A car crash can shatter your sense of safety in an instant. Suddenly, you are suffering injuries, facing hefty medical bills, and taking care of your vehicle repairs while missing wages from lost work. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious collision, what to do after a car accident can deeply impact your recovery, physically, emotionally, and financially.
If you are involved in a car accident, this article will help you understand the proper steps to take after such an incident and what to do to protect your rights when filing a claim for compensation.
Step 1: Call the Police, Even If It Seems Minor
You might feel tempted to skip calling the police if the damage looks minimal, but that could be a costly mistake.
In California, you’re legally required to report accidents involving injuries or damage exceeding $1,000. If you fail to do this, you will face several legal consequences, such as fines and imprisonment.
If you are involved in a crash, you may also be tagged as a hit-and-run driver if you leave the scene without reporting the accident to the police. Unfortunately, this can potentially aggravate the situation and make you look like the at-fault driver. As a result, you may lose your right to compensation.
Beyond that, a police report becomes a vital piece of evidence if your case goes to court or if an insurance company questions your claim. Usually, insurers ask for police reports to verify the cause and nature of the crash. Without this, they can question liability and dismiss your case, especially if you lack other proof.
Do I Have to Report All Accidents to the Police in California?
Not every fender bender requires a police report. According to the California Vehicle Code 16000, you are not legally required to report the accident to the police if:
- The property damage is less than $1,000, and
- No one was injured in the crash.
That means a minor bump in a parking lot or a slow-speed rear-end collision with no visible damage or pain may not require police involvement. But be careful; it’s easy to misjudge the extent of damage or injuries, especially when adrenaline is high.
When Should I Report the Crash?
There are situations when walking away from the scene without calling the police can lead to criminal charges and even jail time. You are legally required to report a car accident if:
- The damage amounts to $1,000 or more
- The accident was a hit-and-run
- Someone was injured
- The crash resulted in a fatality
If the crash caused serious injuries or led to someone’s death, California law requires you to report the accident to the police within 24 hours. Failing to do so can result in:
- State imprisonment for two to four years
- County jail time ranging from 90 days to one year
- Fines between $1,000 and $10,000
Even if the damage seems small or no one appears to be hurt, it’s often wise to err on the side of caution and report the accident. Injuries like whiplash or internal trauma may not show up right away. A police report can provide an objective record that protects you later, especially if the other party changes their story or files a claim against you.
Step 2. Document Everything Because Details Matter
Your case depends on evidence to prove liability. Without proof, the insurers will likely dismiss your claim, saying that there is not enough evidence to show that their client is responsible for the crash.
This is why it is crucial to collect evidence at the accident scene, such as photos of the crash and witness testimonies. Remember that when your memory begins to blur in the hours or days after the crash, the pictures you took and notes you made could speak volumes.
Use your phone to capture:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- The surrounding area, including traffic signs and road conditions
- Any visible injuries
- Skid marks or debris
Also, jot down the time, location, weather, and anything unusual that happened before or after the accident. These small details can play a big role in proving what really happened.
Step 3: Exchange Information
It is crucial to collect the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license, and insurance details. This information will be essential when filing an insurance claim to locate and contact the driver and their insurer.
Moreover, if there are witnesses at the scene, you may gather their contact details. Your lawyer can contact them as the legal process progresses to collect testimonies, helping you prove what happened before, during, and after the collision.
Can I Refuse to Give My Information to the Other Driver?
California law legally requires you to exchange certain pieces of information with the other party involved. Under California Vehicle Code 16025, every driver is legally obligated to provide the following:
- Your full name
- Your current home address
- Your driver’s license number
- Your vehicle’s identification number (VIN)
- The registered owner’s address, if different from yours
- Proof of financial responsibility, such as your car insurance details
Failing to exchange this information is against the law and can lead to fines or penalties. More importantly, doing the right thing after an accident helps protect your legal rights and ensures transparency for everyone involved.
Step 4: Seek Medical Attention, Even If You Feel Fine
Adrenaline can mask injuries for hours or even days. You might think you’re okay, but internal injuries, whiplash, or concussions aren’t always immediately apparent.
