What to do right after a car accident in California
The first hour after an accident decides how smoothly the claim and the repair go. This checklist covers what to do at the scene and in the next few days.
Magic Auto Center team
1. Make sure everyone is safe
Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. If the cars can move and it is safe, move them out of traffic and turn on the hazard lights.
2. Take photos before anything moves further
- All four sides of every vehicle involved
- Close-ups of the damage
- License plates
- The position of the cars, lane markings and traffic signs
- The other driver's license and insurance card
3. Exchange information
California requires drivers to exchange name, address, driver's license number, vehicle registration and insurance information. Get the names and phone numbers of witnesses if there are any.
4. Report it
Call the police if there are injuries or a dispute about what happened. In California you must also report an accident to the DMV within 10 days (form SR-1) if anyone was injured or property damage is over $1,000. Report the accident to your insurer and get a claim number.
5. If the car cannot be driven
Tell the tow truck driver where you want the car taken. You can have it towed straight to a repair shop instead of a storage yard, which avoids daily storage fees. Our address is 3500 Westminster Ave, Ste D-E, Santa Ana, CA 92703.
6. Choose the repair shop
The insurer may recommend a shop, but under California Insurance Code 758.5 the choice is yours. Send us photos and we will give you a preliminary estimate and explain the next steps with your insurer.
Photo estimate in 3 steps
Photos, vehicle, phone. We reply during business hours, usually within 1-2 hours.
- Free and no obligation
- Works for insurance claims and for paying yourself
- The final estimate is confirmed after we see the car