What to Do After a Car Accident in California — Complete Step-by-Step Guide

The actions you take in the first 24–72 hours after a car accident directly determine the value of your claim. Follow these steps exactly.

Step 1: Ensure Safety and Call 911 (Do This First)

If safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic. Turn on hazard lights. Call 911 — even for minor accidents. California Vehicle Code §20008 requires reporting accidents involving injury. A police report is your most important document: it establishes parties, time, location, initial fault assessment, and any citations issued.

Do not leave the scene — hit-and-run is a criminal offense in California.

Step 2: Get Medical Attention That Day

This is the most critical legal step most accident victims miss. Go to the emergency room, urgent care, or your doctor the same day — even if you feel "fine." Why:

• Traumatic brain injuries often produce no immediate pain
• Internal bleeding can be life-threatening within hours
• Spinal injuries worsen with movement before diagnosis
• Adrenaline masks pain for hours after impact
• Every day between accident and first medical visit = ammunition for the insurer to argue you weren't really hurt

Step 3: Document Everything at the Scene

Photograph every vehicle from all angles, all damage, license plates, driver licenses, insurance cards, road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, debris, weather, lighting, and your injuries. If there are traffic cameras or nearby businesses with security cameras, note their locations for evidence preservation.

Step 4: Get Witness Information

Names and phone numbers of everyone who witnessed the crash. Independent witnesses are extremely valuable — they have no financial stake and carry high credibility with juries and adjusters.

Step 5: Exchange Information (Required by Law)

California Vehicle Code §16025 requires exchanging: driver's license, vehicle registration, insurance company and policy number, and name and address. Photograph all documents. Note the vehicle VIN from the dashboard or door jamb.

Step 6: What NOT to Say

Never say:

• "I'm sorry" — this is an admission of fault
• "I didn't see you" — implies inattention
• "I'm OK" or "I feel fine" — used to deny injury claims
• Any explanation of what you were doing leading up to the crash
• Anything speculative about cause or fault

Only tell police officers factual information about what you observed. You are not required to give a statement to the other driver's insurance company.

Step 7: Notify Your Own Insurance

California law requires you to notify your own insurer of any accident. Report the accident factually and briefly — do not discuss injury details or give a recorded statement to your own insurer either until you've spoken with an attorney.

Step 8: Do NOT Accept Any Settlement Offer Yet

Insurance adjusters may call within 24–72 hours with a "quick settlement offer." These are almost always far below fair value and designed to close your claim before you understand your injuries or legal rights. Once you sign a release, the case is closed forever — even if your injuries worsen.

Step 9: Call Gonzales Law at 909-587-6336

Call before your first insurance adjuster conversation. Gonzales Law takes over all insurance communications, investigates your accident, coordinates your medical care through lien arrangements (no upfront cost), and builds your case from day one. Free consultation, 24/7, no fee unless we win.

Specific Guidance for IE Locations

• Fontana accidents (I-10, I-15, Sierra Ave): CHP Fontana Area — 17780 Arrow Blvd, Fontana · (909) 356-6767
• San Bernardino accidents (I-215, I-10, Highland Ave): CHP San Bernardino — 464 W 4th St, San Bernardino · (909) 383-4247
• Rancho Cucamonga accidents (I-15, SR-210, Foothill Blvd): CHP Rancho Cucamonga Area — 11290 Foothill Blvd · (909) 919-0611
• Ontario accidents (I-10/I-15 interchange): CHP San Bernardino covers Ontario freeway accidents