What to Do After an Accident

At the scene

First: people, then property. Check on everyone, move to a safe place if vehicles are drivable, and call 911 if anyone may be injured or the roadway is blocked.

• Exchange information: names, phone numbers, driver's license, insurance carrier and policy number, plates.
• Photograph everything: all four corners of each vehicle, close-ups of damage, the wider scene, street signs, skid marks.
• Get contact information for witnesses.
• Don't argue fault at the scene, and don't say 'it was my fault' — fault is determined later, with more information than anyone has at the roadside.

Within the first day or two

Report the accident to your insurer (most policies require prompt notice). In California, a DMV report (SR-1) is required within 10 days if anyone was injured or damage exceeds the state threshold — your insurer or the DMV website can confirm current requirements.

Then start the repair process: photos of the damage are enough to begin an estimate, and if the vehicle isn't drivable, we can help coordinate towing.