We’re committed to helping victims recover from car accidents in California (whether or not they require the services of a lawyer.)
Dealing with a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to navigate the rules for reporting it. Should you report it at all? What if the other driver doesn’t want to? Understanding how and when to report a car accident can make the difference between a smooth recovery process and a chaotic one.
As a California personal injury attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how reporting accidents correctly can prevent legal headaches, ensure you’re protected, and help you recover compensation efficiently. Let’s break it all down, step by step.
What to Do in an Accident
- Check for injuries and ensure everyone’s safety.
- Call 911 for emergency assistance.
- Exchange insurance information with the other driver.
- Take photos of the scene and any vehicle damage.
- File a police report if necessary.
When Are You Legally Required to Report an Accident in California?
Every state has different thresholds for when car accidents must be reported to local authorities (like the LAPD, CHP, or county cops) and regulatory agencies like the Department of Motor Vehicles. In California, several regulations govern when a driver must report an accident. They can get confusing if you read them in their entirety, so let’s boil them down to their most useful and concise forms.
As a general guideline you must report car accidents in California when:
- Anyone is injured in the crash—even minor injuries like scrapes and bruises
- Anyone is killed in the crash
- Property damage reaches or exceeds $1,000 (including damage caused to personal property other than the automobiles involved)
- Any of the drivers involved are operating without a license
- Any of the drivers are operating while intoxicated (by drugs or alcohol)
Timeframe for Reporting
- To the California DMV: File a report within 10 days using Form SR-1.
- To local authorities (police): Immediate reporting is required if injuries or serious damages are involved.
How to Report a Car Accident to the Police in California
Emergency Situations: Call 911 immediately to report accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or intoxicated drivers.
Non-Emergency Situations: Use the Police Non-Emergency Line
For accidents without injuries, fatalities, or criminal activity, report the incident by calling your local police department’s non-emergency number. For instance, in Los Angeles, you can use 1-877-ASK-LAPD to file a report.
In case of a collision, those involved are required to notify the police within 24 hours if the accident resulted in injuries, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
Do you have to report a car accident if no one is hurt? Yes, if the damage is $1,000 or more. It’s best to err on the side of caution and report any accident with visible damage.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reporting a Car Accident
- For Emergency Situations:
- Call 911 immediately for accidents with injuries, fatalities, or intoxicated drivers.
- Emergency responders will determine the appropriate action and file a report.
- For Non-Emergencies:
- Contact your local police department’s non-emergency line to report accidents without immediate threats or injuries.
- If Special Circumstances Apply:
- Unlicensed Driver or Hit-and-Run: Call your local police department to report the incident, even if no injuries occurred. These situations often lead to fines or criminal charges for the other party.
- Documentation: Always obtain a copy of the police report after filing. It’s essential for insurance claims or any potential legal processes.
Local Reporting: Key Locations and Phone Numbers
Locations and Phone Numbers for Filing Traffic Collision Reports
- Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)
- Location: 100 W 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Phone: (213) 486-1000
- Website: www.lapdonline.org
- California Highway Patrol (CHP) – Los Angeles
- Location: 777 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
- Phone: (213) 744-2331
- Website: www.chp.ca.gov
- Northridge Police Station (LAPD – Devonshire Division)
- Location: 10250 Etiwanda Ave, Northridge, CA 91325
- Phone: (818) 832-0633
- Website: www.lapdonline.org/devonshire_community_police_station
- San Francisco Police Department (SFPD)
- Location: 1245 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94158
- Phone: (415) 553-0123
- Website: www.sanfranciscopolice.org
- California Highway Patrol (CHP) – San Francisco
- Location: 455 8th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Phone: (415) 557-1094
- Website: www.chp.ca.gov
- San Diego Police Department (SDPD)
- Location: 1401 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
- Phone: (619) 531-2000
- Website: www.sandiego.gov/police
- California Highway Patrol (CHP) – San Diego
- Location: 4902 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92110
- Phone: (858) 650-3600
- Website: www.chp.ca.gov
- Sacramento Police Department
- Location: 5770 Freeport Blvd, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95822
- Phone: (916) 808-0800
- Website: www.cityofsacramento.org/Police
- California Highway Patrol (CHP) – Sacramento
- Location: 6 Massie Ct, Sacramento, CA 95823
- Phone: (916) 657-7455
- Website: www.chp.ca.gov
- Anaheim Police Department
- Location: 425 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805
- Phone: (714) 765-1900
- Website: www.anaheim.net/149/Police-Department
- California Highway Patrol (CHP) – Orange County
- Location: 2031 E Santa Clara Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705
- Phone: (714) 567-6000
- Website: www.chp.ca.gov
Report Retrieval: Getting a Traffic Collision Report
Obtaining a copy of the traffic collision report is essential for insurance claims and any potential legal action. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get your report:
- Identify the Reporting Agency:
Determine whether the accident was reported to the local police department (e.g., LAPD) or the California Highway Patrol (CHP). This usually depends on the location of the accident.
