What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in California: A Step-by-Step Guide

Nobody expects to be in a car accident, but with California's congested freeways and busy streets—including the 91, 605, and 5 freeways near Cerritos—accidents happen daily. How you respond in the critical moments and hours following an accident can significantly impact your safety, legal rights, and insurance claim outcome.

Whether you're involved in a minor fender-bender on South Street or a serious collision on the freeway, knowing exactly what to do can protect you physically, legally, and financially.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every step you should take immediately after a car accident in California.

Step 1: Ensure Safety First (Immediate Action)

Check for Injuries

Your first priority is safety—yours and others'.

Immediate actions:

• Check yourself for injuries (adrenaline can mask pain)

• Check on passengers in your vehicle

• Check on occupants of other vehicles involved

• Look for injured pedestrians or bystanders

If anyone is injured:

• Call 911 immediately

• Do not move injured persons unless they're in immediate danger (fire, traffic)

• Provide basic first aid only if you're trained

• Keep injured persons calm and still until help arrives

Even seemingly minor injuries should be evaluated by medical professionals. Some serious injuries (concussions, internal bleeding, spinal damage) may not be immediately apparent.

Move to Safety if Possible

California law requires you to move vehicles out of traffic if:

• The accident only involves property damage (no injuries)

• Vehicles are drivable

• Moving them is safe

How to move to safety:

• Turn on hazard lights immediately

• If on a freeway, move to the shoulder if possible

• If on surface streets, move to a parking lot or side street

• If vehicles can't be moved, stay inside with seatbelts on until help arrives (unless fire or other danger)

Why this matters:

• Prevents secondary accidents

• Keeps traffic flowing

• Protects you from further injury

• California Vehicle Code Section 20002 requires it

If you can't move your vehicle:

• Turn on hazard lights

• Set up flares or warning triangles if you have them (keep 200+ feet from vehicle)

• Stay in your vehicle with seatbelt on unless danger requires you to exit

• Call 911 and report that your disabled vehicle is blocking traffic

Step 2: Call the Police (Within Minutes)

When You Must Call Police

California law requires you to report accidents to police if:

• Anyone is injured

• Anyone is killed

• Property damage appears to exceed $1,000 (which is nearly every accident)

Practical advice: Call police for virtually every accident, even minor ones. Here's why:

Police reports provide:

• Official documentation of the accident

• Neutral third-party account of what happened

• Citation of at-fault party (if applicable)

• Critical evidence for insurance claims

• Legal protection if other party later changes their story

What to Tell the 911 Operator

Provide clear, essential information:

• Your exact location (cross streets, freeway mile marker, landmarks)

• Number of vehicles involved

• Whether anyone is injured

• Whether vehicles are blocking traffic

• Whether any vehicles are on fire or leaking fluids

Stay on the line until the operator says you can hang up. They may need additional information or provide important instructions.

What Police Will Do

Officers will:

• Document the scene with photos and measurements

• Interview all drivers and witnesses

• Determine if any traffic laws were violated

• Issue citations if appropriate

• Create an official accident report

• Provide report number to all parties

Get the report number from the officer before they leave. You'll need this for your insurance claim.

Step 3: Exchange Information with Other Drivers

Required Information to Collect

From every driver involved, obtain:

• Full name and contact information (phone, address)

• Driver's license number and state

• License plate number and state

• Vehicle make, model, year, and color

• Insurance company name

• Insurance policy number

• Insurance agent contact information (if available)

Also document:

• Date and time of accident

• Location (address or cross streets)

• Weather and road conditions

• Traffic conditions

• Approximate speed of vehicles

How to Exchange Information Safely

Best practices:

• Remain calm and courteous (even if the accident wasn't your fault)

• Never admit fault or apologize (even saying "I'm sorry" can be interpreted as admission of guilt)

• Stick to facts only—exchange information, don't discuss what happened

• Take photos of the other driver's license, registration, and insurance card

• Give your information freely—it's required by law

What NOT to say:

• "It was my fault"

• "I wasn't paying attention"

• "I'm sorry" (sounds like admission)

• Detailed explanations of what happened

• Anything about your insurance coverage limits

If the Other Driver Doesn't Have Insurance

Uninsured drivers are unfortunately common in California.

