After an accident in California, you are probably asking
Do I need a lawyer?
Free, plain-language guidance on what usually happens next. No account, no obligation, nothing sold.
Educational information, not legal advice. Takes about two minutes.
What happened?
Right now, do these three things.
Pick what happened and the steps change.
Deadlines that may apply
10 days
DMV SR-1 Report
2 years
to file an injury lawsuit in California
Get checked by a doctor, then collect the other driver plate and insurance details.
File the DMV SR-1 report within 10 days if anyone was injured or the damage was over the reporting threshold.
Do not give the other insurer a recorded statement before you understand what it is for.
Educational information, not legal advice.
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Answer a few questions. Know your next steps.
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Tell us what happened
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- Car Accident
- Truck Accident
- Motorcycle Crash
- Slip & Fall
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Guides, articles, and resources
Educational guidance to help you understand your next steps.
5 Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Attorney - and What the Answers Mean
5 Things to Verify Before You Sign With a Personal Injury Attorney
How to Choose a Personal Injury Attorney in California
Not Sure Which Attorney Fits Your Case? How to Judge the Match
Questions people ask after an accident
Straightforward answers to what we hear most from injured people in California.
Not every situation calls for one. After a minor incident with no injuries, you may be able to handle things on your own. People often benefit from speaking with a lawyer experienced in injury claims when there are injuries, when fault is disputed, or when an insurance company is already involved. This is educational information, not legal advice.
AccidentPath is free for you to use. Attorneys in our network may pay a fee for marketing services, which does not change what you pay. Personal injury lawyers commonly work on contingency, meaning their fee is a percentage of any recovery and you typically owe no attorney fees if there is no recovery. Case costs can be separate, so ask any attorney whether you would owe costs. Many offer a free initial consultation.
As a general rule, California gives you two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Claims against a government entity have a much shorter window, often six months. Deadlines can change based on your circumstances, so confirm the dates that apply to you with a licensed attorney.
If anyone is hurt, call 911 and get medical care first. When it is safe, document the scene with photos, exchange contact and insurance details, and keep copies of medical records and bills. Seeing a doctor promptly protects both your health and any future claim. This is general guidance, not legal or medical advice.
You are generally not required to give the other driver's insurer a recorded statement, sign medical releases, or discuss your injuries, and you can politely decline and refer them to your attorney. Keep in mind your own insurer may require cooperation under your policy. When in doubt, it is reasonable to wait until you have spoken with a lawyer.
AccidentPath is an educational guidance platform that helps injured people understand their next steps and, if they choose, connect with attorneys in our network. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice, and using the site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Availability varies by state and case type.
Information for educational purposes only and not legal advice.