Filing a police report can help you hold an at-fault driver accountable for any injuries you suffer and car damage. In certain situations, reporting is also the law. California statutes require you to alert local law enforcement and the DMV of a collision.
Knowing when you must file a car accident report can keep you out of legal hot water and protect you when it comes time to file an insurance claim.
Reporting a California Car Accident to the Police
Local police officers or the California Highway Patrol will usually be the first on the scene of accidents. But in some instances, especially during periods of high traffic and crash incidents, an officer may not make it to the scene of your accident. Under these circumstances, the drivers involved could be required to report the impact.
A California Vehicle Code CVC 20008(a) alerts drivers that they must notify local police or the California Highway Patrol (CHP) about a traffic accident if these factors are true:
- If the accident involves an injury or a fatality
- No officer was on the scene or the officer on the scene instructed you to file the report yourself
If someone is hurt, even in a minor collision, drivers have up to 24 hours to file this report. It’s the law, but it’s also an important safeguard for accident victims. Alerting law enforcement about a crash creates an official record of what happened. This record is helpful proof when the victim needs to hold an at-fault driver responsible for medical bills and car repair costs.
The at-fault driver’s insurance company will be trying to raise doubt about the wreck and may even try to blame you for what happened. A police report can serve as evidence in your favor. This report could also provide help if you are the victim of a hit-and-run driver. Notifying the police could be the only chance of finding the person responsible and holding them legally and financially responsible.
You can report an accident to the California Highway Patrol by calling this number, 1-800-TELL-CHP (1-800-835-5247). If your accident occurred on a city street, you’ll need to call your local police station to report what happened. If you report your crash to the wrong department, the department is supposed to forward your report to the correct agency.
Reporting your Car Accident to the California DMV
Another report you could be required to file might also help you protect yourself when it comes time to file an insurance claim. You must report most accidents, except for very minor incidents, to the California DMV within 10 days. You’ll do this by filling out something called an SR-1 Form.
You must file if…
- The vehicle damage totals $1,000 or more for at least one driver.
- If someone suffers injuries, even minor injuries.
The Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR-1) form is available online.
This may seem like a process to avoid, but it can create another record of what happened to you. What’s more, if you don’t meet the requirements the state could suspend your license.
It’s also a requirement if you intend to seek damages from the at-fault driver’s car insurance provider. You won’t be able to file if there’s no SR-1 form on record.
Visit our page with instructions on filling out an SR-1 form for more information.
Report Your Accident to Stay Out of Trouble and to Strengthen Your Accident Claim
You may have plenty to worry about after a serious accident. While dealing with the pain from an injury, reporting your collision to the local police may be the last thing you want to deal with.
But that document could be a valuable piece of evidence as you recover and turn your attention to holding an at-fault driver liable.
If you feel you are being blamed for an accident you didn’t cause, you can contact a California car accident lawyer and schedule a free case consultation. It’s a no-obligation way to learn about how to fight back. It’s also a chance to learn about how having a lawyer handle your injury claim could help you secure more for your recovery.