If you discover the other driver is uninsured:

• Still exchange all available information

• Absolutely make sure police are called

• Document everything thoroughly

• Notify your insurance company immediately

• Your uninsured motorist coverage may apply

Never accept cash payment on the spot in exchange for not reporting the accident. Hidden injuries or vehicle damage often appear later.

Step 4: Document the Accident Scene Thoroughly

Take Comprehensive Photos and Videos

Modern smartphones are invaluable accident documentation tools.

Photograph everything:

• All vehicles from multiple angles

• Damage to all vehicles (close-ups and wide shots)

• Vehicle positions in relation to each other

• Street signs, traffic signals, lane markings

• Skid marks, debris, or fluid spills

• Weather and lighting conditions

• Nearby businesses or landmarks

• All vehicles' license plates

• Intersection or location overview shots

Video the scene:

• Walk around recording the entire accident scene

• Narrate what you're seeing (date, time, location, conditions)

• Capture traffic signals and signage

• Show the overall area context

Why thorough documentation matters:

• Memories fade; photos don't

• Provides evidence if other party changes their story

• Helps insurance adjusters understand the accident

• Protects you legally

• May reveal details you didn't notice immediately

Gather Witness Information

Independent witnesses are extremely valuable.

If anyone witnessed the accident:

• Approach them politely and ask if they saw what happened

• Get their full name and contact information

• Ask if they'd be willing to provide a statement to police or insurance

• Record their account with your phone (with permission)

• Get their license plate if they're in a vehicle

Where to find witnesses:

• Other drivers who stopped

• Pedestrians

• Employees of nearby businesses

• Residents of nearby homes

• Passengers in other vehicles

Witnesses can corroborate your account and contradict the other driver's version if they later claim something different.

Document Your Own Injuries and Damage

Take photos of:

• Any visible injuries to you or passengers (bruises, cuts, swelling)

• Deployed airbags

• Interior damage

• Personal property damage inside vehicle

• Your injuries over the following days as bruising appears

Keep records of:

• All medical treatment

• Medical bills and receipts

• Prescription medications

• Days missed from work

• How injuries affect daily activities

Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company Immediately

Why Immediate Notification Matters

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible—ideally within 24 hours.

Why you should report quickly:

• Your policy requires prompt notification (delays can jeopardize coverage)

• Fresh memories provide more accurate information

• Allows your insurer to investigate while evidence is available

• Protects you if the other party files a claim

• Starts the claims process if you need repairs

Report even if:

• The accident seems minor

• You don't think it was your fault

• You don't plan to file a claim

• The other driver promises not to report it

Contact Your Agent First

Call Pinoy General Insurance Services before calling your carrier.

We can help you:

• Determine whether filing a claim makes sense

• Guide you through what information to provide

• Protect your interests during the claims process

• Liaison with the carrier on your behalf

• Answer questions about coverage and next steps

📞 Call us immediately after any accident: (562) 402 - 1737

What to Tell Your Insurance Company

Provide factual information:

• Date, time, and location of accident

• How the accident occurred (stick to facts)

• Other driver's information

• Witness information

• Police report number

• Description of damage

• Whether anyone was injured

What NOT to say:

• Don't speculate about injuries that may appear later

• Don't minimize damage (let adjusters assess)

• Don't admit fault even if you think you're responsible

• Don't agree to recorded statements without speaking to your agent first

Step 6: Seek Medical Attention

Get Checked Even if You Feel Fine

Many serious injuries don't show symptoms immediately.

Conditions that may not be apparent right away:

• Concussions and traumatic brain injury

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries

• Internal bleeding

• Spinal injuries

• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety)

Adrenaline masks pain and injury symptoms. What feels like minor soreness today could be a significant injury tomorrow.

