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Home » Blog » What to Do When You Crash Your Car

What to Do When You Crash Your Car

Sasha Bojat
April 21, 2025

Every year millions of people are involved in car accidents, from minor fender-benders to serious collisions. Yet in the chaotic moments after a crash many drivers are unsure of the proper steps to take. What you do immediately following an accident is crucial for both your physical well-being and your legal rights.
As personal injury lawyers know, a few simple actions (and avoiding a few common mistakes) can make a huge difference in protecting your rights, strengthening your insurance claim, and preserving evidence for any potential legal action. This comprehensive guide goes beyond the basics with actionable, legally-informed steps to take after a car crash – including what not to do – so you can safeguard your interests from the start.

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Stop at the scene and make sure you are safe

Check for injuries and move to safety. Immediately assess yourself and others for injuries. Due to shock and adrenaline, pain may be masked, so take a moment to double-check everyone’s condition.

Check if anyone is injured

After ensuring your own safety, check on passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians. If anyone appears hurt, call 911 immediately and wait for emergency responders to arrive.

Call 911

No matter how minor the accident may seem, contacting the police is crucial and in California it’s a legal obligation. Officers will create an official report, documenting key details that may later be critical for insurance claims or legal actions. If law enforcement cannot respond to the scene, you should visit the nearest police station to file an accident report yourself. Insurance companies often request this documentation when processing claims.

Limit conversation and never admit fault

It’s natural to feel rattled after a collision, but be very careful what you say at the scene. An impulsive apology like “I’m sorry” can be interpreted as admitting fault and that could severely complicate your ability to recover compensation later. Do not admit guilt to anyone (the other driver, police, witnesses, or bystanders), even if you think you may have been partially at fault.

Exchange information with the other driver

After you make sure everyone is safe and the police are en route, exchange information with the other driver(s) involved which is required by law in California. This is a critical step that people sometimes forget in the confusion, but not getting the other driver’s details can make insurance claims or lawsuits nearly impossible later. Get and give the following:

Insurance information: the company name and policy number for each driver’s auto insurance
Full name and contact information (address and phone number) of all drivers involved.
Driver’s license numbers for the drivers (you can simply note the number or take a photo of the license).
License plate number of the other vehicle(s).
Vehicle details: make, model, color, and year of the other car(s).

Record all collision details

One thing lawyers wish more clients would do after an accident is collect evidence right away if they are physically able. It is out of most importance in the later process of filing an insurance claim or personal injury claim. You should take photos of:

Vehicle damage
Brake marks
Injuries if any
License plates
Witness information
Weather condition

See a doctor even if you feel fine

Many injuries, especially those involving the neck and spine, may not become apparent for several hours or days. Medical personnel on the scene can detect signs of injury that you may not notice under the adrenaline.

Notify your insurance company (but be cautious in what you say)

Most auto insurance policies require policyholders to report any accident promptly often within a day or two. Once you’re safe and stable, call your insurance company to notify them of the crash. Stick to the facts and don’t admit fault. Don’t speculate about injuries or damages yet. If you are asked “Are you hurt?” and you’re not sure yet, it’s fine to say “I am seeking evaluation”.

Report the accident to DMV if needed

Complete SR-1 report online if anyone is injured or killed or property damage is over $1000.

Consult a personal injury lawyer BEFORE you accept any offer

Early settlement often results in heavy financial losses for accident victims. California personal injury law is complex, and with a help of our Fresno car accident lawyer you may be entitled to compensation for:

Past and future medical expenses
Lost earnings and diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Diminished quality of life
Structural damage to the vehicle
Rental vehicle expenses

As President and Owner of Bojat Law Group, my career has been devoted to securing justice for countless injury victims resulting from the negligence of others. My main goal in the practice of law is to passionately represent my clients to assure the best result in each case.

Due to my personal relationship with the clients, aggressive approach with insurance companies and overall knowledge in the Personal Injury field, I am a fierce advocate for my clients capable of obtaining high settlements and verdicts.

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