What To Do After a Car Crash

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Being in a car accident is stressful. Knowing exactly what steps to take in the aftermath can protect your safety, your rights, and your insurance claim.

Immediately After the Accident

1. Check for injuries — Your safety and others' safety comes first. Call 911 if anyone is injured.
2. Move to safety — If possible and safe to do so, move vehicles out of traffic.
3. Call the police — In California, you must report accidents involving injury or death. Even for minor accidents, a police report creates an official record.
4. Exchange information — Get: name, address, phone, driver's license number, license plate, insurance company and policy number from all drivers involved.
5. Document the scene — Take photos of all vehicles, damage, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and the surrounding area.
6. Get witness information — If any bystanders saw the accident, get their names and phone numbers.
7. Don't admit fault — Even if you think you may be at fault, do not admit it at the scene. Fault determination involves factors you may not be aware of.

In the Days After

• Report the accident to your insurance company promptly
• Seek medical attention even if you feel fine — some injuries take days to appear
• Document all medical visits, expenses, and time missed from work
• Keep a copy of all accident-related documents and correspondence

California DMV Reporting

California requires you to report an accident to the DMV within 10 days if: anyone was injured or killed, or if property damage exceeds $1,000. Failure to report can result in license suspension.