Where to Seek Medical Care

Immediate severe injuries:

• Call 911 or have police call for ambulance

• Go to emergency room

Moderate injuries or pain:

• Visit urgent care within 24 hours

• See your primary care physician within 1-2 days

Delayed minor pain:

• See your doctor within a few days

• Don't wait more than a week

Why timing matters:

• Insurance companies may claim injuries are unrelated if you wait too long

• Early treatment prevents conditions from worsening

• Creates medical documentation linking injuries to accident

Document All Medical Treatment

Keep detailed records:

• All medical visits and treatments

• Doctor's notes and diagnoses

• Prescriptions and medications

• Medical bills and receipts

• Physical therapy appointments

• Time missed from work

• How injuries affect your daily life

This documentation is critical for insurance claims and potential legal action.

Learn more about auto insurance medical coverage →

Step 7: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

Your Legal Obligations Under California Law

California requires you to:

• Stop at the scene (leaving is hit-and-run, even for property damage)

• Call police if anyone is injured or property damage exceeds $1,000

• Exchange information with other drivers

• Report accident to DMV within 10 days if anyone is injured or damage exceeds $1,000 (form SR-1)

• Provide insurance information

Penalties for failing to comply:

• Criminal charges for hit-and-run

• License suspension

• Fines and penalties

• Civil liability

Your Rights After an Accident

You have the right to:

• Choose your own repair facility (insurance can't force you to use a specific shop)

• Receive fair compensation for damages

• Hire an attorney if needed

• Refuse recorded statements without legal advice

• Receive rental car coverage if your policy includes it

Insurance companies must:

• Investigate claims promptly

• Communicate clearly about coverage

• Make fair settlement offers

• Pay valid claims

• Follow California insurance regulations

Step 8: Handle the Claims Process

Working with Your Insurance Company

What happens next:

1. Claims adjuster is assigned to your case

2. Adjuster reviews police report and evidence

3. Adjuster inspects vehicle damage

4. Liability is determined

5. Settlement offer is made

6. Repairs are authorized or total loss settlement is processed

Timeline:

• Initial contact: within 24-48 hours

• Damage inspection: within 3-5 days

• Settlement offer: within 2-4 weeks (varies by complexity)

If the Other Driver Is At Fault

Two options for handling the claim:

Option 1: File through the other driver's insurance

• Pros: Your rates won't increase; no deductible

• Cons: Slower process; other insurer may dispute liability; you're not their customer (less priority)

Option 2: File through your own insurance (collision coverage)

• Pros: Faster repairs; rental car available; your insurer advocates for you; they subrogate (recover costs from at-fault party)

• Cons: You pay deductible initially (reimbursed if other party is found at-fault); potential rate impact

Your agent can advise which approach makes sense for your situation.

Common Claim Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Accepting first settlement offer without review

• Initial offers are often low

• Review with your agent before accepting

• You can negotiate

❌ Signing releases before repairs are complete

• Hidden damage may be discovered during repairs

• Medical issues may develop later

• Never sign away rights prematurely

❌ Providing recorded statements without preparation

• Statements can be used against you

• Speak with your agent first

• Have your documentation organized

❌ Posting about the accident on social media

• Insurance companies monitor social media

• Your posts can be used to dispute claims

• Keep accident details private

Special Situations and Considerations

Hit-and-Run Accidents

If the other driver flees:

• Call police immediately

• Try to note license plate, make, model, color, direction of travel

• Look for witnesses who saw the vehicle

• Check if nearby businesses have security cameras

• Your uninsured motorist coverage may apply

• Report to police and your insurance immediately

Accidents with Uber/Lyft or Commercial Vehicles

Rideshare and commercial accidents are more complex.

