After a serious crash, three things matter most: get medical care, document what you can, and be careful what you say to insurers. Here is a plain-language walkthrough of each step.
1. Health first — call 911 and get examined
If anyone may be injured, call 911. Accept evaluation at the scene and follow up with a doctor promptly — adrenaline masks symptoms, and some serious injuries (including head and soft-tissue injuries) appear hours or days later. Prompt treatment protects your health first, and it also creates the medical record that any later claim depends on.
2. Document the scene if you safely can
- Photograph vehicles, positions, damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange names, contact, license, and insurance information with the other driver.
- Get contact information for witnesses.
- Ask responding officers how to obtain the police report number.
3. Report the crash
California law requires reporting accidents involving injury or death to law enforcement, and crashes involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 must be reported to the DMV within 10 days (Vehicle Code §16000, the SR-1 report). Your own insurer also requires prompt notice under most policies.
4. Be careful with insurance conversations
You are generally not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Early recorded statements — given before the full extent of injuries is known — are a common way valid claims get undermined. It is reasonable to decline politely until you understand your rights.
5. Keep everything
Medical bills and records, repair estimates, receipts, a symptom journal, and time missed from work. A well-documented claim is a stronger claim.
6. Know your deadlines
Most California injury claims must be filed within two years (Code of Civil Procedure §335.1) — and claims involving government vehicles or roadways can require action within six months. If your injuries are serious, having your situation reviewed early costs nothing and protects your options.
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