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How to Report a Car Accident in California: Police, DMV, and Insurance Reporting Deadlines You Can’t Miss Short answer: California requires three separate reports after a car accident: a police report (call 911 immediately if there’s injury, death, or property damage over $1,000), a DMV SR-1 Report of Traffic Accident (within 10 days for crashes with injury, death, or property damage over $1,000), and your own insurance notification (typically within 24-72 hours per your policy). Missing the SR-1 deadline results in automatic driver’s license suspension under California Vehicle Code §16000. Call Sky Law Group at (844) 475-9529 if you need help filing — Hablamos Español. Report #1: The Police Report Under California Vehicle Code §20008, drivers must report accidents resulting in injury or death to the CHP (if on a state highway or unincorporated county area) or the local police department (if within city limits) within 24 hours. You should call 911 at the scene whenever: Anyone is injured or killed, no matter how minor Property damage appears to exceed $1,000 (basically any dented bumper) Alcohol or drugs are suspected A hit-and-run occurred A government or commercial vehicle is involved A disagreement exists about fault What to say: Stick to facts. Describe injuries. Don’t speculate about fault or apologize. Document the officer’s name, badge number, and the report number before leaving the scene. How to get a copy: Request through the responding agency’s records division. CHP reports: online via CHP’s website or at any CHP office. Local PD reports: in-person […]