So, it is crucial to get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible, even if you don’t go by ambulance. Not only is this essential for your health, but medical documentation is key to supporting your injury claim.
Can I Reopen My Case If I Discover a Late-Appearing Injury?
Unfortunately, in most situations, you can’t reopen a personal injury case if you’ve already accepted a settlement and signed a release of liability. That waiver closes the door on any future claims, even if a newly discovered injury is directly tied to the accident.
This is why it is important not to rush into a settlement. Your body may still be processing the trauma, and what feels like a minor ache today could become a chronic, life-altering condition tomorrow.
Constantly monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical attention for anything unusual. A thorough medical evaluation and experienced legal guidance can help ensure you don’t settle for less than you may truly need.
Step 5: Call an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
After a car crash, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, and when the insurance company offers to cover your medical bills and car repairs, it might seem like the fastest way to move on. However, insurance companies are often more concerned with protecting their bottom line than with protecting your future.
They may offer quick settlements that only scratch the surface of what you’ve truly lost, leaving out crucial compensation for long-term care, emotional trauma, lost wages, or pain that lingers long after the crash is over.
That’s where a car accident attorney becomes your strongest advocate. They will assess the situation, calculate the total damages, and negotiate for maximum settlement on your behalf.
With a lawyer, you can focus on your recovery without thinking about the hassle and stress of handling a car accident claim.
Do I Need a Lawyer Even in a Minor Accident?
You’re not legally required to hire a lawyer after a minor car accident, but that doesn’t mean you should do it alone.
After a crash, even a small one, you may think: “It’s just a fender bender. I’ll let the insurance handle it.” And in some cases, that might be enough. But too often, what seems minor at first can lead to frustrating complications, hidden injuries, rising medical bills, and lowball settlement offers that don’t begin to cover your actual losses.
Insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to settle quickly and cheaply. That might mean downplaying your injuries, overlooking future medical needs, or ignoring the emotional impact the accident has had on you. You could end up accepting far less than what you’re truly entitled to, just to close the chapter and move on.
You don’t have to accept less.
An experienced car accident attorney levels the playing field. They step in not to escalate conflict, but to protect your rights, challenge unfair settlements, and fight for the full compensation you deserve, not just for the repairs and immediate bills, but for what your recovery will truly cost in the weeks and months ahead.
Even if your injuries feel minor today, the pain could worsen tomorrow. What feels manageable now could interrupt your ability to work, sleep, or even enjoy life. That’s why getting sound legal guidance can significantly help you.
Other Questions You May Ask After a Car Accident
Are There Deadlines for Filing a Car Accident Claim?
California law sets strict deadlines for filing claims, and missing them can wipe out your right to compensation:
- Personal injury claims: 2 years from the date of the accident.
- Property damage claims: 3 years.
- Claims against government entities: Just 6 months, with very strict filing rules.
Because the clock starts ticking immediately, it’s best to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible. They can make sure all paperwork is filed correctly and on time.
What Happens If I’m Partially Liable for the Crash?
Even if you think you were partly responsible for the crash, don’t assume you can’t recover damages. California follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were 20% at fault for the accident, you could still recover 80% of your damages. That’s why evidence matters. The stronger your proof, the less blame that may be assigned to you. Having a lawyer on your side helps ensure that insurers don’t unfairly inflate your share of fault.
What if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
Being in an accident with an uninsured driver can feel overwhelming, but you still have options.
- If you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, it can step in to cover expenses like medical bills, vehicle repairs, or other damages caused by the at-fault driver. This type of coverage exists for situations exactly like this, providing a safety net when the other party is unable to fulfill their financial responsibility.
- Additionally, an experienced lawyer can help investigate whether the uninsured driver has any personal assets that could be used to cover your damages.
- A legal professional may also explore whether other parties, such as the vehicle owner or a third-party entity, could share liability for the crash.
What to Do After a Car Accident if I Were a Passenger
As a passenger, you are generally not held responsible for an accident, which means you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. You can file a claim against the at-fault driver, whether that’s the driver of another vehicle or the person driving the car you were in.
In some cases, both drivers may share responsibility for the accident. This means you may be able to pursue claims against both individuals to ensure you receive the full compensation needed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
However, it can feel tricky managing these situations, but remember: your rights as an injured passenger are protected, and you shouldn’t hesitate to seek the support you need.
