What to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles: A Step-by-Step Legal Guide

After a car accident in Los Angeles, your top priorities are safety, evidence collection and legal compliance. First, make sure everyone is safe and call 911 if anyone is injured or if vehicles can’t be moved. Since 2021, LAPD no longer responds to “minor” accidents unless there’s a DUI, crime, broken limb or ambulance transport required. You have 24 hours to file a written report if police don’t show up. Exchange insurance information with all drivers, document everything with photos and report the accident to your insurance company right away. Most importantly, report any accident with injury, death or property damage over $1,000 to the California DMV within 10 days using Form SR-1 or risk license suspension. With Los Angeles having 336 traffic fatalities in 2023 and over 228 in just the first 9 months of 2024, knowing these steps could be crucial to protecting your rights and getting proper compensation.

Key Points

• Safety first: Move to safety, check for injuries, call 911 for serious accidents

• LAPD policy change: Police may not respond to “minor” accidents; use online reporting system

• 24-hour rule: File written accident report within 24 hours if police don’t show up

• DMV reporting mandatory: Submit Form SR-1 within 10 days for accidents with injury/death or $1,000+ property damage

• New 2025 insurance minimums: California requires 30/60/15 coverage (up from 15/30/5)

• Document everything: Photos, witness statements and driver information are key• 2-year statute of limitations: File personal injury claims within 2 years of accident date

The Reality of Los Angeles Traffic Accidents

Los Angeles is one of the most dangerous cities to drive in the US. In 2024, the city is on pace to have over 300 traffic fatalities for the 3rd year in a row, with 228 vehicle related deaths in just the first 9 months. Even more alarming, pedestrians account for 179 of the 336 traffic deaths in 2023, over 50% of all fatalities.These numbers aren’t just numbers – they’re real families dealing with real losses. Current stats show one traffic fatality every 30 hours in Los Angeles. Every driver needs to know what to do when accidents happen.

Step 1: Safety and Injuries

First, safety. If vehicles are driveable and blocking traffic, move them to the shoulder or nearest safe location. Turn on hazard lights immediately and set up flares or reflective triangles if available.

Check everyone for injuries, including yourself. Adrenaline can mask pain and symptoms, so even if you feel fine, injuries like whiplash or concussion may not manifest until hours or days later.

Step 2: Call 911 When Necessary

Call 911 if:

• Anyone is injured (no matter how minor it seems)
• Vehicles can’t be moved safely
• You suspect the other driver is under the influence
• There’s significant vehicle damage
• You feel unsafe at the scene

Since January 2021, LAPD no longer responds to “minor” accidents unless there’s a DUI, crime, broken limb or ambulance transport required.

Step 3: Document Everything

Take photos of:

• All vehicle damage from multiple angles
• License plates of all vehicles involved
• The accident scene, including street signs and traffic signals
• Any visible injuries
• Road conditions and weather
• Position of vehicles before moving them

Get information from all drivers:

• Full name and contact information
• Driver’s license number
• Insurance company and policy number
• Vehicle registration information
• Make, model, year and color of all vehicles

Get witness information:

• Names and phone numbers
• What they observed
• Their location during the accident

I had a client who thought their minor fender bender didn’t require documentation. Three days later they developed severe neck pain but without photos or witness statements the insurance company disputed the connection between the accident and their injuries. Don’t make this mistake.

LAPD’s New Reporting System

When Police Will (and Won’t) Respond

LAPD’s policy change means they consider accidents “minor” if no ambulance is required. Instead of taking an official report, officers may only give an “exchange of information” document to each driver with their contact and insurance info.

Police will respond for:

• Accidents requiring ambulance transport
• DUI or other suspected crimes
• Accidents with broken bones or serious visible injuries
• Hit-and-run incidents
• Accidents blocking major traffic

Online Reporting Requirements

If police don’t respond to your accident, you have 24 hours to file a written crash report. Victims of “minor” accidents must use the Lexis Nexis online collision report system.

