California personal injury accident checklist
The order matters: health first, evidence second, insurance conversations last. Do what you can — nothing on this list is required to get help.
LAST REVIEWED JULY 4, 2026 · CALIFORNIA
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Direct answer
What should I do after an accident in California?
Get medical care first, even for injuries that seem minor. Then document what you can: photos of the scene, witness contact information, and report numbers. Be cautious with recorded insurance statements before you understand your rights, and consider speaking with an attorney about your specific situation.
Right away
- Get to safety and check on anyone else involved.
- Call 911 if anyone may be hurt — injuries are not always obvious.
- Accept medical evaluation even if you feel mostly fine; adrenaline masks symptoms.
- If police respond, ask how to get the report number.
Before you leave the scene (if you safely can)
- Photograph the scene from several angles: vehicles, hazards, signage, lighting, weather.
- Photograph visible injuries and property damage.
- Collect names and phone numbers of witnesses.
- Exchange contact and insurance information without discussing fault.
- Note the exact location — cross streets, store name, mile marker.
In the first days
- Follow up on medical care and keep every discharge paper and receipt.
- Write down what happened in your own words while it is fresh, with the date.
- Save clothing, damaged items, and anything else physical from the accident.
- Request the police or incident report if one was made.
- Be careful with recorded insurance statements before you understand your rights.
- Consider starting a private case review so the details are organized while they are fresh.
Add the guide that fits the accident
This checklist covers the evidence nearly every injured person may need. For the broader sequence of health, documentation, insurance, and attorney-review decisions, read our accident help guide.
Commercial vehicles can involve records held by a carrier, so a truck collision also calls for the California truck accident guide. A fall caused by a floor, stair, walkway, or other property condition has different notice and inspection questions, explained in the California slip-and-fall guide.
If pain, headache, numbness, stiffness, or limited movement appeared after you left the scene, use the guide to delayed pain after an accident and record when each symptom began without trying to diagnose it yourself.
California accident checklist questions
What should I do first after an accident in California?
Move away from immediate danger if you safely can and call 911 for an emergency. Get concerning injuries evaluated by a qualified medical professional. Once immediate health and safety needs are addressed, preserve basic scene, witness, report, and insurance information without putting yourself at risk.
What if I could not collect evidence at the accident scene?
Missing scene evidence does not mean you cannot ask for help. Write down what you remember, save the location and report information, keep medical and insurer records, and identify possible witnesses or cameras. An attorney may be able to request records or footage you cannot obtain yourself.
Should I give the insurance company a recorded statement?
Your own policy may require reasonable cooperation, but requests differ depending on which insurer is asking and what it wants. You can ask whether a statement is required, keep early communication factual, and consider an attorney review before giving a detailed recorded account or signing a broad authorization or release.
When should I speak with a personal injury attorney after an accident?
Consider an attorney review when you were injured, fault is disputed, more than one person or company may be responsible, an insurer requests a recorded statement, or a settlement is offered before the effects of the injury are clear. Legal deadlines exist and vary, so an early review can help identify what applies.