A car accident can turn your day upside down, especially when you’re unsure what to do next. If you’ve already spoken to a police officer and they took an official report, you might think your legal responsibilities are covered.
However, many California accident victims don’t realize they must still file an SR-1 with the DMV. Failing to do so, even after police documentation, can lead to a suspended license.
So what’s the difference between a police report and Form SR-1? Let’s break it down and keep your rights protected.
What Is Form SR-1 and Why Does It Matter?
California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires all drivers involved in a reportable accident to submit an SR-1 form within 10 days, regardless of whether a police report was filed. This includes accidents that result in:
- Property damage of more than $1,000
- Any bodily injury
- A fatality
According to the California DMV, this requirement applies to all parties involved in the accident, even if you’re not at fault.
The confusion occurs here: police officers write police reports, not SR-1 reports. While police reports help document the details of the incident, they do not satisfy DMV legal requirements.
Do You Have to File an SR-1 After an Accident If Police Came?
Yes. Even if the police officer came to the scene, filed an official report, and gave you a copy, the vehicle owner or driver involved in a qualifying traffic accident must still file an SR-1 with the DMV.
Why This Matters:
- Untimely reporting or failure to file can result in your driver’s license being suspended
- It may affect your auto insurance policy and accident claim
- Not filing can cause delays or disputes in your personal injury claim
DMV vs Police: Different Responsibilities, Same Accident
Requirement | Police Report | SR-1 Form |
Handled by | Law Enforcement (Police/Sheriff) | California DMV |
When it’s needed | When police respond to a suspected crime | Always when there’s injury, death, or >$1,000 damage |
Who files it | The responding police officer | Each policyholder, driver, or vehicle owner |
What it includes | Scene details, parties, fault driver, witness info | Vehicle license plate number, insurance details, and damages |
Where it’s filed | At the nearest police station or electronically | DMV Form SR-1 |
Even if you filed a police report in San Pedro, it won’t exempt you from your obligation to complete the SR-1 form.
Legal Risks of Not Filing Form SR-1
Failing to file the SR-1 form comes with serious consequences:
- Driver’s license suspension
- Possible denials from insurance companies
- Weakened position in insurance negotiations
- Reduced chances of receiving fair compensation for medical bills, property damage, or medical expenses
In motor vehicle accidents, victims assume the hospital visit and police involvement are enough. However, that assumption can cost them thousands in delayed or denied compensation.
How Filing the SR-1 Impacts Your Personal Injury Claim
Filing Form SR-1 isn’t just about checking off a legal requirement—it’s a critical step in strengthening your accident claim.
Here’s how it helps:
- Creates an official record with the DMV
- Serves as additional evidence for your personal injury attorney
- Helps document timely notice of injury, which is vital in claims for injuries
- Proves compliance with legal requirements, minimizing potential disputes
What Should You Do After a Traffic Accident in San Pedro?
Whether you were rear-ended on Pacific Avenue or involved in a collision on the Vincent Thomas Bridge, here are steps to protect yourself:
✅ Call 911 and file a police report
✅ Seek medical help for any accident injury
✅ Gather all applicable documents: insurance info, photos, witness contacts
✅ File the SR-1 report with the DMV within 10 days
✅ Consult a car accident lawyer in San Pedro for help navigating the legal process
FAQs: Filing an SR-1 After a California Auto Accident
Yes. The DMV requires every involved party to file, regardless of the party at fault.
Your insurance company may file the SR-1 for you, but they’re not required to. Since you’re legally obligated to submit it, do not rely on them alone—always confirm and ensure it’s properly filed to avoid penalties.
You can download it from the California DMV, pick it up at a local DMV office, or file it online through the DMV’s official website for faster processing.
You must still file an SR-1 if the damage or injury meets the threshold. However, filing isn’t required if the total damage is under $1,000 and no one is hurt.
You should still submit your SR-1 and contact a personal injury attorney immediately. If the other driver is uninsured, an attorney can help you explore compensation options like uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage and legal action to recover losses.
Don’t Let One Form Delay Your Recovery
Even if a police officer has filed a report on your auto accident, you must still file an SR-1 with the DMV. It’s a simple step that protects your driving privileges and strengthens your chances of winning your personal injury claim.
At Farahi Law Firm, our car accident lawyer in San Pedro understands how stressful this process can be, especially when recovering from accident injuries. That’s why we offer free consultations to help you get started, meet your deadlines, and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
👉 Call us for your free case review today and let our team support you during this difficult time.