Important note: This self-reporting system removes the neutral third-party perspective that police reports typically provide. Each driver often blames the other when filing their own report, which can complicate insurance claims.

California DMV Reporting Requirements

The SR-1 Form Requirement

California law requires you to report any accident to the DMV within 10 days if anyone is injured (no matter how minor) or if property damage exceeds $1,000. This is in addition to any police report or insurance company notification.

File SR-1 if:

• Anyone was injured or killed
• Property damage totals more than $1,000
• The accident occurred on public or private property

Failure to file this report will result in driver’s license suspension, regardless of who caused the accident.

How to File the SR-1 Report

Download Form SR-1 from the California DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. The form requires:

• Accident date, time and location
• Information about all drivers and vehicles involved
• Description of how the accident occurred
• Details about injuries and property damage
• Insurance information

2025 California Insurance Requirements

New Minimum Coverage Limits

Effective January 1, 2025, California increased minimum auto insurance requirements significantly. The new minimums are 30/60/15 (up from 15/30/5), meaning drivers must carry at least $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury and $15,000 for property damage.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is now mandatory, though drivers can waive this coverage by submitting written acknowledgment to their insurer.

Coverage Gaps

Even with increased minimums, these amounts may not cover serious accidents. Los Angeles County sees thousands of accidents annually resulting in catastrophic injuries with medical bills easily exceeding $100,000.

Consider additional coverage like:

• Higher liability limits
• Comprehensive and collision coverage
• Medical payments coverage
• Rental car reimbursement

Insurance Companies

Reporting to Your Insurer

Contact your insurer immediately, even if you weren’t at fault. Most policies require “prompt” notification and delays can jeopardize your coverage.

When talking to insurance adjusters:

• Stick to the facts only
• Don’t admit fault or speculate about causes
• Don’t give recorded statements without a lawyer
• Don’t accept quick settlement offers
• Keep a record of all communications

The Other Driver’s Insurer

Insurance adjusters gather information to use against you. Never admit fault, apologize or agree to recorded statements. Remember they work for the insurance company, not for you.

California Fault Laws

Comparative Negligence

California is a pure comparative negligence state. Even if you’re partially at fault, you can still recover damages. But your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Example: If you’re 20% at fault in an accident and your damages are $100,000, you can recover $80,000.

Proving Fault in Los Angeles Accidents

To succeed with legal claims, you must identify who caused the accident, how they caused it and the full extent of your damages. Evidence can include cell phone records, police reports, eyewitness statements and traffic camera footage.

Time Limits

Statute of Limitations

California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 2 years from the date of the accident. If you don’t file within this period, you may lose your right to sue.

Different deadlines apply to:

• Property damage claims (3 years)
• Claims against government entities (6 months for initial claim)
• Wrongful death cases (2 years from date of death)

When to Hire an Attorney

Consider hiring an attorney if:

• Someone was seriously injured
• Fault is disputed
• Insurers deny your claim
• Settlement offers are low
• Commercial vehicles were involved
• Multiple parties were involved

Get Your Traffic Collision Report

LAPD Report Request Process

Due to high volume, LAPD recommends waiting at least 45 days before requesting a collision report online. Current processing time is minimum two months.

Online requests: Use the LexisNexis link on LAPD’s website Mail requests: Send completed Traffic Collision Report Request form with $15 check or money order to LAPD Records Division

Reports requiring mail requests:

• Accidents involving fatalities
• Accidents involving arrests or juveniles
• Reports from before February 1, 2016

Medical Attention and Documentation

See a Doctor Immediately

Even if you feel fine, see a doctor within 24-48 hours. Some injuries like whiplash, concussions or soft tissue damage may not show symptoms immediately.

Why immediate medical attention matters:

• Early detection of hidden injuries
• Establishes medical documentation linking injuries to the accident
• Prevents minor injuries from becoming serious
• Strengthens your insurance claim or legal case

Keep Detailed Medical Records

Document all medical treatment including:

• Emergency room visits
• Doctor appointments
• Physical therapy sessions
• Prescription medications
• Medical imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
• Time missed from work

2025 Updates: New Laws Affecting Drivers

Increased Penalties and Enforcement

New laws in 2025 include tougher penalties for sideshows and street racing, with law enforcement able to impound vehicles even for spectators.

