Car accidents don’t always happen in ideal circumstances. Sometimes people are shaken, unwell, confused, or simply unsure what to do in the moment. If you were involved in a crash and didn’t exchange insurance information with the other driver, it’s understandable to feel stressed afterward especially if you’re trying to do the right thing now.
The good news is that not exchanging information at the scene does not automatically mean the situation can’t be addressed. What matters most is what you do next.
Are drivers required to exchange information in California?
Yes, California Vehicle Code Section 16025 requires all drivers involved in an accident to stop at the scene and exchange information if the accident results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. You need to exchange:
- your name
- address
- driver’s license number
- vehicle registration
- and insurance information
Since most accidents even minor fender benders typically result in damage exceeding $1,000, the law applies to nearly all collisions. Leaving the scene without providing this information commonly known as a hit-and-run can result in criminal charges, fines, license suspension, and even jail time depending on the severity of the accident.
Is it automatically a hit-and-run in California?
No. An accident becomes a hit-and-run only if a driver willfully fails to stop and comply with legal duties after a crash.
Under California law, a hit-and-run generally requires that the driver:
- Knew (or reasonably should have known) they were involved in an accident and
- Failed to stop, failed to provide identifying information, or failed to render reasonable assistance where required
The presence of injuries or damage over $1,000 does not by itself make the incident a hit-and-run.
Situations that are not automatically hit-and-run
For example:
- You stopped, but information was not exchanged due to confusion or illness
- You pulled over shortly after but the other driver left
- You did not realize the extent of the damage at the time
- You later reported the accident to police or your insurer
These situations are fact-specific, and intent is critical.
Steps to take if you forgot to exchange insurance information
File a police report
In California, you should file a police report if anyone was injured or if vehicle or property damage exceeds $1,000. In these situations, reporting the accident may be legally required.
Even in non-injury accidents, a police report can still be helpful if:
- Insurance information was not exchanged at the scene
- There is visible or significant vehicle damage
- You are concerned the other driver may later dispute what happened
Many police departments allow online or delayed reports for accidents without injuries. Filing a report helps create an official record and can show that you did not intend to avoid responsibility.
Notify your insurance company
Call your insurance company as soon as you realize you don’t have the other driver’s information. Explain exactly what happened and provide all the details you can remember. Your insurer has investigators and resources to help locate the other driver using the information you provide—license plate fragments, vehicle description, accident location and time. Be honest about the situation; insurance companies deal with these scenarios regularly and can guide you through the next steps. Failing to report promptly could jeopardize your coverage.
Preserve any evidence
When you did not exchange information at the scene, evidence becomes especially important. Save any photos of your vehicle, the roadway, and damage. If you have dashcam footage, keep the original file and back it up, do not edit it. Also keep repair estimates, invoices, tow receipts, and any screenshots of calls, texts, emails, or notes related to the accident and your insurance. The goal is to create a clear record of what happened in case the other driver later makes a claim or disputes the facts.
When to contact an attorney
Not every accident requires legal help, but there are situations where speaking with an attorney early can protect you from unnecessary problems later.
You should consider contacting an attorney if:
- Someone claims to have been injured, even if the injuries were not obvious at the scene
- Property damage turns out to be more extensive than you initially believed
- The other driver later disputes what happened or makes new allegations
- An insurance company contacts you with questions you are unsure how to answer
- Law enforcement follows up or requests a statement after the accident
An attorney can help you understand your obligations, communicate appropriately with insurers, and avoid mistakes that could affect your rights. Getting advice early does not mean you are assuming fault — it means you are making sure the situation is handled correctly.
If you were involved in a car accident in Los Angeles and are unsure what to do next, a brief conversation with a Los Angeles auto accident lawyer can provide clarity. Bojat Law Group offers free consultations and straightforward guidance. Call (818) 877-4878 to discuss your situation.
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