What to Do After a Car Accident in California

After a car accident in California, the most important things to do in order are: check for injuries, call 911, do not admit fault, document the scene, avoid talking to the other driver's insurance company without a lawyer, and see a doctor even if you feel fine. Here is the full step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Check for Injuries Before Anything Else

Check yourself and every passenger. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. Do not try to move someone who may have a neck, back, or head injury. Wait for paramedics.

Many serious injuries, including whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding, do not cause pain immediately. Adrenaline masks symptoms. See a doctor within 24 hours regardless of how you feel. If you wait, the insurance company will use that gap to argue your injuries are not serious or not related to the accident.

Step 2: Call 911 and Get a Police Report

A police report is your official record of the accident. Without it, the other driver can change their story and you have nothing to fall back on. In California, you are legally required to report any accident that caused injury or property damage over $1,000 (California Vehicle Code Section 20008).

When the officer arrives, give the facts only. Do not speculate about fault. Get the report number before you leave.

Step 3: Do Not Admit Fault at the Scene

Do not say "I'm sorry," "I didn't see you," or anything that could be read as admitting fault. Even an apology can be used against you by the other driver's insurance company. California follows comparative fault rules, so even a partial admission can reduce your recovery. Let the investigation determine what happened.

Step 4: Document Everything You Can

Use your phone to photograph and video:

• All vehicles involved, from multiple angles
• The damage to each car, close up
• The positions of the vehicles on the road
• Skid marks, debris, traffic signals, and road conditions
• Any visible injuries
• The other driver's license, registration, and insurance card
• The full license plate of every car involved

If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers. Witness accounts are often decisive when the other driver disputes what happened.

Step 5: Do Not Talk to the Other Driver's Insurance Company

The other driver's insurance company may call you within hours of the accident. They sound friendly. They are not on your side. Their job is to close your claim for as little as possible. Do not give a recorded statement, do not accept any offer, and do not confirm anything about your injuries until you have spoken with an attorney.

You are not legally required to give a statement to the other driver's insurer. You can tell them you will follow up after consulting a lawyer.

Step 6: Notify Your Own Insurance Company

Most California auto insurance policies require you to report an accident promptly, usually within 24 to 72 hours. Report the basic facts: the date, location, and that you were in an accident. You can still decline to give a detailed recorded statement at this stage. Check your policy terms.

Step 7: See a Doctor Within 24 Hours

Go to an urgent care clinic or emergency room the same day or the next morning, even if you feel fine. Get every symptom on the record: neck pain, back pain, headache, dizziness, numbness, anything. A medical record from the day of or after the accident is the foundation of your injury claim.

If you do not have insurance or cannot afford a visit, a personal injury attorney can connect you with doctors who treat on a medical lien, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket until your case settles.

Step 8: Keep a Written Record Starting Now

Write down what you remember about the accident while it is fresh. Note every symptom you feel in the days after. Save all medical records, receipts, bills, and any communication with insurance companies. Keep a log of every day you missed work and every appointment you attended for your injuries. This documentation directly affects the value of your claim.

Step 9: Know Your Legal Deadline

In California, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1). If a government vehicle was involved, you have only 6 months to file a government claim. Miss that window and your case is almost certainly gone. Contact an attorney well before the deadline.

Step 10: Call a Car Accident Lawyer Before You Sign Anything

Insurance companies push for early settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you sign a release, you cannot go back, even if you need surgery later. A personal injury attorney reviews your case, handles all communication with insurers, and makes sure you understand what your case is actually worth before you agree to anything.

At Mendez & Sanchez APC, consultations are free. We work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.

What NOT to Do After a Car Accident

• Do not leave the scene before exchanging information and speaking to police
• Do not post about the accident on social media
• Do not accept the first settlement offer without consulting a lawyer
• Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer
• Do not skip doctor appointments or stop treatment early
• Do not wait days or weeks to see a doctor