- Gather Necessary Information:
Incident Report Number: If you have it, this will significantly speed up the process.
Date and Time of the Accident
Location of the Accident
Names of the Involved Drivers
Your Contact Information
- Request the Report:
In Person: Visit the police station or CHP office where the accident was reported. Be prepared to provide the information listed above and pay a small fee.
Online: Some jurisdictions allow you to request reports online. Check the website of the relevant agency to see if this option is available.
By Mail: If online access isn’t available, you may be able to request the report by mail. Contact the agency for instructions and the required forms.
- Allow Time for Processing:
It may take several days or even weeks for the report to be processed and available.
Injuries: What You Need to Know
When You Don’t Need to Call the Police
If the dollar amount of the property damage caused in the crash is below $1,000 and there haven’t been any injuries, you don’t have to report the accident to the police. You can simply exchange contact and insurance information with the other party involved and follow up with your insurance company at a later date.
However, be wary. If you’re not a professional auto mechanic you may not be qualified to generate an accurate estimate of how much damage was caused. As a general rule of thumb, if there is any body damage at all (broken bumper cover, dented side panel, smashed grille) the cost of getting that damage repaired professionally is likely well over $1,000.
It’s always best to capture the name, contact info, license plate number, and insurance info of every party involved in a crash immediately just in case you need it at a later date. Waiting until hours or days after the accident can result in the other individuals vanishing into thin air. If that happens, your course of action may be limited to attempting to get compensation from your own insurance policies—which will almost surely result in an increased premium in most cases.
Fault Assessment: Who Hit Whom?
How to Report a Car Accident to the Insurance Company
If there are no injuries involved in the crash and the repair/replacement costs of having your vehicle fixed are low, you may wish to forego contacting the insurance company after a car accident. Accidents will be recorded on your record and may affect the premium you must pay in order to get or keep an insurance policy.
However, if the accident was caused by another driver, if there were any injuries at all, or if the damages exceed what you’re comfortable paying out of pocket you should report your accident to your insurance company.
But what if a reckless or distracted driver caused the crash?
You should still report the accident to your insurance company. At the scene of the accident you should have collected the contact an insurance information for any drivers involved in the wreck. You will give that information to your insurance agency and they will assign an agent to get in touch and negotiate with that driver and/or their insurance company.
If the other driver’s policy covers the crash, that policy will pay your expenses and your insurance will not be affected. If that driver doesn’t have insurance or their policy limits won’t cover all of your expenses, your insurance may kick in and pay the remainder (that’s why it’s always recommended to purchase uninsured/underinsured driver insurance).
It’s also a good idea to call the other driver’s insurance agency to see if an accident has been reported to them—never rely on the other driver to self-report their crashes.
You can report an accident to your insurance company simply by calling the contact number (usually a 1-800 number) listed on your insurance documentation. Some insurance companies even have mobile apps through which you can report and document crashes. (Here are more ways your cellphone can help after an accident.)