Additional considerations:

• Driver may have multiple insurance policies (personal, rideshare, commercial)

• Coverage depends on whether driver had active passenger

• Companies have legal teams

• Consider consulting attorney

• Document whether the driver was on duty

Accidents Involving Pedestrians or Cyclists

These accidents are serious and require extra care.

Special considerations:

• Pedestrians and cyclists are vulnerable road users (law favors them)

• Medical injuries are typically severe

• Liability is complex

• Legal representation is common

• Contact your agent immediately

After the Immediate Aftermath: Follow-Up Steps

Week 1-2 After the Accident

Action items:

• File DMV report (SR-1) if required

• Continue documenting injuries and treatment

• Keep all receipts related to the accident

• Stay in contact with your insurance adjuster

• Get vehicle damage assessed

• Arrange rental car if covered

• Follow up with medical appointments

Weeks 2-4

Action items:

• Review settlement offer with your agent

• Authorize repairs or accept total loss settlement

• Continue medical treatment

• Document ongoing effects of injuries

• Communicate regularly with all parties

Ongoing

Action items:

• Complete all vehicle repairs

• Finish medical treatment

• Keep organized file of all accident documentation

• Review your insurance coverage to ensure adequacy

• Consider increasing coverage if limits were inadequate

How to Prevent Future Accidents

Defensive Driving Practices

California's busy roads require constant vigilance:

• Maintain safe following distance (3+ seconds)

• Anticipate other drivers' actions

• Check blind spots before changing lanes

• Avoid distractions (phones, eating, etc.)

• Adjust for weather and traffic conditions

• Never drive impaired (alcohol, drugs, fatigue)

Safety Technology

Modern vehicles offer accident-prevention features:

• Automatic emergency braking

• Lane departure warnings

• Blind spot monitoring

• Adaptive cruise control

• Backup cameras and sensors

Consider these features when purchasing your next vehicle.

Insurance Protection

Ensure you have adequate coverage:

• Liability limits that protect your assets ($500,000+ recommended)

• Uninsured motorist coverage (essential in California)

• Collision and comprehensive for vehicle damage

• Medical payments coverage

• Rental reimbursement

Review your auto insurance coverage →

Get Expert Guidance After an Accident

Having a knowledgeable insurance agent on your side makes a huge difference when navigating the aftermath of an accident.

How Pinoy General Insurance Services helps after accidents:

✅ Immediate guidance – Call us first; we tell you exactly what to do
✅ Claims assistance – We help you file properly and completely
✅ Adjuster communication – We liaison with insurance companies on your behalf
✅ Settlement advocacy – We push for fair treatment and adequate settlements
✅ Coverage review – We ensure you have adequate protection to prevent this stress in the future

After any accident, call us immediately:

📞 Call us today: (562) 402 - 1737
📍 Visit our office: 17304 Norwalk Blvd, Cerritos, CA

We're here to help you through this stressful time.

Quick Reference: Accident Checklist

Print and keep this in your glove box:

Immediate Actions (First 5-10 Minutes):

• Check for injuries and call 911 if needed

• Move to safety if possible (hazard lights on)

• Call police

• Exchange information with other driver

• Take photos and videos of everything

• Get witness information

Within 24 Hours:

• Call Pinoy General Insurance Services

• Notify your insurance company

• Seek medical attention even if you feel fine

• Begin documenting expenses and impact

Within 10 Days:

• File DMV report (SR-1) if required

• Get vehicle damage assessed

• Continue medical treatment

• Organize all documentation

Ongoing:

• Communicate with insurance adjuster

• Keep detailed records of everything

• Review settlement offers with your agent

• Complete repairs and medical treatment

Related Articles:

• Complete Auto Insurance Guide for Cerritos Drivers

• The Difference Between Liability and Property Insurance

• Why Local Agents Save You More

Pinoy General Insurance Services is an independent insurance agency serving Cerritos drivers with comprehensive auto insurance and expert claims support. When accidents happen, we're here to guide you through every step. Contact us today to review your coverage and ensure you're properly protected.