{"id":240,"date":"2023-03-17T01:22:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-17T01:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=240"},"modified":"2023-05-30T17:32:38","modified_gmt":"2023-05-30T17:32:38","slug":"happens-dont-report-car-accident","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/auto-insurance-claims\/happens-dont-report-car-accident\/","title":{"rendered":"What Happens If I Don\u2019t Report My Car Accident In California?"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve just had your second fender-bender this year and you\u2019d rather not inform the DMV and your <\/span>auto insurance<\/span><\/a> company. The other driver\u2019s vehicle has less damage than your vehicle and he\u2019s cool with not notifying either one as well. Or, so he says.<\/span><\/p>\n

While this may seem like the perfect way to avoid another increase in your car insurance premiums and adding more negative points on your driving record, it may actually turn out to be a big mistake.<\/span><\/p>\n

First, you may want to consider the possible ramifications and penalties that await you for failing to report a car accident in California before making a snap decision. In short, you have a legal obligation to report accidents that fall under certain guidelines.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the <\/span>California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)<\/span><\/a>, California law requires traffic accidents occurring on a California street, highway or private property to be reported within 10 days of the incident, regardless of who\u2019s at fault. Not reporting the accident within the allotted time period by filing an SR-1 form with the DMV could lead to the suspension of your driver\u2019s license.<\/span><\/p>\n

When You Are Obligated to Report a Car Accident<\/b><\/h2>\n

In most states, you are legally obligated to report any car accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage above a certain amount, <\/span>typically from $500 to $3,000<\/span><\/a>. Additionally, most auto insurance policies require you to report any accident, regardless of fault or severity, as soon as possible. Your insurance policy will outline the terms of your coverage and the requirements for reporting an accident.<\/span><\/p>\n

When You Should Report a Car Crash to the Police<\/b><\/h3>\n

If you happen to be in a vehicle collision<\/span><\/a>, it is imperative that you come to a complete stop. Failure to do so could result in being found guilty of a “hit and run” offense, which carries severe consequences. Moreover, if anyone is hurt, they may require assistance. Therefore, it is crucial to immediately dial 9-1-1 and <\/span>report the incident to the police<\/span><\/a> or California Highway Patrol (CHP).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, you must provide the other driver(s) or involved individuals, as well as law enforcement officers, with your driver’s license, vehicle registration card, proof of financial responsibility, and current address. Typically, evidence of financial responsibility comprises an insurance company name and a policy number. Failure to produce this documentation may lead to a citation and fine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Filling a Police Report Might Be Helpful<\/b><\/h3>\n

The value of a police report lies in its impartiality, which makes it more useful than relying on the at-fault driver’s memory of the event or filing a claim. In the event that you decide to pursue a <\/span>personal injury<\/span><\/a> claim, the police report is an essential document that your insurance company will require.<\/span><\/p>\n

The police report provides a fair and objective account of the accident, including details such as the accident’s location, date and time, vehicle and property damage, injuries sustained by drivers, passengers, and others, statements from both drivers involved, and information from witnesses who saw the accident. Additionally, it documents any environmental factors that may have contributed to the accident.<\/span>
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In the <\/span>event of an auto accident<\/span><\/a>, it is important to contact the local police department immediately to file a report. When the police officer arrives at the accident scene, provide them with a detailed account of what occurred and answer any questions they may have. The responding officer will interview the other driver and any witnesses, then determine the cause of the accident. Be sure to ask for a copy of the traffic collision report for your records.<\/span><\/p>\n

If the accident is a minor <\/span>collision<\/span><\/a> and there are no reported injuries, the police may not respond to the scene. In such cases, it is essential to file an accident report at the police station within 24 hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

The accident report serves as evidence that the other driver was present at the scene of the accident and involved in the accident. It is mandatory to obtain a police report when seeking compensation for damages, particularly if the at-fault driver denies involvement, <\/span>lacks insurance coverage<\/span><\/a>, refuses to make up for financial compensation, or flees the scene.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do Minor Vehicle Accidents Need to Be Reported?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Even minor car accidents should be reported to your insurance company. While you may be tempted to handle the situation on your own, it’s important to remember that minor accidents can cause more damage than you can see.\u00a0 Even if there is no visible damage to your vehicle or any other property, there could still be underlying damage that could cause issues down the line. Reporting even the smallest accident to your insurance company can protect you in case any future complications manifest later on.<\/span><\/p>\n

What If the Other Driver Agreed to Not File a Claim for the Minor Accident?<\/b><\/h3>\n

If the other driver agreed not to file a claim for a minor accident, you still need to report the accident to your insurance company. Even if the damage seems minor, it’s always best to be safe and report the accident. In some cases, the other driver may change their mind and decide to file a claim at a later date, and you could be left without coverage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Accident Guidelines That Require the Filing of a Report<\/b><\/h2>\n

The law states you are required to file the SR-1 if:<\/span><\/p>\n