What if My Child Were Injured in the Crash?
If your child was injured in an accident, their rights to compensation are just as strong as an adult’s, but the process for handling their claim works a little differently. Typically, a parent or legal guardian will need to file the claim on the child’s behalf.
In some cases, courts may be involved to approve the settlement, ensuring that the funds are used in the child’s best interest, whether for medical care, future needs, or other expenses related to their recovery. This extra oversight is in place to protect your child’s well-being.
It’s important to consult with a car accident attorney experienced in cases involving minors to guide you through the process. They can help ensure your child receives the full compensation they deserve while making the process as smooth as possible for your family.
What Not to Do After a Car Accident
The hours and days after a collision are stressful, but small missteps can have big consequences. What not to do after a car accident is similarly important when protecting your case:
- Don’t admit fault at the scene.
- Don’t delay medical treatment; even minor symptoms could point to serious injuries.
- Don’t accept the first insurance settlement offer. Insurers often start low.
- Don’t post about the accident on social media, since it could be used against you.
Avoiding these mistakes and acting quickly keeps your case strong and your chances of fair compensation high.
What to Do After a Car Accident: Get the Right Legal Help for Your Needs.
At Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, our car accident attorneys know how to uncover the full impact of your accident physically, financially, and emotionally. Here’s how we can help:
- Legal Expertise: Car accident cases can be complex. Our attorneys have the experience to handle every legal obstacle, protect your rights, and keep your case moving forward.
- Comprehensive Claim Evaluation: We dig deep to calculate the true cost of your injuries, not just hospital bills, but also future medical expenses, lost income, emotional suffering, and the impact on your day-to-day life.
- Powerful Negotiation: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. We’re here to push back using facts, law, and leverage to fight for what’s fair.
- Peace of Mind: While you focus on healing, we’ll handle the paperwork, deadlines, and back-and-forth with insurers. You don’t need to carry this burden alone.
- Trial Readiness: If negotiations fail, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court and present a compelling argument before a judge or jury.
- No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. That’s our commitment to making justice accessible, no matter your financial situation.
While hiring a lawyer isn’t required by law, having an experienced legal team in your corner can be the difference between a lowball offer and life-changing compensation. We’re not just here to represent you; we’re here to stand up for you when you need it most.
Call us today at 866-824-8162 for a free consultation. You don’t have to face this alone.
Injured in a crash? Get a no-charge case assessment from seasoned auto accident lawyers who’ll guide you through the legal process.
What Our Clients Say About Us
No other personal injury lawyer will fight for you as passionately as we will, even though many may take on your case and prepare a legal defense. As proved by our previous clients, our lawyers are extraordinarily well-equipped to put up a claim without making any mistakes:
“I had a very nice experience with Larry H. Parker representing me. Every time I left a message, I would get calls back. It was a lengthy process, but I have nothing negative to say about their service. I highly recommend them”. – Veronica S.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims
Need to learn more about accident claims? We want to help you! Here are common questions injured victims ask, which may clarify various aspects of your case.
- Who is Liable for a Car Accident with an Unlicensed Driver?
- California Car Crashes with Vision-Impaired Drivers: Who is Liable?
- Who’s Liable for a California Car Crash When Another Car Cuts You Off?
- Why Won’t a California Personal Injury Attorney Take My Case?
References
California Vehicle Code 16000. (n.d.). California Legislative Information. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=16000.
comparative negligence | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute. (n.d.). Law.Cornell.Edu. Retrieved August 20, 2025, from https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/comparative_negligence
Deadlines to sue someone | California Courts | Self Help Guide. (n.d.). California Courts Self-Help. Retrieved August 20, 2025, from https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/civil-lawsuit/statute-limitations
Search Phrase: Code Text Vehicle Code – VEH DIVISION 10. ACCIDENTS AND ACCIDENT REPORTS [20000 – 20018]. (n.d.). California Legislative Information. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=20008
Vehicle Code – VEH DIVISION 7. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY LAWS [16000 – 16560]. (n.d.). California Legislative Information. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=16025
