Daniel Carter | February 27, 2025 | Car Accidents near Fresno, CA
No one gets behind the wheel and assumes they’re going to get into a car accident. However, if you are involved in a crash, there’s a strong possibility that you’ll need to report it.
Reporting your car accident helps you stay on the right side of the law, but it also protects your right to file a car accident lawsuit and recover the compensation you deserve. Here’s a quick look at the ins and outs of reporting a car accident in California.
Do I Have To Report A Car Accident?
If you’re in a very minor fender-bender, you might not have to make a report. California requires you to report a car accident if it involves one (or more) of the following:
- Injury
- Death
- Property damage over $1,000
When the accident involves injury or death, you have 24 hours to report it to police or highway patrol. If the accident involved injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage, you must also report it to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days.
How And Where Can I Make A Report?
In most cases, you can report accidents to your local police department either in person or over the phone. You may alternatively be able to make a report online. If you’re reporting an accident to the DMV, you can use the online Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California SR-1 form.
What Happens If I Don’t Report An Accident In Time?
If you fail to properly report a car accident, you could face legal or financial issues. While the exact consequences depend on the circumstances of the crash and your failure to report it, they might include the following:
- Inability to recover compensation for property damage
- Inability to recover compensation for your injuries
- Loss or suspension of your driver’s license
- Fines
- Jail time
Penalties will likely be more severe if you deliberately avoid reporting to evade responsibility. For instance, if you hit and injured a pedestrian, fled the scene, and didn’t make a report, you’d likely face criminal penalties. If you were severely injured and had to immediately go to the hospital for life-saving surgery, you might not be penalized at all.
When Should I Report An Accident To My Insurance?
Your individual insurance policy will likely have specific guidelines on when you need to report a car accident. Generally speaking, you should report sooner rather than later.
However, it’s almost always a good idea to speak to a car accident attorney before making a report. Car insurance agents might try to make it seem like they’re on your side, but the unfortunate truth is that insurance companies are in business for profits. Many insurers will distort what you say to try to “prove” you were at fault and deny your claim.
A car accident lawyer can discuss your situation with you and offer guidance. In many cases, a lawyer who takes your case will directly communicate with insurance companies for you. That way, you don’t have to worry about accidentally sabotaging your claim.
Car Accident Reporting: Do You Know What To Do?
The best time to familiarize yourself with reporting requirements is before you need to use them. It can be challenging to think straight if you’ve just been in a car accident, but the steps you take in the immediate aftermath can have a lasting impact on your ability to recover compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Fresno, CA
Carter Law Group
2445 Capitol St #105, Fresno, CA 93721, United States
(559) 485-1212
