What to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles

Quick answer: After a car accident in Los Angeles, check for injuries, call 911, move to safety if possible, document the scene, exchange information, and seek medical care the same day. You may also need to file a California DMV SR-1 within 10 days if anyone is injured or damage exceeds $1,000.

A crash in Los Angeles can feel chaotic—busy streets, fast traffic, and conflicting stories. The steps you take in the first hour can protect your health and preserve evidence for your insurance claim. We regularly help injured clients across Downtown LA, Hollywood, Koreatown, and the San Fernando Valley.

Want the universal step-by-step first? Read our national guide here:
What to Do After a Car Accident (Step-by-Step).
Below is the Los Angeles-specific version—what changes locally and what people commonly miss.

Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call 911

• Check yourself and passengers for injuries.
• Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if traffic conditions are dangerous.
• Request police and medical assistance.
• Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger.

Step 2: Move to Safety If You Can

• If vehicles are drivable and it’s safe, move out of traffic.
• Turn on hazard lights.
• If you can’t move, stay buckled and wait for help if it’s safer than exiting.

Step 3: Get a Police Report (LA Area Notes)

• Ask an officer to respond when possible, especially if anyone is injured.
• Get the report number and the officer’s name before you leave.
• Take your own photos and notes even if police respond.

LAPD has guidance for requesting traffic collision reports here:
Obtain a Traffic Collision Report (LAPD).

Step 4: Exchange Information

• Names and phone numbers
• Driver’s license numbers
• Insurance company and policy details
• License plate numbers and vehicle descriptions

Step 5: Take Photos and Videos (Do This Like a Pro)

• Damage to all vehicles (close-up and wide shots)
• License plates
• Skid marks, debris, traffic signals, signs, and lane markings
• The full intersection or roadway (wide shot showing context)
• Weather and lighting conditions
• Visible injuries

Some LA intersections see repeated serious crashes. We’ve outlined common collision zones in our article on dangerous intersections in Los Angeles, along with safety tips for drivers and pedestrians.

Step 6: Talk Carefully — Don’t Admit Fault

Be polite and brief. Don’t apologize or guess about what happened. Fault is determined later based on evidence.

Step 7: Get Medical Care the Same Day (Even If You Feel “Okay”)

Many injuries show up later (whiplash, concussion symptoms, internal injuries). Getting checked the same day protects your health and creates medical documentation that insurers look for.

Step 8: Report to Insurance — Stick to Basic Facts

• Report the crash promptly and ask for your claim number.
• Stick to time, location, vehicles, and what you observed.
• Avoid recorded statements until you understand your rights.

Step 9: California DMV “SR-1” Rule (Most People Miss This)

• Official DMV SR-1 guidance: Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR-1).
• Driver Handbook section: Insurance Requirements and Collisions (CA DMV Handbook).
• If you’re unsure whether the rule applies, don’t guess—get guidance quickly.

Step 10: Consider Talking to a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer

Legal help can be critical when injuries are serious, fault is disputed, multiple vehicles are involved, or the insurer pressures you into a quick settlement.

If you were injured in Los Angeles, learn more here:
Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers.

What to Do in the First 24–72 Hours (Los Angeles Edition)

• Keep all medical appointments and follow-up visits.
• Save prescriptions, receipts, and out-of-pocket expenses.
• Write down what you remember while it’s fresh (time, location, lane, speed, signals).
• Avoid posting about the crash or injuries on social media.
• Do not accept a quick settlement until your treatment plan is clear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident in Los Angeles

• Waiting “a few days” to get medical care.
• Assuming the police report is enough (you still need your own photos and notes).
• Giving recorded statements too soon.
• Signing broad medical authorizations without understanding what they allow.
• Missing California’s SR-1 reporting rule when it applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Los Angeles?

Check for injuries, call 911 if anyone is hurt, move to safety if possible, document the scene, exchange information, and get medical care the same day.

How do I get a Los Angeles police accident report?

Ask which agency responded (LAPD, CHP, LASD, or another department), get the report number, and follow that agency’s request process. LAPD guidance is here:
Obtain a Traffic Collision Report (LAPD).

Do I need to report the crash to the California DMV?

Sometimes, yes. California requires an SR-1 report within 10 days if anyone is injured or if property damage is over $1,000:
California DMV SR-1 reporting.

What if the accident was partly my fault in California?

California follows a pure comparative fault approach—meaning you may still recover compensation, but it can be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Reference: Li v. Yellow Cab (Justia).

How long do I have to file after a car accident in Los Angeles?

Deadlines depend on the type of claim, but acting early is always safer for evidence and leverage. If you’re unsure which deadline applies to your situation, get legal guidance quickly.

¿Atienden en español?

Sí. Hablamos español y podemos ayudarle después de un accidente.

Get Help After a Car Accident in Los Angeles

If you were injured, our team can help you protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.

Contact us for a free consultation.