At the scene
Stop, move only if safe, call 911 for injuries, attempt to notify law enforcement, and exchange required driver, vehicle, and insurance information. Photograph vehicles, road controls, visibility, debris, and injuries when safe.
During the first days
Seek appropriate medical care, preserve discharge paperwork and expenses, write down symptoms and work effects, notify the insurer, and confirm whether an SR-1 is required.
Protect the evidence
Keep photographs in original form, save dashcam footage, identify witnesses, avoid repairing or disposing of critical property before documentation, and preserve messages and insurance correspondence.
Be careful with releases
A release can affect claims and subrogation rights. CDI cautions that a person should not jeopardize an insurer’s recovery rights by signing an agreement without understanding it.
Organize the claim record
Create one folder for the crash report, insurance policies and claim numbers, photographs, video, witness details, medical records, bills, mileage, missed work, repair documents, and every adjuster communication. Keep originals and note when each item was received or sent.
Know when a consultation is especially useful
Prompt legal advice may be useful for serious injuries, a death, disputed fault, a commercial vehicle, a public entity, a defective vehicle or road, several insurers, insufficient coverage, pressure to give a statement, or a release offered before the medical picture is clear.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to report a California crash to the DMV?
DMV says an SR-1 is generally required within 10 days when anyone is injured or killed or property damage exceeds $1,000. A police report or insurance report does not replace the SR-1.
Should I give the other insurer a recorded statement?
A request may have legal and coverage consequences. Before agreeing, understand who is asking, which policy applies, whether you are required to cooperate, and how the statement may be used. Consider obtaining legal advice.
Should I post about the crash on social media?
Public posts, photographs, location data, and comments may be preserved and compared with a claim. Avoid discussing the incident or injuries publicly, preserve existing material, and ask a lawyer before deleting anything relevant.
Primary sources
Continue your research
Browse all California injury guides, compare the best California personal injury lawyers, or review the best California car accident lawyers.