What must I do after a car accident under California law?

What the Law Says

California law imposes clear duties on drivers involved in collisions — whether minor or serious. Failure to comply can result in fines, license suspension, or criminal charges.

You must stop your vehicle immediately at the scene of any accident involving another vehicle, person, or property — even if you believe you’re not at fault. Leaving the scene without fulfilling legal obligations may constitute a hit-and-run under Vehicle Code §20002.

You must provide your name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number to anyone injured or to the driver/owner of any damaged vehicle. If someone is injured or unconscious, you must also provide reasonable assistance — including calling 911.

If the accident causes injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000, you must notify law enforcement 'as soon as possible' — and in no case later than 24 hours after the collision (CVC §20008). You must also file an SR-1 form with the California DMV within 10 days if the crash meets those thresholds (CVC §16000).

Statutory Text

The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene…

— Vehicle Code §20003 — Duty to stop and give information

Statutory Text

The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to property… shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene…

— Vehicle Code §20004 — Duty to stop: property damage only

Statutory Text

Every driver involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to any person or in damage to the property of any person… shall, within 10 days… make a written report… to the department.

— Vehicle Code §16000 — Report to DMV

What to Do

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