After a California accident

Safety and medical needs come first. General checklist for car, truck, and motorcycle collisions.

• Stop and address immediate danger. Call 911 for injuries or an emergency.
• Exchange driver, vehicle, insurance, and witness details when safe.
• Save scene photographs, original videos, report number, and tow details.
• Obtain appropriate medical care; keep instructions and bills.
• Check the 24-hour law-enforcement reporting requirement for injuries or death.
• File a DMV SR-1 within 10 days when injury, death, or over $1,000 damage to any one person’s property triggers it.
• Notify your insurer promptly and check policy requirements.
• Back up original files; save letters, receipts, damaged gear, and camera locations.
• Ask about preservation before repair, disposal, or transfer; address storage fees.
• Check your specific legal deadlines promptly. Contacting a lawyer does not extend them.

MMG: (818) 539-7969 · Free case evaluation
Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Pacific · mmg-lawfirm.com/contact

Prepared October 7, 2026. See the full guide for official sources, details, and exceptions. Reporting duties and legal deadlines differ. This checklist is not individual legal or medical advice.