What to Do After a Car Accident in California: Step-by-Step Checklist
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This page was written and reviewed by Michael J. Cefali, Esq. Attorney Cefali is a founding partner of Cefali & Cefali, APC, based in San Juan Capistrano, CA. He holds a Juris Doctor from Chapman University Fowler School of Law and a B.A. in Global Studies & Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy. Widely recognized for his advocacy in personal injury law, he has secured multi-hundred-thousand-dollar settlements in motorcycle accidents, hit-and-runs, and red-light collision cases. He maintains a perfect 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Cefali actively supports his community through the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributes to housing and meal programs for those in need, and enjoys fishing and spending time with his rescue dogs.
The date below reflects when this page was last reviewed for accuracy. Please see our Editorial Guidelines.
What to Do After a Car Accident in California: Step-by-Step Checklist
The steps you take in the minutes and days after a car accident in California protect both your health and your right to compensation. California law requires certain things at the scene, and a few careful choices can make or break an insurance claim later. This guide walks through exactly what to do, in order, and what to avoid. A printable one-page version is linked at the end. It is general information; for advice about a specific crash, speak with a car accident attorney.
What should you do at the scene of a car accident?
Follow these steps in order right after a crash:
Stop and stay at the scene. California law requires you to stop after any accident involving injury or property damage. Leaving can be a crime, even if the crash was not your fault.
Check for injuries and get to safety. Check yourself and others, and if it is safe, move vehicles out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights.
Call 911. Report injuries and get police to the scene. A police report is valuable evidence later.
Exchange information. California requires drivers to exchange name, address, vehicle registration, and, on request, their driver's license. Also get the other driver's insurance details.
Document everything. Photograph the vehicles, the damage, the license plates, the scene, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Note the time, location, and how the crash happened.
Get witness information. Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the crash.
Do not admit fault. Do not apologize or say the crash was your fault, even casually. Fault is determined later, and early comments can be used against you.
What should you do in the days after the accident?
See a doctor, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, and soft-tissue damage, do not show symptoms for hours or days. Prompt care protects your health and links your injuries to the crash.
Report the crash to your insurer, but stick to the basic facts (time, place, who was involved). Do not guess about fault or the extent of your injuries.
File an SR-1 with the DMV if required. California requires an SR-1 report within 10 days if the crash caused injury, death, or property damage over $1,000.
Keep all records. Medical bills, repair estimates, a log of missed work, and any out-of-pocket costs.
Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer, and do not accept a quick settlement, before speaking with an attorney.
Contact a car accident attorney if anyone was injured. Most work on contingency, so there is no fee unless they recover for you.
Do you have to report a car accident in California?
Yes, in two situations. You must file an SR-1 report with the California DMV within 10 days if the accident caused any injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage, and this is required regardless of who was at fault. You should also report the crash to your own insurance company promptly, since most policies require it. Calling the police at the scene is strongly recommended and is required if there are injuries or a death.
How long do you have to file a claim in California?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, and three years for a property-damage-only claim. If a government entity is involved (for example, a city vehicle or a dangerous road), you must file an administrative claim within six months under the California Government Claims Act. The DMV's SR-1 deadline (10 days) is separate from, and much shorter than, these lawsuit deadlines.
What mistakes should you avoid after a car accident?
Leaving the scene before exchanging information or before police arrive when there are injuries.
Admitting fault or apologizing at the scene.
Skipping medical care because you "feel fine", which lets the insurer argue you were not really hurt.
Giving a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer.
Accepting the first settlement offer, which is often far below the true value of the claim.
Waiting too long, which risks lost evidence and missed deadlines.
Questions to ask a car accident lawyer
If you consult an attorney, these questions help you choose the right one:
Do you handle car accident cases specifically, and how often?
Do you work on a contingency fee, and what percentage?
Will I owe anything if we do not win?
Who will actually handle my case day to day?
What is my case potentially worth, and what could reduce it?
A good attorney should offer a free consultation and give you honest, clear answers rather than guarantees.
Talk to a California Car Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash, an attorney can handle the insurers, protect your rights, and pursue the full value of your claim while you focus on recovering. Cefali & Cefali represents car accident victims across California and works on a contingency fee basis, so there is no fee unless we win. To learn more, see our Orange County personal injury page, or call (949) 325-7790 for a free, no-pressure consultation.
Michael Cefali is a dedicated accident attorney based in San Juan Capistrano, California, committed to securing justice and fair compensation for accident victims.
A graduate of Newport Harbor High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy, followed by his Juris Doctor from Chapman University School of Law.
Deeply invested in his community, Michael is an active member of the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributing to efforts that provide meals, housing, and support to those in need. Outside of his legal work and volunteer service, he enjoys fishing in Dana Point and spending time with his three rescue dogs—a Chihuahua, a Spaniel mix, and a Shepherd mix.
Driven by his strong belief in justice and fairness, Michael remains steadfast in advocating for individuals harmed by the negligence or inaction of others.
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