What to Do After a Car Accident in California: A Step-by-Step Guide

A car accident can leave you shaken, confused, and unsure of what to do next. The choices you make in the minutes, hours, and days afterward can affect both your health and any future insurance or injury claim. This guide walks you through the practical, California-specific steps to take after a crash so you can protect yourself and your rights.

Every accident is different, and nothing here replaces advice tailored to your situation. But these are the steps that generally apply to most California drivers after a collision.

1. Get to Safety and Check for Injuries

Your first priority is safety. If you can do so without making things worse:

• Move your vehicle out of traffic to the shoulder or a nearby safe spot.
• Turn on your hazard lights.
• Check yourself and any passengers for injuries before anything else.

If anyone is hurt, or if there is significant damage, call 911 immediately. In California, you are required to stop at the scene of an accident, and you must report a crash involving injury, death, or major property damage. A police report creates an official, neutral record that can be valuable later.

2. Exchange Driver and Insurance Information

California law requires drivers involved in a crash to share certain information. Calmly exchange the following with the other driver:

• Full name and contact information
• Driver's license number
• License plate number
• Insurance company and policy number
• Vehicle make, model, and color

Stick to the facts. Avoid arguing about who caused the crash at the scene.

3. Document the Scene

Evidence fades quickly, so gather what you can while it is fresh:

• Photos and video of all vehicles, damage, the road, traffic signs, skid marks, and weather conditions.
• Witness information — names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened.
• Notes on the time, location, direction of travel, and anything unusual.

This documentation can be critical if the other driver later disputes the facts. A car accident lawyer can help you understand how this evidence fits into a claim.

4. Seek Prompt Medical Care — Even If You Feel Fine

Adrenaline can mask pain. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, and internal trauma may not show symptoms for hours or even days. Seeing a doctor promptly does two important things:

1. It protects your health by catching hidden injuries early.
2. It creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.

Gaps in treatment are one of the most common reasons insurers question a claim. Prompt care helps avoid that problem.

5. Report the Accident to Your Insurer — Carefully

Most auto policies require you to notify your insurer promptly after a crash. Report the accident, but be cautious about what you say:

• Stick to the basic facts.
• Do not admit fault or speculate about what caused the crash.
• Be careful with recorded statements, especially from the other driver's insurance company. You are generally not required to give the other side a recorded statement, and doing so without advice can hurt your claim.

If you are unsure how to handle a request for a statement, it is reasonable to speak with an attorney first.

6. Understand California's Deadlines and Fault Rules

Two California legal concepts are worth knowing early:

• The filing deadline. Under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Exceptions exist — including shorter deadlines for claims against government entities — so confirm your specific deadline.
• Pure comparative negligence. California follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule. This means your compensation can be reduced by your share of fault, but you may still recover even if you were partly responsible. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, a recovery could be reduced by that 20%.

These rules are general; how they apply depends on the facts of your case.

7. Know When to Talk to a Lawyer

You do not need a lawyer for every fender-bender. But it is often worth a free consultation if:

• You or a passenger suffered a serious or lasting injury.
• Fault is disputed or unclear.
• The insurance company is delaying, denying, or offering far less than your costs.
• Multiple vehicles or a commercial vehicle were involved.

An attorney who handles personal injury cases can deal with the insurer, preserve evidence, and help you understand your options. If your crash happened in the area, a local Glendale car accident lawyer can be especially familiar with the local courts and roadways.

Key Takeaways

• Prioritize safety and call 911 when there are injuries.
• Exchange information and document the scene thoroughly.
• Get medical care promptly, even if you feel okay.
• Be careful with recorded statements and never admit fault.
• Remember the general two-year deadline, and confirm your specific one.

If you have questions about a recent crash, you can contact our office for a free consultation to discuss your situation.

This article is general information about California law and is not legal advice; for guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.