What to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is known for heavy traffic, with a high rate of accidents on some of the deadliest roads and intersections: Nobody drives out of their garage and hopes to get into an accident. Regardless of location, accidents are inevitable, but what we do afterwards makes the most significant difference, deciding safety, insurance claims, and repair costs.

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In this blog post, we provide a simple guide on what to do after an accident to protect yourself physically, legally, and financially.

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Step 1. 

Immediately After the Crash—Safety First

Yes, being in an accident can be chaotic. But amid that chaos, you need to stay calm and collected. Afterwards, you check yourself and the passengers for injuries first. If everything seems under control, move passengers out of the vehicle. 

Finally, move the vehicle out of the roadway if it's operable and safe to do so. But if the situation is extreme, someone has been injured, and the vehicle is in very poor condition, call 911 (emergency services).

In LA, the police department and local paramedics handle emergencies, and they will take it from there.

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Step 2. 

Exchange Driver & Vehicle Information

If the accident involves two or more drivers, it is not the time to shift blame or admit fault. Chill out and exchange vital information like:

• Full name and contact details
• Driver's license number
• Insurance company and policy number
• Vehicle registration, license plate number, make, model, and color.

Doing this simple task legally equips you and facilitates your claims when necessary.

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Step 3. 

Document the Scene Thoroughly

Knowing how to recount what happened at the accident scene by heart is not enough. Hence, it is crucial to document everything clearly in text, photos, and videos. Take a 360-degree view photo of the vehicles involved. The skid mark on the road, if there's any. And everything necessary, including injuries at the scene. 

One last dance of documentation: get the eyewitness's contact info.

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Step 4. 

Seek Medical Attention

Regardless of the severity, if anyone was injured in the accident, seek medical attention immediately.

Report the Accident to the DMV (Required in California)

In most U.S. states, it is necessary (legally) to report an accident, especially when the cost of injuries or repairs typically exceeds $1,000. 

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Step 5. 

Notify Your Insurance Company

Notifying your insurance immediately after an accident will not only accelerate your claim process but also give you a legal advantage.

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Step 6 

Get a Copy of the Police or Collision Report

Even minor accidents may require the police to attend the scene. In major cases, police are among the first responders. They provide safety and minimize casualties while documenting the incident for legal and insurance claim purposes.

For you, you can obtain this report by visiting the local law enforcement online portal, the investigative agency, or the on-site policy station.

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Step 7. 

Preserve Evidence & Documentation

Preserving documented evidence can be a stretch. For proper procedures, keep the photos, notes, videos, and any reports out of harm's way and out of reach. You should also share duplicates with a few trusted friends or allies just in case some unpredictable misfortune strikes - you won't get stuck. 

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Watch Out for Common Pitfalls

• Choosing a noncertified body shop 

One significant pitfall some drivers underestimate is choosing the wrong repair shops after a collision in Los Angeles.

Choosing repair shops that aren't certified, don't have ADAS recalibration capability, aren't transparent about estimates, or aren't helpful with the insurance claim process can be a nightmare for you.

This pitfall is avoidable by conducting thorough research, identifying inferior options, and disqualifying them from reputable auto repair shops in Los Angeles. Check the reviews; in fact, visit them on-site if you don't mind before entrusting your vehicle to them.

• Delaying vehicle inspection can be a pitfall.

Post-accident vehicle inspection is highly important because it helps identify potential damage so it can be fixed immediately and prevent it from escalating.

• Accepting blame at the accident scene

This is legal advice: do not accept blame at the accident scene, as it can be used against you even when you're clearly not the at-fault party.

Conclusion (Final Thoughts)

Understanding the proven steps outlined in this blog will save you from post-accident hassle and protect you from unnecessary insurance stress, confusion, and financial losses.

P.S. You got into an accident, and you're looking for a reputable auto body shop to inspect and restore your vehicle? Regal Repair is your best shot in Los Angeles. See for yourself here.

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FAQs

1. Do I have to call the police after a minor accident in Los Angeles?

Yes, even a minor accident requires that you call the police for safety and insurance claim records. 

“What information should I exchange with the other driver?”

Information to exchange with the other driver includes:

• Their full name and contact details.
• Driver's license number 
• License plate number 
• Insurance company and policy number 
• Vehicle registration
• Car make, color, and model details.

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2. What should I do if nobody is hurt?

If no one got injured in an accident, move the vehicle from the roadway, document the scene, and call the police to file a report.  

“Do I need to report the accident to the DMV?”

Yes. You have to report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if the case includes injuries, death, or property damage that exceeds $1,000. 

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3. Should I contact my insurance company right away?

Yes. You absolutely need to contact your insurance company immediately after the accident to facilitate your claim process, or else you may forfeit it for delay. 

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