Car accidents happen in California every day — from freeways like the I-215 and I-10 to local streets in Hemet, Riverside, and beyond. Even a seemingly minor collision can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure of what to do next. The steps you take in the minutes, days, and weeks following a crash can make a huge difference not only for your health, but also for protecting your right to full compensation.
This guide breaks down exactly what to do after a car accident in California, whether you’re dealing with a fender-bender or a serious collision.
1. Ensure Safety First
Your safety and the safety of others comes first. If the vehicles are blocking traffic and it’s safe to move them, California law allows you to pull to the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Check yourself and passengers for injuries. Even if you feel “okay” in the moment, adrenaline can mask pain. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
If it’s not safe to exit the vehicle — for example, on a busy freeway — remain inside with your seatbelt on until emergency personnel arrive.
2. Call Law Enforcement
Under California Vehicle Code §20008, accidents that result in injury or death must be reported to law enforcement within 24 hours. In practice, this usually means calling the police or highway patrol to the scene.
The responding officer will prepare a Traffic Collision Report (TCR), which documents:
- The drivers and vehicles involved
- Witness statements
- Road and weather conditions
- Diagrams of the scene
- The officer’s assessment of fault
This report is often the most important piece of evidence when pursuing an insurance claim or lawsuit. Without it, liability can turn into a “he said, she said” battle.
3. Seek Medical Attention
Many people try to “tough it out” after a crash, only to realize days later that they’re dealing with whiplash, a concussion, or a herniated disc. Delayed symptoms are extremely common.
Getting checked out at the ER, urgent care, or your primary care doctor right away serves two critical purposes:
- It protects your health by catching hidden injuries early.
- It creates medical documentation that links your injuries to the accident, which is crucial for your claim.
Follow-up care is just as important. Whether you see a chiropractor, orthopedist, or physical therapist, keeping consistent treatment records strengthens your case.
4. Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you’re able, collect as much information as possible before leaving the scene. Useful evidence includes:
- Photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and injuries
- The other driver’s license, insurance card, and plate number
- Names and contact info of witnesses
- Notes about road conditions, weather, or unusual driver behavior
This evidence can fade or disappear within hours, so documenting it on the spot helps your attorney build a stronger claim later.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Most insurance policies require prompt reporting after an accident. When you call, keep your statement short and factual: date, time, location, vehicles involved, and injuries.
Be careful not to speculate or accept fault. And remember — you do not need to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without first speaking to an attorney. Insurers often use these statements to minimize or deny claims.
6. Understand California Fault Laws
California uses a system called pure comparative negligence. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages — but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example:
- Total damages = $100,000
- You are found 20% at fault
- Your recovery = $80,000
Insurance companies know this rule well, and they often try to shift more blame onto injured drivers to reduce payouts. An experienced attorney can push back against unfair fault assessments.
7. Track Medical Treatment and Expenses
From the very first ER bill to follow-up appointments and prescriptions, keep copies of everything. Detailed documentation includes:
- Medical bills and receipts
- Prescription costs
- Mileage logs for medical visits
- Time missed from work
These records prove the economic damages you’ve suffered. Your attorney may also coordinate with providers to handle liens, meaning bills are deferred until the case resolves.
8. Avoid Common Mistakes After an Accident
Many people unintentionally hurt their case by making simple mistakes. Some of the most common include:
- Delaying medical treatment: insurers argue your injuries weren’t serious.
- Posting on social media: photos or comments can be used against you.
- Accepting a quick settlement: once you sign, you cannot go back for more, even if your injuries worsen.
The rule of thumb: when in doubt, talk to your attorney before taking action.
9. When to Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Not every fender-bender requires a lawyer. But if you suffered injuries, missed work, or are facing expensive medical treatment, having legal representation can make a big difference.
An attorney will:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence
- Handle communications with insurance companies
- Negotiate medical liens
- File a lawsuit if necessary
- Position your case for the highest possible settlement or verdict
Most California personal injury attorneys, including our office, work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing upfront, and the attorney is only paid if you win.
10. Timeline of a California Car Accident Claim
One of the most common questions clients ask is: “How long will this take?”
The answer depends on your medical treatment and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate fairly. In general:
- Medical treatment comes first
- Once you reach maximum medical improvement, your attorney sends a settlement demand
- If the insurer makes a fair offer, the case can settle within months
- If not, litigation may be necessary, which can extend the timeline to a year or more
Keep in mind the statute of limitations: in California, you generally have two years from the accident to file a lawsuit, or six months if a government entity is involved.
Conclusion: Protect Your Health and Your Rights
The moments after a car accident are overwhelming, but the steps you take can protect both your health and your financial recovery. Remember to:
- Get to safety and call 911
- Seek medical treatment
- Document the scene and your injuries
- Be cautious with insurance companies
- Contact a qualified attorney if injuries are involved
At the Law Offices of William R. Van Order, P.C., we’ve helped countless Californians navigate the aftermath of car accidents and secure the compensation they deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, call us today for a free consultation. We’ll guide you every step of the way.