What to Do After a Car Accident in California: A Step-by-Step Guide
A car accident can happen in seconds, but the decisions you make in the minutes, days, and weeks after can shape your health, insurance claim, and ability to recover full compensation. This guide walks you through what to do, backed by California law and years of experience helping injured Sacramento-area residents pursue car accident claims.
If you have been injured and want to talk to a car accident lawyer now, call Hoybjerg Law at (916) 866-7461 for a free consultation.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your safety comes first. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries, then call 911 if anyone is hurt or if the crash caused significant property damage or a road hazard. California Vehicle Code §20008 requires drivers to report accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage.
Even if injuries seem minor, let paramedics evaluate everyone involved. Common car accident injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries don’t show symptoms right away and can worsen without early treatment.
Step 2: Move to a Safe Location
If your vehicle creates a hazard and it’s safe, move it to the shoulder or another secure spot away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and stay alert while waiting for law enforcement or emergency personnel.
Step 3: Contact the Police and Get a Report Number
California law requires drivers to report accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage (Cal. Veh. Code §20008). When officers arrive:
- Provide accurate, factual information
- Avoid admitting fault or speculating about how the crash happened
- Ask for the report number and the responding officer’s name and badge number
The police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence if you pursue a car accident claim, so make sure one is filed even for accidents that seem minor.
Step 4: Exchange Information
Collect the following from every driver involved:
- Full name and contact information
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, and license plate number
If there were witnesses, politely ask for their names and phone numbers. An independent witness statement can be strong evidence if the other driver later disputes what happened.
Step 5: Document the Scene
Evidence disappears quickly after a crash. Skid marks fade, debris gets cleared, and vehicles get towed. If you’re physically able, use your phone to photograph:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- The full accident scene, from multiple angles
- Skid marks, debris, and fluid leaks
- Traffic signals, signs, and lane markings
- Road and weather conditions
- Visible injuries
Also write down or voice-record the time, location, weather, and any details you remember while they are still fresh. Memory fades fast after a traumatic event.:
Step 6: Seek Medical Attention
See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you were seriously hurt. Adrenaline can mask pain, and many common accident injuries like soft tissue damage, neck and back injuries, concussions, and herniated discs may not become noticeable until hours or days later.
Prompt medical treatment protects your health and creates a documented, time-stamped record linking your injuries to the crash. Insurance companies often use treatment gaps to argue that an injury wasn’t serious or wasn’t caused by the accident.
Step 7: Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurer promptly as most policies require it. When you speak with any insurance adjuster, including your own:
- Stick to the facts; don’t guess or speculate
- Don’t minimize or exaggerate your injuries
- Keep a written record of every call, email, and letter
Step 8: Keep Records of Everything
Strong documentation is often what separates a fully compensated claim from an undervalued one. Save copies of:
- Medical records and bills
- Repair estimates and vehicle valuation
- Rental car and transportation expenses
- Pay stubs showing lost income
- Photos and videos from the scene and your recovery
- All correspondence with insurance companies
Step 9: Speak with a California Personal Injury Attorney
Not every accident requires legal representation. A minor fender-bender with no injuries and a cooperative insurer may resolve on its own. But you should strongly consider speaking with a California personal injury attorney if:
- You suffered any injury, even one that seems minor
- Liability (fault) is disputed
- The insurance company denied or delayed your claim
- The settlement offer seems too low
- Multiple vehicles were involved
- Your injuries require ongoing treatment or you’re unsure of the long-term impact
At Hoybjerg Law, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a car accident can be. Our team is committed to helping injured Californians understand their rights, navigate the claims process, and pursue the full compensation they deserve. We handle the legal complexities and negotiations with insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery.
Whether you’ve been injured in a minor collision or a serious crash, Hoybjerg Law can explain your options, protect your rights, and advocate for your best interests every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?
California has deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, for filing personal injury lawsuits. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from recovering compensation, so it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
What compensation can I recover after a car accident?
Depending on your case, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Every case is unique, and the amount available depends on the specific facts of your accident.
Do I need a police report to file a car accident claim?
While not always legally required for minor accidents, a police report creates an official, timestamped record of the crash and is one of the strongest pieces of evidence in a claim. It’s strongly recommended any time there’s an injury, significant damage, or disputed fault.
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
Most personal injury attorneys, including Hoybjerg Law, work on a contingency fee basis — meaning there’s no upfront cost, and the attorney only gets paid a percentage of your settlement or verdict if you win your case.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
California requires drivers to carry liability insurance, but uninsured and underinsured drivers are still common. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy, you may be able to file a claim through your own insurer. An attorney can help you evaluate this option.
We’re Here to Help After a Car Accident
Recovering from a car accident is overwhelming, especially while you’re managing injuries, medical bills, missed work, and insurance company phone calls. At Hoybjerg Law, we help injured people throughout Sacramento, Rocklin, Roseville, Marysville, and the surrounding area understand their legal options and pursue the full compensation they deserve.
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident because of someone else’s negligence, our team is ready to answer your questions and guide you through every step of the legal process.
Contact Hoybjerg Law today to schedule a free consultation!