Hi, my name is David Gammill — injury lawyer.
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Here’s exactly what to do after a crash in California:
| Step | What to Do | When |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Stay Safe & Report | Call 911, move to safety if possible | Immediately |
| 2. Record Everything | Take photos, get witness info | Within 30 minutes |
| 3. Share Information | Exchange driver/insurance details | At the scene |
| 4. Get Medical Help | See a doctor even if you feel fine | Within 24 hours |
| 5. Handle Insurance | Contact your insurance company | Within 24 hours |
Must-do legal requirements:
Quick facts about CA accidents:
Warning: Don’t say "sorry" or admit fault – it can wreck your insurance claim. Get medical help right away, even without pain. Hidden injuries often show up days later.
Need a lawyer? Get one if:
Remember: You have 2 years to file injury claims, but only 10 days to report $1,000+ damage to DMV.
Here’s what to do right after a crash:
First, hit those hazard lights. If your car works and everyone’s OK, move to:
If you can’t move safely:
"DO NOT leave the scene of the accident, it could turn the collision into a hit-and-run scene and you could be charged with a felony." – Corrales Law Group
Start with yourself, then check others:
| Check For | Action Steps |
|---|---|
| Movement | Don’t move people with neck/back pain |
| Consciousness | Keep talking to injured people |
| Bleeding | Apply pressure if safe |
| Breathing | Watch closely until help comes |
Pick up that phone if:
The law requires specific actions:
| What to Do | When | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Police Report | Injuries/deaths | 24 hours |
| DMV Form SR-1 | Damage over $1,000 | 10 days |
| Call Insurance | All crashes | Right away |
Skip these steps? You might face:
Get a police report – either at the scene or at the station. With 30% of crashes causing injuries, this step isn’t optional.
Your phone is your #1 tool after a crash. Here’s what you need to do:
Grab these shots ASAP:
| What to Photograph | Details to Include |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Damage | 3 angles: close (5 feet), middle (15 feet), far (20+ feet) |
| Crash Scene | Street signs, traffic lights, skid marks |
| Road Setup | Weather, light level, stuff on the road |
| Inside Damage | Airbags, seat belts, glass pieces |
| License Plates | Every car in the crash |
| Insurance Info | Other driver’s cards |
"Witness statements help piece together what happened – from how fast cars were going to what the traffic was like and even the weather." – Alexander Drew Napolin, Accident Injury Lawyer in California
Find people who watched it happen:
| What to Get | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Phone & Name | To reach them later |
| Where They Stood | Shows what they saw |
| Quick Notes | Details are fresh now |
| Backup way to contact |
"Outside witnesses make your case stronger because they back up your story without taking sides." – Hanning & Sacchetto
Get these facts on paper NOW:
Can’t write? Record a voice memo instead. Don’t wait – you’ll forget details fast, and you’ll need them for insurance and lawyers.
Key point: Send photos and witness details to your insurance within 24 hours. Keep backup copies of everything.
Here’s what you need to share with other drivers after a crash in California. The law is specific about this.
The California Vehicle Code § 16025 says you must share these details:
| Required Information | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Driver Details | Full name, current address, phone number |
| License Info | Driver’s license number, state of issue |
| Vehicle Info | Make, model, year, license plate number |
| Insurance Details | Company name, policy number, phone number |
| Owner Info | Name and address (if different from driver) |
You have 10 days to send Form SR-1 to the DMV if damages top $1,000 or anyone’s hurt.
Here’s the thing about talking after a crash:
| Do This | Don’t Do This |
|---|---|
| State facts only | Say "I’m sorry" |
| Share required info | Discuss who’s at fault |
| Note injuries exist | Detail injury specifics |
| Take photos of docs | Sign any statements |
| Ask for witness info | Make promises to pay |
"If you admit blame, even a small portion, for an accident, you provide grounds for the insurer to deny your claim." – Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers
If the other driver won’t share their info:
Pro tip: Most insurance apps now let you store your ID info and collect evidence right there.
Can’t gather info because you’re hurt? Get medical help first. You can always get the details from the police report later.
Your body might not signal injuries right after a crash. Here’s what medical experts say about post-accident care.
Most crash injuries don’t show up right away. Look for these signs:
| Type of Injury | Warning Signs | Time to Appear |
|---|---|---|
| Whiplash | Neck pain, stiffness, headaches | 24-72 hours |
| Brain Injury | Headaches, memory issues, confusion | Up to 2 weeks |
| Internal Damage | Bruising, swelling, pain | 1-3 days |
| Soft Tissue | Limited movement, soreness | 24-48 hours |
| Knee Problems | Swelling, clicking sounds, pain | 1-7 days |
"Get checked by a doctor within 48 hours of your accident. It protects both your health and your right to compensation." – Mark C. Blane, Attorney
Don’t wait for pain to kick in. See a doctor within 72 hours – even if you feel OK.
