What to Do (and NOT to Do) After a Car Accident in California (2026 Update)

• Knowing what to do after a car accident protects your health and your rights.
• Ensure safety, get medical attention, and start the process of dealing with the aftermath as soon as you can.
• OakTree Law’s car accident attorneys can help you navigate with confidence.

With millions of cars sharing the same roadways every day, car accidents in California seem like a part of daily life. But when you’re involved in a crash, that everyday occurrence suddenly feels anything but ordinary.

An accident can happen in seconds, but the decisions you make afterward can affect your health and finances for years. Whether you’re dealing with a minor fender-bender or serious injuries, it’s essential to know what to do after a car accident so your well-being—and your legal rights—are protected.

This guide breaks down the steps to take after a car accident so you protect yourself, comply with the law, and avoid costly mistakes.

Step 1: Get to Safety and Get Help

The first step in what to do after a car accident is to make sure everyone is safe. Move vehicles out of traffic if possible, turn on hazard lights, and set out flares or reflective triangles if you have them. If anyone is injured, you are required to call 911.

Even if the crash seems minor, you’ll want a police report for insurance and legal purposes. Call the non-emergency line of the local police or CHP. Officers will record details—be sure to ask for a copy of the report.

Whatever you do, DO NOT leave the scene thinking it’s no big deal. A California car accident must be reported if there is more than $1,000 in property damage. At this point, you don’t know the extent of the damage, so stay put and call the police.

Step 2: Seek Medical Care

You may only see a few scrapes and bruises, but some injuries don’t always show symptoms right away. You could have whiplash, concussion, or internal bleeding that must be addressed ASAP, so get evaluated by a medical professional.

This is also critical if you pursue compensation for your accident. Overlooking this key step in what to do after a car accident can make it more difficult to secure full and fair compensation for your injuries. 

Step 3: Document the Scene

One of the most important steps to take after a car accident is to collect evidence before it disappears. Don’t rely solely on the police to record every detail.

Take photos of:

• Damage to all vehicles and property
• License plates of every vehicle
• Road conditions and signage
• Any visible injuries

Get the names and contact information of everyone involved, including witnesses. In a California car accident, witnesses aren’t required to make statements, but many will cooperate.

Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company

Your first instinct is to call your insurance company, and this is indeed an important step to take after a car accident. But be wary of giving a recorded statement—especially when you are still shaken from the wreck and not thinking clearly.

Until you can speak with a trusted attorney about what to do after a car accident, keep your statements brief and fact-based. Follow these tips:

• Provide the basic facts such as the time, date, and location of your accident.
• Do not describe your injuries or assess fault.
• Do not agree to give a recorded statement.
• Request all communication from your insurance company in writing.

You may feel pressured to provide more information, but let your insurer know you are not prepared to address the situation fully at this time.

Step 5: Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

If you’re unsure what to do after a car accident, remember this: The actions you take now give you more options later. Speaking with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible can help you:

• Understand your rights under California car accident laws.
• Determine fault.
• Communicate with insurers.
• Secure full and fair compensation.

A speedy legal consultation can clarify the additional steps you need to take after a car accident and protect you from making costly mistakes.

Step 6: Keep Track of Expenses and Actions

Another critical part of what to do after a car accident is ongoing documentation. Keep detailed records of:

• Doctor or physical therapy visits
• Medical bills
• Prescription costs
• Repair charges
• Missed work / lost income
• Ancillary expenses (child care costs, transportation expenses, replacement of personal items lost in the crash, etc.)

A little tracking now means you won’t have to rely on your memory later.

Critical Actions to AVOID

Knowing what NOT to do is just as important as knowing what to do after a car accident in California. Your attorney can advise you further, but some basic guidance can get you started:

• Don’t delay medical care.
• Don’t post about your accident on social media.
• Don’t ignore follow-up treatment or legal deadlines.
• Don’t accept a quick settlement.

Final Thoughts

Your California car accident can feel overwhelming, but taking the right actions can make all the difference. Knowing what to do after a car accident can protect your health, preserve evidence, and put you in the strongest possible position to secure fair compensation.

OakTree Law’s car accident attorneys are here to help you. Our Personal Injury Action Plan can guide you in the days immediately following your wreck, so you take the right actions with confidence. Contact OakTree Law for a FREE consultation, and get support every step of the way.