist
If the other driver has no insurance or not enough, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may help, if you have it.
Medical Payments (MedPay)
If you have MedPay on your policy, it may help with medical bills regardless of who was at fault.
Collision Coverage
Your own collision coverage may pay to repair your car, minus your deductible.
Recorded Statements
The other driver's insurance company may ask for a recorded statement. You are generally not required to give one.
Every policy is different. Read your policy or ask your insurance company what's covered. For legal questions, contact a licensed California attorney of your choice.
Who Is at Fault?
How Fault Works in California
California uses a comparative fault system. If more than one person was responsible for an accident, each person's share of the responsibility can affect what they may recover. Being partly at fault does not automatically mean you can't recover anything.
California law may limit certain damages for drivers who were uninsured at the time of the accident, or who were driving under the influence.
Comparative fault
70%30%
Being partly at fault does not automatically mean you can't recover anything.
Not Every Accident Is the Same
Special Situations
Rideshare Accidents
Uber and Lyft carry insurance that may apply depending on whether the driver was on a trip, waiting for a ride, or offline.
Commercial Vehicles
When a driver is working, their employer and its insurance may also be involved.
Government Vehicles or Roads
Claims involving a city, county, or state vehicle or dangerous road usually require a written claim within about six months.
Hurt While Driving for Work
If you were hurt while working, workers' compensation may apply. See WorkersCompensation.io for general information.
WorkersCompensation.io
Pedestrians & Cyclists
Pedestrians and cyclists hit by a car may be covered by the driver's insurance and sometimes their own auto policy.
Time Matters
Important Deadlines
In California, you generally have two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, and three years for property damage. If a government vehicle or road was involved, you may have only about six months to file a written claim. The DMV SR-1 report is due within 10 days when required. Rules can be different for children. Don't wait to get answers.
10 days
DMV SR-1 report, when required
~6 months
Written claim when a government agency is involved
2 years
Personal injury lawsuit
3 years
Property damage
Go Straight to the Source
Free & Official Resources
These are official government resources. CarAccident.com.ai is not affiliated with any government agency.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Part of the Injury AI Network
More California Injury Information
Other free, information-only websites in the Injury AI Network.
Business Inquiries
For Law Firms & Advertisers
CarAccident.com.ai is operated by Injury AI Platforms, a marketing and technology company. Law firms and businesses can inquire about advertising, sponsorship, and platform leasing opportunities across the Injury AI Network.
- Advertising & sponsorship
- Domain & platform leasing
- Network-wide partnerships
This form is for law firms and businesses only. Please do not submit accident or injury details.