Getting into a car accident can be a scary and frustrating experience. When a serious accident occurs, law enforcement and emergency medical personnel will likely be dispatched to the scene, and a car accident report will be filed. Failing to report an accident can result in fines and the suspension of driving privileges. However, not all accidents are serious, and many California drivers wonder what reporting requirements are for less severe incidents. Every driver in California needs to understand that nearly all car accidents must be reported.
What Does California Law Say About Reporting an Accident?
Under California Vehicle Code § 16000, we can see that drivers involved in an accident that fit any of the following criteria are required to report the incident to the DMV within 10 days or risk having their license suspended or revoked:
- There were any injuries involved, regardless of how minor, in California involving injury
- There were any fatalities
- There was any property damage exceeding $1,000
It is important to report accidents to the local police, especially in cases of injuries or significant property damage.
Under these guidelines, it is clear that nearly every accident will end up being reported. The $1,000 property damage requirement is not a high bar and is generally met with just about any type of damage to a vehicle.
The local police department plays a crucial role in documenting accidents, and there are legal obligations to report incidents to them.
Reporting to the Authorities
Reporting a car accident in California to the authorities is a crucial step in ensuring that the incident is documented and that you comply with state laws. There are two main authorities you need to report to: the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Reporting to the California Highway Patrol (CHP)
If you are involved in a car accident in California, you are required to report it to the CHP if:
- Someone is injured or killed
- The damage exceeds $1,000
- The accident occurred on a highway or freeway
You can report the accident to the CHP by calling their 24-hour hotline or visiting their website. You will need to provide information about the accident, including the location, time, and parties involved. This ensures that the incident is properly documented and that you are in compliance with California law.
What Information Do You Need to Report the Accident?
To report an accident to the DMV, the driver involved (or their insurance carrier or legal representative) will need to fill out the Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (Form SR-1). It is crucial to file a traffic accident report (SR-1) form within ten days of the incident. According to the DMV, the following information will be needed to complete this form:
- Place and time the accident occurred
- Any other driver’s name, address, and date of birth.
- Any other driver’s driver license information (number and state)
- Any other driver’s license plate number and state
- Any other driver’s insurance company, policy number, and the expiration
- Policyholder’s name and address (often different from the driver)
- Vehicle owner’s name and address (often different from the driver)
- Explanation of injuries or property damage
Documenting the Scene and Keeping Good Records
Documenting the scene of the accident and keeping good records are crucial in building a strong case for your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Here are some steps you can take:
Taking Photos and Videos
Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including:
- Damage to your vehicle and any other vehicles involved
- Injuries or fatalities
- Road conditions and any relevant signs or signals
- Any other relevant details
Make sure to take photos and videos from multiple angles and perspectives. This will help to provide a clear and comprehensive record of the accident.
It’s also important to keep good records of any correspondence with insurance companies, law enforcement, and other relevant parties. This includes:
- Police reports and accident reports
- Insurance claims and correspondence
- Medical records and bills
- Repair estimates and receipts
By documenting the scene and keeping good records, you can help to build a strong case for your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. This thorough documentation can be invaluable when dealing with insurance companies and legal proceedings.
Why Would Anyone Not Want to Report an Accident?
There are various reasons why a person may not want to report a minor car accident. This is often due to the parties involved thinking that the crash was minor and that there are no injuries or substantial property damage. However, there is no way to determine the full extent of an accident in the immediate aftermath of a crash. One or more parties involved may have delayed injuries, or there could be underlying property damage that cannot be seen. Failing to report an accident in these situations could result in various parties not being able to secure compensation for injuries or property damage.
It is sometimes the case that a driver does not want to report the accident because they do not have insurance coverage. Please understand that failure to report an accident could result in serious penalties. If you are struck by an uninsured motorist, you still need to report the crash and if you are injured, you should still speak with a car accident lawyer in Irvine. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and navigate the legal process to secure fair compensation.
What Are the California Auto Insurance Requirements?
Every state sets minimum auto insurance requirements for drivers. In California, the law states that all drivers must carry the following insurance to remain legal on the roadway:
- $15,000 for the death or injury of a single person in a crash
- $30,000 for the death or injury of more than one person in a crash
- $5,000 for property damage
While uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is not required, it is recommended that all drivers carry this additional coverage to remain protected in the event they are struck by an uninsured driver or a driver with minimum policy coverage limits.
Unsure About Reporting an Accident? Callahan & Blaine Can Help
Failing to report a car accident in California—even a seemingly minor one—can lead to serious consequences, including fines and a suspended license. At Callahan & Blaine, we’ve spent over 40 years guiding drivers through the complex aftermath of car crashes, from reporting obligations to filing injury claims. Whether you’re dealing with the DMV, the CHP, or an insurance carrier, we can help ensure you meet every requirement and protect your right to compensation.
Don’t risk your legal standing or financial recovery by handling an accident on your own. Call us today at (714) 241-4444 or contact us through our contact form to speak with a knowledgeable attorney.
