5 Crucial Steps to Take After a Car Accident in California

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Wise Law Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers
Published date: June 16, 2025
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5 Crucial Steps to Take After a Car Accident in California

Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, but the decisions you make immediately afterward can significantly impact your physical, emotional, and financial recovery. At Wise Law, we’ve helped countless clients navigate the aftermath of motor vehicle accidents, and we know how critical those first steps are. Here are five essential actions to take if you're involved in a car accident in California:

  1. Prioritize Safety and Call 911. Your safety—and the safety of others—is the top priority. Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible, and check for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. A police report will be vital for your insurance and potential legal claim.
  2. Document the Scene. Take photos of the vehicles, damage, license plates, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be invaluable when proving fault and establishing the extent of damages.
  3. Exchange Information. Gather the contact and insurance information of all drivers involved, as well as contact info for any witnesses. Be courteous but avoid discussing fault at the scene.
  4. Seek Medical Attention. Even if you feel okay, some injuries (like whiplash or internal trauma) may not show symptoms immediately. Getting a medical evaluation creates an official record that supports your injury claim.
  5. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney. Before dealing with insurance companies, speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer. At Wise Law, we offer free consultations to help you understand your rights, and we don’t charge a fee unless we win your case.
Published by
josh kohanim
About The Author
Josh Kohanim, Esq., is the founder and managing attorney of Wise Law. He has dedicated his career to advocating for individuals who have suffered catastrophic personal injuries. With over a decade of extensive experience in personal injury law, including six years at a prestigious California injury law firm, Josh was mentored by some of the state’s leading trial lawyers. He has successfully represented clients in a wide array of cases, ranging from catastrophic motor vehicle accidents to intricate injuries resulting from toxic chemical exposure.

Wise Law Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers. (2025, May 15). What to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles: A Quick Legal Guide. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.wiseinjuryfirm.com/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident-los-angeles.

This guide provides essential steps for car accident victims in Los Angeles, including immediate actions to take, how to document the scene, and when to seek legal help.Los Angeles Police Department. (2024, December 10). LAPD Traffic Collision Reports and Safety Statistics. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.lapdonline.org/traffic/accident-statistics.

This official LAPD resource offers detailed statistics on traffic collisions in Los Angeles and outlines citywide safety initiatives and reporting procedures.California Office of Traffic Safety. (2024, October 18). City of Los Angeles Traffic Safety Rankings and Reports. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.ots.ca.gov/rankings/los-angeles-2024
This page outlines how Los Angeles ranks among other California cities in terms of crashes, injuries, DUI incidents, and pedestrian safety.
California Department of Motor Vehicles. (2023, November 5). Accident Reporting Requirements in California. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/reporting-a-traffic-accident.

This DMV resource explains when and how to report a car accident in California, including legal requirements for filing SR-1 forms and working with insurance providers.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2023, July 20). Driving Safely in Urban Areas: Los Angeles Focus. Retrieved May 15, 2025, from https://www.nhtsa.gov/los-angeles-driving-safety
The NHTSA offers urban driving safety tips and accident prevention strategies tailored to high-traffic cities like Los Angeles.

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Wise Law Personal Injury And Accident Lawyers
18653 Ventura Blvd. Suite 361 Tarzana, CA 91356
(424) 235-7879

This page was written, edited, and reviewed & approved by Josh Kohanim. Josh is has been recognized as a “Super Lawyer” in Personal Injury representation for several consecutive years. Additionally, Josh has been named one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association for his exceptional track record in personal injury law. If you’ve been injured or harmed, Josh has the experience and dedication to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
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