Quick answer: The California Department of Insurance says that after a car accident you should stop, move only if it is safe, call 911 if there are injuries, call the police, collect names and insurance details, take photos, and notify your agent or insurance company immediately. Don’t sign statements about fault, and be careful with any unsolicited referral to a body shop, law office or medical office. If you were hurt in a crash in San Diego, here is the rest of the guide in plain language.
What should you do at the scene?
The guide, “So You’ve Been in an Accident, What’s Next?”, lists these steps:
- Stop immediately, and move only if it is safe to do so
- Call 911 if there are injuries
- Call the police. Some departments won’t come to every accident, but you should attempt to notify them. Most policies require notifying police within a set time after a hit and run
- Get names, addresses, phone numbers and driver license numbers from all drivers
- Get license plates and vehicle identification numbers, and ask to see licenses and registrations
- Get names and contact details of passengers and witnesses
- Take photos of the damage and the scene, including traffic controls and visual obstacles
- Leave a note with your details if the owner of a damaged car or property can’t be found
- Notify your agent or insurance company immediately
If someone may be seriously hurt, MedlinePlus says to call 911 for a head injury with passing out, fainting or confusion, or for an injury to the neck or spine, particularly with loss of feeling or inability to move.
What should you avoid?
The same guide lists what not to do:
- Don’t argue with other drivers and passengers
- Save your story for the police and your insurance company
- Don’t sign statements regarding fault, or promise to pay for the other party’s damages
- If the other party offers to pay your deductible, don’t sign anything
You do have to show your driver’s license, vehicle registration card, evidence of financial responsibility and current address to the other driver or a peace officer.
What are the deadlines?
Here are the time limits in the guide and on the DMV’s form:
| What | Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Report the crash to the DMV, if anyone was hurt or killed or damage is over $1,000 | Within 10 days | DMV SR-1 form |
| Notify your agent or insurance company | Immediately | Department of Insurance |
| Insurer acknowledges your claim and starts investigating | No later than 15 days after notice | Department of Insurance |
| Insurer responds to what you send them | No later than 15 days | Department of Insurance |
| Insurer accepts or denies the claim | No later than 40 days after proof of claim | Department of Insurance |
| Insurer pays once the claim is accepted | No later than 30 days from settlement | Department of Insurance |
The department’s guide gives the DMV threshold as $750. The DMV’s own form, revised in June 2025, says $1,000, so read the SR-1 and the 10-day rule and go by the form.
What happens after you file a claim?
Your insurance company will contact you for details about the loss, and may take a written or recorded statement. An examination under oath can sometimes be requested, and other drivers and witnesses may be contacted too.
If you have a medical payments or an uninsured motorist claim, the guide says you must provide documentation of your loss: injuries, medical expenses, lost wages and so on. Read MedPay in California for how that coverage works. Start a folder now, and put every bill and record in it.
The guide also tells you to cooperate with the adjusters and investigators, and to ask your agent or company representative to explain anything you don’t understand about the claims procedure.
What about your car?
A qualified adjuster or appraiser usually inspects the damage and writes an estimate. The guide says it is your responsibility to sign and authorize the shop to repair your vehicle once you are satisfied with the final estimate and repair facility. Under California Insurance Code section 758.5, an insurance company cannot require that your car be repaired at a specific shop, although it can recommend one.
Why does the state warn about unsolicited referrals?
Because of fraud. The guide says, “If you have been in an auto accident, be cautious of any unsolicited referral to a body shop, law office or medical office.” It describes organized accident rings and “cappers” who solicit people in the community, and it says capping, the illegal referral of clients to legal offices for a fee, is a felony in California. It also lists contact by an attorney without being solicited as a warning sign.
That applies to choosing a chiropractor as much as anyone else. Pick your own care. Look at the reviews, check the license, and ask questions. Dr. Anderson’s California license is DC20105, and you can read what patients say in their Google reviews.
Where does getting checked fit in?
The guide is about the accident and the claim, not your body. Some symptoms can start later: MedlinePlus says concussion symptoms may start days or weeks later, and may include a headache or neck pain. Read about headaches after a crash and whiplash and neck pain.
Dr. Anderson’s own advice is to consult with your doctor before making an appointment for chiropractic care after an automobile accident.
Why see Dr. Anderson after a crash in San Diego?
At Anderson Chiropractic & Wellness, your first visit includes your medical history and a full exam, with imaging if it is needed, and the office consults with your general practitioner before performing any adjustments. The office is in Scripps Ranch, also serving Poway, and walk-ins are welcome. Call (858) 549-1088 or contact the office.
This article is general information, not medical or legal advice. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination. If you have an emergency, call 911.
