When to Call the Police for a Car Accident in California

Per California law, you must call the police if you were involved in a car accident that caused an injury or death. But you should always contact law enforcement, even if the accident is minor. A police officer’s account and an accident report, filed within 24 hours of a crash, can be a crucial part of your claim.

The Los Angeles Police Department also requires you to call the police if one of the drivers is intoxicated and/or unlicensed. They must be notified if someone fled from the accident scene as well. In other instances, you may not be legally required to call the police, but it’s still a good idea.  

Continue reading to learn more about when to call the police for a car accident in California:

Other Car Accident Rules

If you’re involved in a collision, you must also:

  • Stop at the scene, or you could be convicted of a hit and run, which will likely result in severe punishment.
  • Have your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance information or other evidence of financial responsibility.
  • If no one was injured or killed in the crash, move your vehicle off the street or highway.
  • If you hit a parked vehicle or other property, try to find the owner or leave your name and address on a note attached to it. Report the collision to the police or the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
  • If law enforcement is not present at the scene of an accident, and someone is killed or injured, provide a written account to the police or CHP.
  • If you kill or injure an animal, pull over to the side of the road, and look for the owner. If you can’t find them, call a local humane society, police department, or the CHP.

A report of any accident involving an injury or death, or property damage of $1,000 or more, must be sent to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days (using an SR 1 form). It can be sent by you, an insurance agent, broker, or legal representative.

Why It’s Important to Call the Police for a Car Accident in California

Aside from the requirements under state law, there are a few good reasons to contact the police after a car accident. Even if you’re not required to, calling the police helps to:

  • Preserve Evidence: In addition to aiding any victims, the police will investigate the accident and write a report. A police report is important in filing an insurance claim. It includes the name of the driver and their contact information, their insurance company, and contact information for witnesses. Details of how the crash happened are also provided. The report will also include statements from witnesses and those involved in the accident as well as the officer’s conclusions on what happened.
  • Pursue a Claim: Even if you suffered an injury, such as whiplash, concussion, or internal trauma, you may not know it for several days or weeks. Repairs to your vehicle may be more expensive than previously thought. If so, you may decide to pursue an insurance claim later; the police report will help prove your case and be critical in receiving compensation.
  • Avoid a Dispute: Police accounts are considered solid evidence by insurance companies. If you don’t obtain a police report of the accident, the insurance company may deny your claim or reduce the amount you are owed. They can also rebuke your claim, saying there was no collision or your injuries were caused by something else.

Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer

An attorney can make the difference between an average or unreasonable payout and fair compensation for repair costs, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani specializes in car accidents and other personal injury cases. If you or a loved one was injured in a motor vehicle crash, speak to a car accident attorney in Los Angeles to learn more. We’ve won millions of dollars in damages for personal injury clients. 

Your first step should be to call the police for a car accident in California. To receive your free consultation, call 888-952-2952 today.

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