On average, over one thousand car accidents occur in the state of California every day. Car accidents can come out of nowhere and can cause untold damage and distress. It can be difficult to understand the expansive set of laws that cover car accidents. One of the first questions you should ask yourself is: do I have to report a car accident to the DMV in California?
It is critical to know the steps to follow when one occurs so that you can protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property.
What to Do When an Accident Occurs
There are certain steps that must be taken when an accident occurs, no matter what. Try to move your vehicle off of the immediate road. The California Vehicle Code requires details such as the day and time of the crash, relevant information from all parties involved, and a general idea of the position of the crashed vehicles to be included in all reports.
With this in mind, try to get information from all parties involved in the accident. This can include date of birth, driver’s license number, address, license plate numbers, insurance policy number, and all corresponding expiration dates. Ideally, you should get this information for both the driver of the vehicle and its owner. Be sure to take pictures of any damage that occurred as a result of the accident, and try to draw a rough sketch of the vehicle’s position.
No matter the situation, be sure to be in contact with an experienced attorney. Our experienced Sacramento car accident attorneys at Ewing Law Group, PC, can help.
Who to Notify
In California, there are certain circumstances that dictate when and how a report must be made. According to California law, a report must be made when an accident results in:
- Property damage totaling $1000 or more
- Bodily injury
- Death
Under these circumstances, a report must be made to the California Highway Patrol within 24 hours of the accident. In addition to this, a report should be filed with the California DMV within 10 days of the event. This can be done by filing a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California Form (SR-1). This can be done by you, your insurance broker, or your legal representative.
Failing to Report an Accident
When an accident occurs, it is essential to protect yourself legally. The first step is to file the above-mentioned reports accurately and in a timely manner. In California, failing to report a car accident can have several consequences, including:
- Suspension of driving privileges
- A permanent report on your driving record
- Possible impacts on future insurance premiums
Should the accident involve injury or death, the consequence of failing to report it may be even more serious, leading to criminal prosecution. No matter the case, whether dealing with property damage or worse, it is always important to be in contact with an experienced attorney. Our lawyers can help deal with litigation related to car accidents.
Insurance Coverage
It is important to understand that even if you file an SR-1 form in accordance with regulations if you are uninsured at the time of the accident, penalties may be incurred. To avoid this, make sure you always have an active insurance policy which covers you for the minimum, which includes:
- Property damage caused by one accident up to $5,000
- Single death/injury up $15,000
- Death/injury for more than one person up to $30,000
Especially in cases of personal injury, it is essential to make sure you are protected. If you find that you have been involved in an accident where either you or another driver is uninsured/underinsured, Ewing Law Group, PC can help.
FAQs
Q: What Is a Reportable Accident in California?
A: Whether an accident is reportable depends on the extent of damage to property and injuries that have resulted from it. If there has been over $1000 of damage to a vehicle, or if the accident has led to the injury or death of an individual, the accident must be reported.
Q: What Happens if I Don’t Report an Accident to the DMV in California?
A: Failing to report an accident to the DMV in the state of California can have several consequences. These could include the suspension of driving privileges, a permanent report on your driving record, and future premiums on your insurance coverage. To make sure to avoid these consequences, always report traffic accidents to the DMV and California Highway Patrol.
Q: What Is the Time Frame in Which a Report Must Be Made?
A: There are two reports which must be made when an accident occurs in California, each with its own timetable. If you have been involved in a reportable accident, you must make a report to the California Highway Patrol within 24 hours of its occurrence and submit an SR-1 report to the DMV within 10 days of its occurrence.
Q: Should I File a Police Report for Minor Accidents in California?
A: In California, an accident is considered minor if the damage to a vehicle is less than $1000, and any injuries that occur are not serious (usually scratches or bruises.) While it is not required to file a police report, it is generally a good idea to do so, as insurance companies may request a police report as proof that an accident has occurred.
Contact Us Today
No matter the scale, a car accident and its effects can put us in distress. It is important to have experienced guidance to help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property following such an event. With over 20 years of experience dealing with car accidents and their litigation, the lawyers at Ewing Law Group, PC, can help you navigate the complexities of accident law.
Whether you need to make sure that you are following legal protocol, are entitled to compensation, or need a robust defense, Ewing Law Group, PC has been supporting victims of car accidents for years. Contact us today for a consultation and peace of mind.
