General information, not legal advice. This guide explains California law in general terms. It isn't advice about your situation, and laws and deadlines can change. Check the official sources linked on this page.

What to do after a car accident in California

By Ed Akhavan, attorney at Akhavan Law Firm APC.

California's Vehicle Code tells every driver what to do after a crash: stop, help anyone who's hurt, exchange specific information, and file reports by set deadlines. Here are those steps in order, with the law behind each one.

1. Stop, and move to a safe spot if you can

Every driver in a crash has to stop. What the law requires depends on whether anyone was hurt.

• Someone was hurt or killed. Vehicle Code §20001 says you must stop right away and do what §§20003 and 20004 require. Leaving can mean state prison or up to a year in county jail, a fine of $1,000 to $10,000, or both. Penalties go up if someone dies or is permanently and seriously injured.
• Only property was damaged. Section 20002 says to stop at the nearest place that won't block traffic or put anyone in danger. The law says that moving your car this way doesn't affect who is at fault. Driving off without doing what the section requires is a misdemeanor, with up to six months in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

2. Check for injuries and get help

If anyone is hurt, call 911. Vehicle Code §20003 requires drivers in an injury crash to give reasonable help to anyone injured. That includes taking them, or arranging for them to be taken, to a doctor or hospital if they clearly need treatment or ask for it.

Keep your own health in mind too. If you notice pain or other symptoms in the hours or days after the crash, get checked and keep the records. The medical bills guide explains who pays.

3. Exchange information

Vehicle Code §16025 says each driver must give the other drivers:

• their name and current address
• their driver's license number
• the vehicle identification number (VIN)
• the registered owner's name and current address
• evidence of insurance or financial responsibility, such as the insurance company's name and address and the policy number

Not doing so is an infraction, with a fine of up to $250. In an injury crash, §20003 also requires you to give your name, address and vehicle registration number (plus the owner's name and address, if you don't own the car) to the injured person, to other drivers and passengers, and to any police officer at the scene. You also have to show your driver's license if asked.

If you hit an unattended car or other property: §20002 says to find the owner, or leave a note with your name, address and an explanation in a place where it can be seen. Then notify the police (or the CHP, outside city limits) without delay.

4. Write down what you can

The law doesn't require these, but they help later with reports and claims:

• photos of the cars, plates, the scene, and any injuries
• names and phone numbers of witnesses
• the officer's name, badge number, and agency, plus the report number if you get one
• where and when the crash happened, and the weather and road conditions

Stick to the facts when you talk to people at the scene. Fault is decided later, from the evidence.

5. Report it: 24 hours and 10 days

Two separate reports can apply. One doesn't replace the other.

If you don't file the SR-1, the DMV suspends your license (VC §16004). The SR-1 guide explains how to file it. The police report guide covers when a call to the police is required.

6. If the other driver drove off

If a driver who hit you leaves and you plan to use your own uninsured motorist coverage, the Insurance Code sets conditions. There must have been physical contact with the other vehicle, and you (or someone for you) must report the crash within 24 hours to the city police, or outside a city to the sheriff or the CHP. You also have to give your insurer a sworn statement within 30 days (Insurance Code §11580.2(b)). The uninsured motorist guide covers the rest.

7. Notify your insurance company

Your auto policy likely has a section on reporting accidents. Check it for the exact terms. If you have Medical Payments coverage, it can help with medical bills no matter who was at fault; see the MedPay guide.

8. Keep track of deadlines

• Injury lawsuits: generally 2 years (statute of limitations guide).
• Claims against a city, county or state agency: often 6 months (government claims guide).

Published October 31, 2026 · Last reviewed October 31, 2026 · How we write and review guides