After-a-crash legal checklist

In the minutes after a crash, California law gives every driver specific duties — and one deadline, ten days later, that many people never hear about. Answer four questions and this checklist shows the duties that apply to your accident, with the Vehicle Code section behind each one. Print it or keep it on your phone.

The duties, in the Vehicle Code's words

• Exchange information. Every driver involved must exchange name and current residence address, driver's license number, vehicle identification number, the registered owner's address, and evidence of insurance — the company's name and address and the policy number (Vehicle Code 16025). Skipping it is an infraction with a fine of up to $250.
• Unattended vehicles and property. Stop at the nearest safe place, then find the owner or leave a written note with your name, address and what happened, and notify the police or CHP. Failing to is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in county jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both (Vehicle Code 20002).
• Injuries. Provide your information and render reasonable assistance, including arranging transport to medical care when needed or requested (Vehicle Code 20003).
• The DMV report. Within 10 days, the driver files an SR-1 when the accident caused damage over $1,000 to any one person's property, any injury, or a death (Vehicle Code 16000).

If you were driving without insurance, that is a separate problem: fines of $100–$200 plus penalty assessments on a first offense, more after that, and possible impound (Vehicle Code 16029).

Sources (official)

• California Vehicle Code section 16025 (information drivers must exchange)
• California Vehicle Code section 20002 (property damage and unattended vehicles)
• California Vehicle Code section 20003 (duties when someone is injured)
• California Vehicle Code section 16000 (the SR-1 report within 10 days)
• California Vehicle Code section 16028 (showing proof of insurance)
• California Vehicle Code section 16029 (penalties for no proof)
• California DMV Driver Handbook — Financial responsibility, insurance requirements, and collisions

This is a summary of the Vehicle Code duties, not legal advice. If someone is hurt, call 911 first. What your own insurance company needs from you, and by when, is set in your policy and varies by company.