Your medical files = your proof for claims. Here’s what to save:
| Document Type | What to Keep | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Reports | Initial exam notes | Shows first problems |
| Test Results | X-rays, MRIs, CT scans | Documents injuries |
| Bills | All medical costs | Shows what you paid |
| Treatment Plan | Care instructions | Lists needed care |
| Prescriptions | Medicine records | Links meds to crash |
Get copies of EVERYTHING:
"See a doctor after a car accident – injured or not." – Ben Crump Law
Get help NOW if you have:
Keep paying your medical bills through health insurance while waiting for any settlement money.
You need to contact your insurance company within 24 hours. Here’s what happens:
| Timeline | Insurance Company Action | Your Required Response |
|---|---|---|
| 15 days | Must acknowledge claim | Keep claim number |
| 40 days | Complete investigation | Provide requested docs |
| 30 days | Pay approved settlement | Accept or dispute offer |
You’ll need these documents:
In California, fault works like a percentage system. The more you’re at fault, the less money you get:
| Your Fault % | What It Means | Impact on Payment |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | Other driver caused it all | You get 100% |
| 25% | You played a small part | You get 75% |
| 50% | Both equally responsible | You get 50% |
| 75% | You caused most of it | You get 25% |
You NEED a lawyer if:
| Situation | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Bad injuries | Big medical bills |
| Insurance says no | Won’t pay your claim |
| Multiple cars involved | Hard to sort out who pays |
| Long delays | No answer after 40 days |
| Hit by government car | Different rules apply |
Don’t wait too long:
David Gammill’s team offers:
Important: Send your SR-1 to the DMV within 10 days if:
Here’s what you need to know after a car accident in California:
| Don’t Do This | Here’s Why | What Can Happen |
|---|---|---|
| Leave the scene | It’s against the law | You’ll face fines and jail |
| Post on social media | Your posts can backfire | Insurance might say no |
| Give recorded statements | They’ll use it against you | You’ll get less money |
| Take fast settlements | They’re usually too small | Won’t cover all your costs |
| Skip the doctor | Hidden injuries get worse | Insurance won’t pay later |
| Do This | When | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Call police | Now | Get an official report |
| Take photos | First 30 mins | Get damage and info |
| Visit doctor | Within 24 hrs | Even without pain |
| Contact insurance | Within 24 hrs | Just basic facts |
| Submit SR-1 | Within 10 days | If damage > $1,000 |
"Don’t admit fault after a car accident. Don’t say sorry or hint that you might be responsible for what happened." – Samuel Dordulian, founder
Keep these records:
"If you wait to see a doctor, insurance companies will say you weren’t hurt badly." – Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas
Insurance companies might try to:
"What you do right after the crash affects your insurance money and legal case." – Vaziri Law
Insurance will call fast – within 2 days. Tell them you’ll call back. Get a lawyer if:
| Service | Number | When to Call |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency (Police/Fire/Medical) | 911 | Injuries, blocked traffic, drunk drivers |
| CHP (Highway Patrol) | (909) 383-4631 | Highway accidents, hit-and-runs |
| County Fire | (951) 940-6900 | Fire hazards, fuel spills |
| EMS | (951) 358-5029 | Medical transport questions |
| Non-Emergency Police | (760) 836-3215 | Minor accidents, reports |
| Public Works | (951) 657-3280 | Road damage, traffic signals |
Here’s what you NEED to tell 911:
| Law | What to Do | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| CVC § 20008 | Tell police about injuries/deaths | 24 hours |
| CVC § 16000 | Report $1,000+ damage to DMV | 10 days |
| SR-1 Form | Submit accident info to DMV | 10 days |
| Company | 24/7 Claims Line |
|---|---|
| AAA | 800-924-6141 |
| Allstate | 800-255-7818 |
| Farmers | 800-327-6377 |
| Geico | 800-861-8380 |
| Progressive | 800-888-7764 |
| State Farm | 800-732-5246 |
DMV Report Steps:
"If an accident results in injury or death, the driver must report it and file a written report to the CHP or local police within 24 hours." – California Vehicle Code § 20008
Take action now: Add these numbers to your phone and put a printed copy in your glove box. It’s the kind of preparation you’ll be glad you did.
Here’s what to do after a car accident:
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Call 911 | Get to safety, check for injuries | Prevents further harm, gets help fast |
| 2. Take Photos | Snap everything at the scene | Proves what happened |
| 3. Share Info | Get other driver’s details | Makes claims easier |
| 4. See Doctor | Get checked out ASAP | Catches hidden injuries |
| 5. File Reports | Submit DMV forms | Follows state laws |
When You Need a Lawyer:
"Insurance companies want you to settle fast and cheap. That’s how they make money." – M&Y Law
Do These Things:
Free Help:
"After ANY car crash, call the police right away." – Kenneth M. Sigelman, Personal Injury Expert
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Hi, my name is David Gammill — injury lawyer.