Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 17, 2022
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Did you get into a car accident in the Golden State? If so, you may be wondering what to do next.
If the car accident resulted in death, injury, or property damage exceeding $1,000 then the accident must be reported within 10 days to the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You must report the accident even if a police officer or the California Highway Patrol (CHP) writes and files a police report on it. Failure to report the car accident within 10 days to the DMV can result in you losing your driving privileges.
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Legal aspects of making a California car accident report are covered in the below table, including information on how to file a car crash report in California.
State Statutes |
California Vehicle Code section 16000 |
When To Report: |
If you are involved in a vehicle accident that occurred in California, you must report it to the DMV if:
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How To File a Car Crash Report in California: |
To file a car crash report in California with the DMV, you, your insurance agent, or your legal representative must complete the Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (Form SR-1). In order to fill out the form SR-1 you will need to gather the following information:
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Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law you are researching.
According to California law, a report of an automobile accident is not required if the car or motor vehicle involved in the accident was owned, leased by, or used under the direction of the United States, California, another state, or a local agency.
Moreover, if none of the parties involved in an automobile accident has reported the accident to the DMV within one year after the date of the accident, the DMV is not required to file a report on the accident and the driver's license suspension requirements of the state will not apply.
If you're still uncertain whether or not you need to report a car accident under California law, have questions on how to file a car crash report in California, or need to know more about insurance coverage and your possible financial responsibility for an auto accident, you may want to contact a skilled car accident attorney today. Many personal injury lawyers, including car accident lawyers, offer a free consultation.
Contact a qualified attorney.
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