Just had an accident? Breathe.

🚨 At the scene — the first 10 minutes

1. Check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 first. Nothing on this list matters more.
2. Get out of traffic. If the cars are drivable and no one is seriously hurt, move them out of the traffic lane and turn on hazards. California expects this — staying in a live lane causes second crashes.
3. Don't admit fault. Not to the other driver, not to witnesses. Even a polite "I'm so sorry" gets quoted later. Stick to facts and stay calm.
4. Call police if there's any injury — and remember: injury or death must be reported to police or CHP within 24 hours.

📸 Exchange and document — before anyone leaves

Get from the other driver:

• Name, phone, and address
• Driver's license number
• License plate + vehicle make/model/year
• Insurance company and policy number (photograph their insurance card)

Photograph:

• All four corners of both vehicles, then close-ups of the damage
• Both license plates and the other driver's insurance card
• The whole scene: positions of the cars, skid marks, traffic signs and signals, road conditions
• Any visible injuries

Also collect witness names and phone numbers, and the police report number if officers respond. Two minutes of photos can decide a fault dispute months later.

📋 The report most people miss: SR-1 within 10 days

California law requires you (or your insurance agent/broker) to file form SR-1 with the DMV within 10 days whenever a crash involves any injury, any death, or property damage over $1,000 — which today is almost any visible dent.

Key points people get wrong:

• It is required even if the police took a report and even if you filed an insurance claim — it's a separate obligation.
• It is required even if the crash wasn't your fault.
• Failing to file can lead to license suspension.

File online or by mail via the DMV's accident reporting page. As our client, we can handle the SR-1 with you — one call.

📞 The insurance claim

• Notify your insurer promptly — most policies require it, and delays give the other side's story a head start.
• California is a fault state: the at-fault driver's insurance pays. Fault can be shared in percentages.
• If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, your UM/UIM coverage takes over — if you bought it.
• Don't rush to accept a quick settlement before you know the full extent of injuries and repair costs.

Deadlines to know (general information, not legal advice): in California a lawsuit for injuries generally must be filed within 2 years, for property damage within 3 years. For serious injuries, talk to a personal injury attorney early.