What to Do After a Car Accident in California
The minutes after a crash are stressful, and what you do in them can shape everything that follows. Here is a clear, practical order of operations for a California car accident — from the scene, to the doctor, to the insurance call.
First, get safe and check for injuries
Before anything else, protect people. If it is safe, move vehicles out of live traffic and turn on your hazard lights. Check yourself and everyone else for injuries, and call 911 if anyone is hurt or if vehicles are blocking the road. Adrenaline masks pain, so do not assume "I feel fine" means you are uninjured — say what you actually feel to responders and let them evaluate you.
Your legal duties at the scene in California
California law requires drivers involved in a crash to stop, and to exchange name, license, registration, and insurance information with the other driver. Leaving the scene of an injury crash is a serious offense. If the police respond, get the report or incident number; if they do not, you may still need to notify the DMV separately when there are injuries or significant property damage.
Document everything you can
Your phone is your best evidence tool. Photograph all vehicles and their positions, license plates, visible damage, skid marks, debris, traffic signals, and the wider scene. Get the other driver’s information and the names and numbers of any witnesses. Note the date, time, weather, and road conditions while they are fresh. If you are too hurt to do this, that is okay — ask someone else, or gather it later.
See a doctor — even if you think you are okay
Some serious injuries, including concussions and soft-tissue and internal injuries, do not show symptoms for hours or days. Getting checked promptly protects your health and creates a medical record that ties your injuries to the crash. Gaps between the accident and treatment are the single most common reason insurers give for paying less, because they argue the injury must not have been serious or must have come from something else.
Be careful with the insurance companies
Report the crash to your own insurer, but be measured. You are generally not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company, and it is usually wise not to before you understand your injuries. Do not guess about fault, minimize your injuries, or accept a fast settlement offer — early offers are made before anyone knows how much your treatment will cost.
Know your deadlines
California generally gives you two years from the date of a crash to file a personal injury lawsuit, but there are important exceptions that can shorten that window dramatically — most notably a much shorter deadline when a government vehicle or agency is involved. Because those exceptions are strict and easy to miss, it is worth confirming your specific deadline early rather than assuming you have plenty of time.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to call the police after a car accident in California?
Call 911 if anyone is injured or vehicles are blocking traffic. Even for minor crashes, a police report creates a neutral record that can be valuable later. If officers do not respond, exchange information and document the scene yourself, and check whether you need to file a separate report with the DMV.
Should I go to the ER if I feel fine?
Getting evaluated is a good idea. Concussions, whiplash, and internal injuries often surface later, and a prompt exam both protects your health and documents that your injuries came from the crash. If you decline care at the scene and symptoms appear afterward, see a doctor as soon as they do and mention the accident.
How long do I have to file a claim in California?
The general deadline for a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the crash, but shorter deadlines and other exceptions can apply — especially if a government entity is involved. Our full guide walks through the deadline and its exceptions.
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This article is general information about California injury law, not legal advice. Every case is different — talk to a lawyer about your situation.
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