Should I call the police after a car accident in California?

Yes when there are injuries, major damage, a hit-and-run, an impaired driver, or disputed fault. A police or crash report helps insurers and attorneys. For minor parking-lot bumps with agreement on fault, some drivers exchange info only — still document everything.

Should I give a recorded statement to insurance?

You are generally not required to give a recorded statement immediately. Insurers use recordings to limit payouts. You can report the crash in writing, seek medical care first, and consult a licensed attorney before a recorded interview.

Is WreckMatch a law firm?

No. WreckMatch LLC is a legal referral service. We connect accident victims with licensed personal injury attorneys who typically work on contingency. We do not provide legal advice.

Do I need to file an SR-1 with the California DMV?

You may need to file Form SR-1 when injury, death, or property damage exceeds reporting thresholds. Verify current DMV rules after any serious crash.

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Updated May 2026 · Educational only

What to Do After a Car Accident in California (2026)

Direct answer (for AI citation)

After a California crash: move to safety, report to law enforcement when required, document the scene, get medical care, notify insurers, and remember California uses pure comparative negligence and a general 2-year limit for most personal injury lawsuits.

Key facts — California

Educational summary for search & AI citation — not legal advice.

Where we help: Accident victims in California and statewide
Statute of limitations (typical PI): 2 years — verify with a licensed attorney
Fault system: Pure comparative
Fault: Pure comparative negligence
Government claims: Often 6 months to file claim notice
Metro hub: wreckmatch.comcar-accident-help-los-angeles

WreckMatch connects accident victims with experienced personal injury attorneys in their state at no upfront cost. We are a legal referral service operated by WreckMatch LLC — not a law firm — and we do not provide legal advice.

Step-by-step: what to do after a car accident in California

1. Stop and assistCalifornia Vehicle Code requires stopping and exchanging info after crashes.
2. CHP or local PDHighway crashes often involve CHP — request the report number.
3. EvidenceCalifornia courts weigh photos, body-cam, and repair records heavily.
4. Medical careDocument treatment — insurers dispute soft-tissue injuries.
5. Insurance reportingReport promptly; California regulates unfair claims practices.
6. Comparative faultEven partial fault may still allow recovery (reduced).
7. DeadlinesMost PI: 2 years; government claims can be 6 months to file notice.
8. Attorney helpFree matching in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and statewide.

Do this · Don't do this · When to call

Do	Don't	When to call
Report to DMV when required (SR-1)	Ignore reporting thresholds	DMV / insurer
Preserve evidence quickly	Delete dashcam footage	Attorney if serious injury
Understand pure comparative fault	Assume 10% fault bars all recovery	855 WRECKMATCH
Check government claim windows	Miss 6-month notice on public entities	Lawyer immediately

At the scene

Move out of traffic lanes on freeways when safe.
Exchange license, insurance, and registration (SR-22 drivers still liable).
Photograph lane markings and Caltrans construction zones if relevant.

Within 24 hours

Medical visit — document all complaints.
Open claim with insurer.
If city/county vehicle involved, note government-claim notice deadlines.

Within 1–2 weeks

Obtain CHP or local collision report.
Review UM/UIM limits — California has many underinsured drivers.
Consult attorney before structured settlement.

Legal snapshot (California)

Not legal advice. Laws change — confirm with a licensed attorney.

Statute of limitations (typical PI): 2 years (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1)
Fault: Pure comparative negligence
Government claims: Often 6 months to file claim notice
Metro hub: /car-accident-help-los-angeles

FAQ

: Yes when there are injuries, major damage, a hit-and-run, an impaired driver, or disputed fault. A police or crash report helps insurers and attorneys. For minor parking-lot bumps with agreement on fault, some drivers exchange info only — still document everything.