After a serious accident in California, drivers have up to 10 days to alert the DMV about what happened.
(a) The driver of a motor vehicle who is in any manner involved in an accident originating from the operation of the motor vehicle on a street or highway, or is involved in a reportable off-highway accident, as defined in Section 16000.1, that has resulted in damage to the property of any one person in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000), or in bodily injury, or in the death of any person shall report the accident, within 10 days after the accident, either personally or through an insurance agent, broker, or legal representative, on a form approved by the department, to the office of the department at Sacramento, subject to this chapter…
When You Must Notify
When you are in an accident, two things determine if you’ll need to report it to the California DMV. The amount of damage to vehicles and the injuries involved.
You must file an SR-1 report within 10 days of your crash if these two factors are true:
- If the car damage, along with other property damage, totals at least $1000 in damage to one person.
- If anyone is injured in the accident, even just a minor injury.
There are a few other important things to know about the SR-1 report and accident reporting.
- The police officer or CHP officer investigating your case does not file the SR-1 report.
- You must file even if you weren’t at fault in the accident.
- All drivers involved must file an SR-1 report separately.
- The officer responding to your scene doesn’t file the SR-1 report.
- If you turn your case over to a skilled car accident lawyer soon enough, your lawyer can file this report for you.
- In some cases, your insurance agent will fill out an SR-1 form. You must ask them if they have or are going to.
How to Fill Out an SR-1 Form After an Accident
The Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR-1) form is available online. It can be filled out on your computer, or it can be printed out and completed.
The SR-1 can also be picked up at any DMV field office or CHP office.
The California DMV provides further instructions on its website.
Having this information when you’re ready to file will help:
- Your driver’s license or identification (DL/ID) card
- Your vehicle’s license plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Your vehicle’s insurance information
- Other party’s vehicle and insurance information, if applicable
If you do fill out a paper copy, it can be mailed here:
Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 942884
Sacramento, CA 94284-0884
The Consequences of Not Notifying the DMV
Drivers who don’t comply with the SR-1 report requirement can have their driving privileges suspended. The suspension can last until the report is filed or until the drivers all prove they have car insurance to cover the damages and injuries.
Another reason to file is so you can file a claim for your car damage or an injury claim if you’ve been hurt. You will have trouble filing a lawsuit against an at-fault driver’s insurance provider if you don’t have an SR-1 completed.
When You Might Need a Lawyer for Your Car Accident Case
If your accident involves a serious injury or the tragic death of a loved one, it’s a good idea to have an experienced lawyer on your side.
With cases involving more damages and hardships, the expenses will be higher. It means the car insurance companies will fight harder to avoid blame. You’ll need more evidence to prove who was at fault, and stronger negotiating skills to reach a settlement that covers all of your bills. A skilled California Car Accident Lawyer can help you with every step.
Maison Law of California offers a free, no-obligation case consultation for all injured California accident victims.
No Upfront Charges. If you do need our help, there are also no upfront charges. In fact, we aren’t paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the check the insurance company must write for you.
