After a car accident: what California law requires

At the scene

1. Stop and help. Drivers involved in a collision must stop. When someone is hurt, drivers must provide reasonable help, which can include calling 911.
2. Exchange information. Drivers exchange names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, vehicle registration and insurance information.
3. Unattended property. Hitting a parked car or other unattended property requires leaving a written note with contact information, or finding the owner, and notifying police.
4. Document. People commonly photograph vehicles, the scene, and injuries, and write down witness contact information.

Reports

• Police: if a collision causes injury or death and no officer made a report at the scene, the driver generally must report it to the police or CHP within 24 hours.
• DMV (SR-1): a driver or their insurance agent, broker, or legal representative must file an SR-1 with the DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured (no matter how minor), anyone was killed, or property damage was over $1,000. This is required even if the driver was not at fault.

Insurance

Auto policies usually require prompt notice of an accident. See Auto insurance claims.