Other 2025 changes:

• Speed cameras coming to Malibu as part of 5-year pilot program
• Autonomous vehicle companies can now get tickets for traffic violations
• Increased penalties for altering license plates to avoid detection
• Daylighting requirements: no parking within 20 feet of crosswalks

Technology and Safety Improvements

California has passed several laws to protect pedestrians and bicycles, including increased penalties for blocking bike lanes and Vision Zero initiatives to design safer roads.

Your Rights and Recovery

Don’t Go It Alone

Los Angeles car accidents can involve complex legal situations with multiple insurance companies, disputed fault and significant medical bills. With Los Angeles County having the highest accident rate of all California counties, having an experienced car accident lawyer can mean the difference between fair compensation and financial ruin.

Building a Strong Case

Successful claims require:

• Thorough accident scene investigation
• Expert witness testimony
• Proper medical documentation
• Skilled insurance negotiations
• Knowledge of California laws

Professional help ensures you don’t miss deadlines, accept lowball offers or make statements that hurt your case.

FAQs

Do I need to call police for every accident in Los Angeles?

You must call police if the collision results in injury, death or significant property damage. For minor accidents with no injuries, exchanging information may be enough, but it’s still recommended to call police for proper documentation. Since 2021, LAPD may not respond to minor accidents, so you’ll need to use their online reporting system.

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

California now requires uninsured motorist coverage as of 2025, which covers you if you’re hit by an uninsured driver. If you don’t have this coverage or it’s not enough, you may need to sue the at-fault driver’s personal assets.

How long do I have to file a claim after an accident?

You have different time limits depending on the type of claim. For personal injury claims, you have 2 years from the accident date. For property damage, you have 3 years. But you should contact insurance companies and see a doctor immediately.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

California’s comparative fault law allows you to recover damages even if you’re partially at fault, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 30% at fault, you can still recover 70% of your damages.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?

No. Insurance companies make low initial offers hoping you’ll accept quickly. These offers rarely cover all your damages, especially future medical expenses or lost wages. Always consult with an attorney before accepting any offer.

What damages can I recover after a car accident?

In California, you may be entitled to recover economic damages like medical expenses, lost income and property damage and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. The amount depends on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life.

How much will a car accident lawyer cost?

Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case. When they do win, they take a percentage of your settlement or award, usually 33-40%. This way anyone can get quality legal representation without upfront costs.

What if the accident happened on a freeway or involved a government vehicle?

If the accident involved a government entity, you must file a Government Tort Claim within 6 months of the accident. If you don’t file within this period, you lose your right to sue the public entity. These cases have special procedures and shorter deadlines.

Do I need to report the accident to DMV if I wasn’t at fault?

Yes. California requires anyone involved in an accident to report it to DMV within 10 days if there’s injury, death or property damage over $1,000, regardless of who was at fault. Failing to report can result in license suspension.

What if I start feeling pain days after the accident?

See a doctor immediately. Many injuries like whiplash, concussions or soft tissue damage don’t show symptoms right away. Document your symptoms and get medical evaluation to establish the connection between your pain and the accident. This documentation is key for insurance claims.

Can passengers in the accident file claims?

Yes, passengers can file claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance. If the driver they were riding with was at fault, they can still pursue compensation. Passengers are not considered at fault for accidents unless they contributed to the crash.

What if the other driver was working when the accident happened?

If the other driver was working and caused the accident while on the job, their employer may be liable under California’s respondeat superior law. This can add more insurance and sources of compensation especially for serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment.

This is general legal information and not specific legal advice for your case. California car accident laws are complex and every case is different. For personalized advice on your situation, consult with a Los Angeles car accident lawyer who can review your case and protect you.