What to Do After a Car Accident
Stay calm, stay safe, and follow these steps to protect yourself
🚨 Immediate Steps (First 5 Minutes)
- STOP — California law requires you to stop at the scene. Leaving is a hit-and-run (misdemeanor or felony)
- Check for injuries — Check yourself, passengers, and the other vehicle. Call 911 if anyone is hurt
- Move to safety — If possible, move vehicles out of traffic. Turn on hazard lights
- Call 911 or police — Required if there are injuries, deaths, or significant property damage
At the Scene — What to Document
📸 Photos to Take
- • Damage to all vehicles (close-up + wide)
- • License plates of all vehicles
- • The overall accident scene
- • Street signs and intersections
- • Traffic signals/signs
- • Skid marks on the road
- • Weather/road conditions
- • Injuries (if visible)
- • The other driver's insurance card
- • The other driver's license
📋 Information to Collect
- • Other driver's name and phone
- • Their insurance company and policy #
- • Their driver's license number
- • Vehicle make, model, color, year
- • Witness names and contact info
- • Police officer name and badge #
- • Police report number
- • Tow company name if applicable
What NOT to Do
- ❌ Don't admit fault or apologize
Even saying "I'm sorry" can be used against you. Let the police and insurance companies determine fault.
- ❌ Don't sign anything at the scene
Don't sign any documents from the other driver or their insurance company.
- ❌ Don't leave the scene
Leaving is a crime in California — even for minor accidents. Wait for police if called.
- ❌ Don't argue with the other driver
Stay calm and exchange information. Arguments can escalate and complicate your claim.
- ❌ Don't skip medical attention
Some injuries (whiplash, concussions) don't show symptoms immediately. See a doctor within 72 hours.
- ❌ Don't post about it on social media
Insurance companies and attorneys monitor social media. Posts can be used against your claim.
After the Scene — Next Steps
Call your insurance agent
Call FasTrak Insurance at (323) 537-2083. We'll start your claim and guide you through next steps.
See a doctor
Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Document any pain, soreness, or symptoms. Medical records are crucial evidence.
File DMV SR-1 Report (if required)
California requires a DMV report (SR-1) within 10 days if anyone was injured or killed, or if property damage exceeds $1,000.
Get repair estimates
Get 2-3 estimates from reputable body shops. Your insurer may send an adjuster.
Keep a claim diary
Track all expenses, medical visits, missed work days, and communications with insurance companies.
California-Specific Rules
- Fault state: California is an at-fault state — the driver who caused the accident is responsible for damages
- Comparative negligence: California uses pure comparative negligence — you can recover damages even if you're partially at fault (reduced by your percentage of fault)
- Statute of limitations: 2 years for personal injury claims, 3 years for property damage
- Hit and run: If the other driver fled, file a police report immediately. Your uninsured motorist coverage can help
- Uninsured drivers: ~15% of California drivers are uninsured. This is why UM/UIM coverage is critical
Get Your Free Auto Insurance Quote Today
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to call the police after every accident?
California law requires you to call police if there are injuries, deaths, or suspected DUI. For minor fender-benders with no injuries, a police report is not legally required but is strongly recommended for your claim.
What if the accident was my fault?
Report it to your insurance anyway. That's what your coverage is for. Your collision coverage will pay for your vehicle repairs (minus deductible), and your liability coverage handles the other party's damages.
Should I see a doctor even if I feel fine?
Absolutely yes. Whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue injuries often don't present symptoms for 24-72 hours. Delayed treatment can weaken your claim. See a doctor within 72 hours.