Summary
Failing to report a car accident in California within 24 hours can lead to fines, license suspension, or complications in your injury claim. Reporting ensures legal compliance, protects your rights, and helps build a strong case. If you’ve missed reporting, learn the rules, deadlines, and next steps.
Table of Contents
A sudden auto accident can happen anywhere—from the busy streets near Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza to quieter neighborhood roads. In California, knowing how and when to report a car accident is more than a formality—it’s a legal obligation that can affect your rights and recovery.
Ignoring this requirement risks fines, legal consequences, and reduced chances of fair compensation. Understanding the process empowers you to protect yourself, your family, and your financial future.
Let’s explore the laws, consequences, and steps you should take after an accident.
California Law on Accident Reporting
California Vehicle Code §20008 requires drivers to file a written accident report with the local police department or California Highway Patrol (CHP) within 24 hours if the crash involves death or injury.
- Who must file? The driver or their legal representative.
- What’s required? A written accident report must be filed with CHP or local police, separate from the DMV’s SR-1 form.
- Why does it matter? Crash records maintained by state agencies help track trends in vehicle collisions, including hit-and-run and rideshare vehicle accidents.
Traffic deaths in California increased significantly between 2020 and 2021. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows a rise of over 7%, with fatalities going up from 3,980 to 4,285 during that time. These figures emphasize the importance of timely crash report filings for accountability and safety improvements.
Consequences of Not Reporting a Car Accident
Failing to report a car accident in California can lead to serious risks. The state requires two reports: a police report, made by responding officers, documents crash details, people involved, injuries, and property damage. The SR-1 report must be filed with the DMV within 10 days if the accident caused injury, death, or property damage over $1,000, even if a police report exists.
Not submitting these reports can lead to several consequences:
- Fines and penalties may be issued by the court or DMV.
- Your license could be suspended until the SR-1 is properly filed.
- Insurance claims might be delayed or denied, as your insurance company may not process claims without proof of compliance.
- Weakened legal position if another driver sues, since missing reports can be used against you.
- Possible misdemeanor charges in serious crashes involving injuries or fatalities.
👉 In short, a police report helps establish what happened at the scene, while the SR-1 ensures the DMV records the incident for state requirements. Failing to file either one when required can complicate your legal standing and ability to recover compensation.
How Failing to Report Impacts Your Personal Injury Claim
If you delay filing, your claim may face challenges:
- Lack of timely documentation could allow insurers to deny coverage.
- Accident attorneys may have limited evidence to support your case.
- Opposing parties may argue that you exaggerated or fabricated injuries.
Even strong claims—like those involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death—can be weakened by reporting delays.
Why Reporting Protects You
Filing an accident report does more than meet state requirements. It helps:
- Establish a legal record of the crash.
- Ensure all parties’ vehicle insurance and insurance information are documented.
- Protect victims of vehicle collisions from liability shifts.
- Provide evidence when dealing with an insurance company or court.
What to Do If You Missed the 24-Hour Deadline
If you did not report a car accident within the required window:
- File immediately with the police department or CHP, even if late.
- Submit Form SR-1 to the DMV with accurate insurance information.
- Contact our accident attorney to prevent further damage to your claim.
- Gather evidence, including photos, witness contacts, and medical records.
Late reporting is better than no reporting—it shows effort to comply with state laws.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Dealing with an insurance company, DMV, and state reporting deadlines is overwhelming after an accident. Our Crenshaw personal injury lawyer can:
- File your report of the motor vehicle accident correctly.
- Protect you against insurance company denials.
- Represent you in negotiations or court.
- Advocate for fair compensation in complex cases like hit-and-run vehicle accidents or rideshare vehicle accidents.
With experienced support, you avoid costly mistakes that could harm your recovery.
Don’t Let Missed Deadlines Risk Your Case
Failing to report a car accident within 24 hours in California can create legal, financial, and insurance challenges. But you don’t have to face these issues alone. Farahi Law Firm is here to guide you, protect your rights, and help secure fair compensation.
📞 Contact us today for a free consultation with a dedicated Crenshaw personal injury lawyer.
FAQs
Yes. If injuries, deaths, or property damage exceed $1,000, a motor vehicle accident report must be filed with the DMV within 10 days, even if police arrived at the scene.
You should document their license plate and call the police department immediately. Officers can include the missing details in the official crash report.
Yes. Insurance companies often use reporting delays to dispute claims. Submitting the required documents and consulting our Crenshaw accident attorney can reduce this risk.
Yes. Rideshare companies have unique vehicle insurance policies. Reporting these crashes ensures victims can access both driver and corporate coverage.
You can request it from the CHP or the local police department. Our lawyer may also use these crash records to strengthen your case.
