Yes. California statutes require drivers involved in accidents to make available their driver’s license, insurance information, and other details. Drivers who don’t comply can face hundreds of dollars in fines.
After an accident on a California freeway or boulevard, you may wonder what the requirements are for the sharing and swapping of important information. Do you have to provide the other driver with your address? Does that careless driver have to provide you with information before driving away?
What Information Do I Have to Share After an Accident?
Drivers must provide information to anyone involved in the same car accident. Drivers might also have to provide details to a property owner whose property has been damaged.
California Vehicle Code § 16025 clearly details the motorist’s legal responsibility to provide information to other drivers.
“(a) Every driver involved in the accident shall, unless rendered incapable, exchange with any other driver or property owner involved in the accident and present at the scene, all of the following information:
(1) Driver’s name and current residence address, driver’s license number, vehicle identification number, and current residence address of registered owner.
(2) Evidence of financial responsibility, as specified in Section 16020. If the financial responsibility of a person is a form of insurance, then that person shall supply the name and address of the insurance company and the number of the insurance policy.”
In simpler terms, drivers must have this information ready to present to an investigating officer and another driver.
- Driver’s full name and current address
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle identification number
- Driver’s address
- Driver’s auto insurance provider name and number and the policy number
In some cases, the officer responding to the scene will be providing this information to you. But you are still within your right to ask for this information for your own personal records.
What’s The Penalty If I Refuse to Share Information After an Accident?
Drivers should comply by providing this information when it is asked of them. Motorists who withhold this important information can face a hefty fine.
CVC 16025 goes over the penalty for not turning over driver’s license and insurance details.
“(b) Any person failing to comply with all of the requirements of this section is guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250).”
Of course, anyone leaving the scene of an accident before being identified in any way could end up facing hit-and-run charges.
Finding Support for Victims After a California Accident
If you or a loved one are ever injured in an accident caused by a careless driver, make sure the at-fault driver’s insurance company is held fully accountable. Swap information with the other drivers involved and take photos of the accident scene and the damage to vehicles. You should also make sure an officer responds to the scene so that an accident report can also be used as evidence to show you weren’t to blame.
Talk to an experienced California personal injury lawyer about your case in a free consultation session before deciding on your next move. This case review comes with no obligation and if you decide we can help you earn more for your injury claim, you won’t need to have any money to hire us. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement check a car insurance company provides.
