What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Car Accident in California

In the moments after a collision, it's normal to feel shaken, disoriented, and unsure of what to do first. Yet the decisions you make in that first day - at the scene, at the hospital, and in the first phone call from an insurance company - can shape both your health and your claim for months to come. Here is a clear, calm roadmap for the first 24 hours after a car accident in California.

At the Scene

Your first priority is safety, then documentation. California law requires drivers to stop, and to report a crash that involves injury, death, or significant property damage.

• Check for injuries and call 911. Move to a safe spot if you can, and turn on your hazard lights.
• Exchange names, license, insurance, and vehicle details - but avoid apologizing or admitting fault. Casual statements can be used against you later.
• Document everything: photos of the vehicles, the road, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Collect names and numbers of witnesses.
• Note the responding officers and ask how to obtain a copy of the police report.

Get Medical Care - Even If You "Feel Fine"

Adrenaline masks pain. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, and internal trauma often surface hours or even days after a crash.

See a doctor the same day if possible. Prompt care protects your health and creates a medical record that ties your injuries to the collision - a link insurers scrutinize closely. Follow through on referrals and keep every bill and record.

Be Careful With the Insurance Call

You may hear from the other driver's insurer within hours. Handle that conversation carefully.

• You are generally not required to give a recorded statement to the other side - and it's usually wise not to before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
• Stick to the basic facts. Don't speculate about who was at fault or how badly you're hurt.
• Be wary of a fast, early settlement. Once you sign a release, you typically cannot reopen the claim if your injuries turn out to be worse than they first appeared.

Protect Your Rights Going Forward

A little organization now pays off later. Keep a simple file with the police report number, medical records, photos, a short symptom journal, and any correspondence.

Remember California's deadlines. Most injury lawsuits must be filed within two years, but claims involving a government entity require a formal claim within six months. If your injuries are serious or fault is disputed, talk to an attorney early - before key evidence disappears.

You don't have to sort out the next steps by yourself. If you've been injured in a crash, Pogosyan Law offers a free, no-obligation consultation to help you protect your health and your claim.

Get a Free Consultation with Pogosyan Law

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Call (818) 243-3900 or email info@pogosyanlaw.com - 500 N. Brand Blvd, Suite 830, Glendale, CA 91203.

Disclaimer: This article is general information about California law, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and every case is different - for guidance on your situation, consult a licensed attorney. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.