Don’t have your insurance documentation handy at the scene of the crash? Here’s a shortlist of contact information for some of the most commonly used auto insurance companies in California.
- AAA – 800-924-6141
- AIG – 877-638-4244
- Allstate – 800-255-7818
- Esurance – 800-378-7262
- Farmers – 800-327-6377
- Geico – 800-861-8380
- Liberty Mutual – 800-837-5254
- Nationwide – 877-669-6877
- Progressive – 800-888-7764
- Travelers – 800-842-5075
- USAA – 800-531-8111
How to Report a Car Accident to the DMV in California
California law requires that motorists must report a car accident to the DMV within 10 days if:
- A person was killed in the accident
- If the monetary value of the damage caused in the crash is $1,000 or above
- If anyone was injured (even slightly) you must also report the accident
While you will hopefully never be involved in a fatal car accident in California, even a relatively insignificant “fender bender” can cause well over $1,000. Modern cars are made from plastics and those plastic parts can cost a whole lot more than you might realize to repair or replace.
For example, something as simple as having a rear bumper cover replaced can cost well over $3,000. Replacing a taillight assembly can run upwards of $1,200. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and report any accident where any damage is caused to any vehicle involved.
But how do you report a car accident to the DMV? It’s fairly simple. You just need to fill out Form SR-1 (entitled “Report of a Traffic Accident Occurring in California”). You can fill the form out yourself. Your insurance agent can do so. Or, if you have suffered serious injuries, your car accident lawyer can do so. The important thing is that the form is filled out and submitted within the 10-day grace period. You can access and submit Form SR-1 online here.
You can do it the old fashioned way and find a DMV office near you.
When to Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Sometimes reporting your car accident to the police or the insurance company isn’t enough to get you the compensation you deserve. Police investigators are often primarily concerned with criminal cases while insurance companies may offer policies that simply aren’t adequate to cover all the expenses you might incur during and after a car accident. In cases such as this, you can report your car accident to a lawyer and get legal help pursuing financial compensation from at fault parties via a personal injury claim.
You may find yourself in need of a good car accident attorney if:
- The other driver doesn’t have insurance
- The other driver’s insurance policy has a payout limit below the actual cost of your accident
- Your insurance company is refusing to pay the full amount of what you deserve
- You don’t have the time, energy, or expertise to investigate your crash and present a compelling argument for the complete list of financial damages you’ve suffered
In cases such as this, a car accident attorney will function as your advocate and deal with police investigators, insurance adjusters, hospital billing departments, and more to ensure you get the compensation you truly deserve.
And, if your case does eventually make it to court, your personal injury attorney will be able to represent you (and your financial interests) to present your need logically, provide a jury with all the evidence it needs to demonstrate liability, and expedite the legal process to wrap things up successfully.
Reporting Your Car Accident is Important
- Starts the documentation/investigation process
- Provides evidence if you need to file a personal injury claim or go to court
- Starts the financial recovery process
- Is legally required in many cases
- Prevents future legal entanglements
Hit Hard in a California Car Accident? Don't Wait, Get Help Now.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident anywhere in California, you are likely dealing with pain, lost wages, and harassing calls from insurance adjusters. You need more than just a lawyer; you need a powerhouse advocate who specializes in making the insurance companies pay you maximum compensation quickly.
Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers is your expert solution. We are a specialized, client-focused firm dedicated exclusively to serious personal injury cases across the Golden State. We understand the complex laws and the tactics big insurance companies use to deny or minimize your claim.
Why Choose Sally Morin? We cut through the red tape. We handle all the investigation, the evidence gathering, and the aggressive negotiation so you can focus 100% on your recovery. Our goal is a fast, efficient resolution that maximizes your financial recovery for medical bills, lost income, and severe pain and suffering.
Don’t settle for a lowball offer. Don’t fight the insurance company alone.
Take Control of Your Recovery: Get your Free Car Accident Case Review today. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay NO LEGAL FEES unless we win your case.
Sincerely
KJJ
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What more can you ask for a lawyer who is capable, professional, kind, effective and efficient.
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