If you get involved in a car accident in Sacramento or anywhere else in California, you have a legal obligation to report it to the correct authorities within a certain amount of time. State law requires prompt crash reporting in most situations. Failing to make a timely report to law enforcement and to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can have consequences.
Within 24 Hours: Police Report
Motor vehicle drivers have 24 hours to report serious automobile accidents to law enforcement in California. California Vehicle Code (CVC) §20008(a) states: “The driver of a vehicle, other than a common carrier vehicle, involved in any accident resulting in injuries to or death of any person shall within 24 hours after the accident make or cause to be made a written report of the accident.”
This rule applies to all motor vehicle accidents that result in: a) bodily injuries, b) deaths and/or c) property damage exceeding $1,000. The initial report must be made to the police department of the city in which the accident occurred (typically by calling 911 from the scene) or to the California Highway Patrol.
The police department in California that gets notified of the accident will send an officer to the scene to investigate and write up a report. This police report can then be used as evidence during a related car insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. It is important for victims to report car accidents and get police reports even after minor crashes for insurance purposes.
Within 10 Days: DMV Report
In addition to notifying local police within 24 hours, drivers in California also have a responsibility to report automobile accidents that cause injury, death or over $1,000 in property damage to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days. CVC §20008(b) states:
“The owner or driver of a common carrier vehicle involved in any such accident shall make a like report to the Department of California Highway Patrol on or before the 10th day of the month following the accident.”
The DMV crash report in California can be submitted using an SR-1 Form, which can be filed online (fastest way) or printed and mailed to the nearest DMV office. This form must be submitted within 10 days of the car accident to fulfill the state’s legal requirements.
How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in California?
Golden Rule: As Soon As Possible
You must also report any car accidents involving your vehicle to your automobile insurance company – ideally, as soon as possible. It’s best practice to call your insurer and report a collision right away, but at least within 72 hours. If you wait too long to notify your insurer, this may give them a reason to deny coverage for your losses. Read your car insurance policy to find out if there is a specific filing deadline you must follow.
The Importance of Reporting Your California Car Accident
Even if you get into a minor accident that does not involve injuries or significant property damage, it is in your best interest to notify the authorities. Reporting a crash provides you with evidence that the incident occurred where, when and how you say it did – which can prove to an insurance company that you qualify for benefits.
Without a police report backing up your claim, it can be more difficult to get fair financial compensation to pay for your property damage or any medical care you may subsequently need. If you need assistance getting a copy of your accident report in California or dealing with an insurance company during the claims process, request a free consultation at Jacoby & Meyers.