Do I Have To File a Police Report for a Car Accident In California?

You have to file a police report for a car accident in California if there are any injuries or fatalities if the property damage from the accident exceeds $1000, or if it was a hit-and-run. When law enforcement doesn’t come to the scene of the accident, you have to file a California Highway Patrol (CHP) report or with local police.  

California Law: Most Traffic Collisions Should Be Reported

You should file a police report after any high-speed collision or car accident in California because it’s an official record that may be needed for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Details like the time, location, property damage, and witness statements are included and might help establish liability. Filing a police report can strengthen your case when dealing with insurance companies and be valuable evidence if a dispute arises regarding fault or compensation.

How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident to the Police?

Reporting a collision to the DMV in California should be done within 10 days. Failing to report it can result in fines, a suspended driver’s license, and possible additional penalties.

How to File a Police Report for a Car Accident in California

The severity of the accident determines whether a car accident police report should be filed in California. If anyone is injured or the accident creates a road hazard, call 911 immediately so emergency responders can help. If there aren’t any injuries and police don’t come to the scene, report the accident to local police or contact the California Highway Patrol (CHP) on their non-emergency phone number. If law enforcement doesn’t file a police report, submit a traffic report to them on Form CHP 555. 

Reporting a traffic accident to police requires that the report be filed within 10 days to the California DMV, if the property damages exceed $1000 or if anyone was injured or killed. Complete form SR-1, which is located on the DMV website. If a police officer filed the car crash police report, you can request a copy of it. There might be a processing fee, and it may take a while to receive the report. 

What are the most common causes of car accidents in California?

The most common causes of car accidents include:

Distracted Driving: May include texting, using a phone, or eating while driving.

Speeding: Driving above the speed limit reduces reaction time. 

Drunk Driving: Impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times.

Tailgating: Following too closely can lead to rear-end collisions.

Road Rage: Aggressive driving behavior, like tailgating, cutting off other vehicles, and confrontations, can lead to accidents.

Weather Conditions: Poor weather can make roads slippery and reduce visibility.

Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Failing to obey traffic signals can result in dangerous collisions.

Inexperienced Drivers: Teens and new drivers may lack the skills and judgment to handle complex driving situations.

What happens if I don’t report a car accident?

Not reporting a traffic accident to police in California could  cause you to face legal and financial consequences, including:

• Driver’s License Suspension: Failing to report an accident to the California DMV can result in a driver’s license suspension.
• Fines and Penalties:  Not reporting a crash that involves injuries, fatalities, or damages over $1,000 can lead to fines and legal consequences.
• Criminal Charges: If the accident involved a hit-and-run, failing to report could result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on its severity.
• Insurance Issues: Your insurance company may deny claims if the accident wasn’t properly reported, potentially leaving you financially responsible for damages.
• Liability: If injuries or property damage worsen over time and you didn’t file a report, you could face a civil lawsuit if the accident wasn’t properly reported. 

To avoid penalties, always report accidents involving injuries, major damage, or legal violations to the California police, CHP, and the DMV within the required time period.

How A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

A Los Angeles car accident lawyer with experience can protect your rights after a car accident. If you’ve suffered injuries, one of our lawyers at Novik Law Group can assess your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering and pursue maximum compensation. We can navigate complex insurance claims and negotiate settlements and disputes if the insurance company tries to minimize your payout. We can also guide you through California’s comparative negligence laws, which could impact your compensation if you’re found partially at fault. Our attorneys have won millions of dollars of compensation for our clients like you. Allow us to review the details of your case during a free consultation. You don’t pay anything until we win your case. Call us today at Novik Law Group to set up an appointment.