The First 24 Hours After
a Car Accident in California.
A calm, step-by-step guide for Sacramento drivers. What to do at the scene, what to say (and what not to say) to insurance, and how to get an independent estimate — because California law gives you the right to choose your own repair shop.
The steps that protect you — hour by hour.
Nobody plans to be in a car accident, which is exactly why most people don't know what to do when it happens. The first 24 hours after a collision are the most consequential window in the entire claims and repair process. Decisions made in those hours — photos you did or didn't take, statements you did or didn't make, the repair shop you did or didn't choose — shape everything that follows.
This post is a hour-by-hour guide for California drivers, written for the moment you'll actually need it. It covers what to do at the scene, what to say and not say to insurance, the specific California legal protections that give you the right to choose your own repair shop, and how to get an independent estimate that protects your interests instead of your insurance company's.
After a car accident in California, first ensure everyone's safety and call 911 if anyone is injured. Then move vehicles out of traffic if safe, exchange information with the other driver, and document the scene with photos. Within the first 24 hours, notify your insurance, get medical attention even if you feel fine, file a California DMV SR-1 report if damage exceeds $1,000 or anyone was injured, and get an independent repair estimate. Under California Insurance Code § 758.5, you have the legal right to choose your own repair shop — your insurance company cannot require you to use theirs.
Your first 24 hours, in five phases.
The timeline below reflects best-practice California procedure for a typical property-damage or minor-injury accident. If injuries are serious, medical response supersedes everything else and the sequence below adjusts around that.
Phase 01 — At the scene
The first fifteen minutes are about safety, medical response, and preserving evidence. Your immediate priority is not the car — it's whether anyone is hurt. Once safety is confirmed, everything else becomes documentation.
- Check for injuries. Yours, your passengers', the other driver's. Call 911 for anyone who is injured, unconscious, or in pain.
- Get to safety. If the vehicles can be moved without further damage, move them out of active traffic. If not, turn on hazard lights and stay clear of moving cars.
- Call 911 anyway if there's disagreement about fault, obvious impairment, or you don't feel safe. A police report is worth its weight in gold later.
- Photograph everything. All vehicles from multiple angles, license plates, VINs on dashboard, the scene wide, skid marks, traffic signs, road conditions, damage close-ups, any debris.
- Get contact info from witnesses. Name, phone number, brief statement of what they saw. Witness memory fades within days.
Phase 02 — Exchange, report, don't admit
Once immediate safety is confirmed, exchange information with the other driver. In California, drivers are legally required to exchange specific information — but you're not required to have a conversation about fault or apologies. Keep the exchange factual and brief.
- Exchange these items: Full name, current address, driver's license number, vehicle registration, insurance company name and policy number, vehicle license plate number.
- Photograph the other driver's license and insurance card instead of writing it down. Faster, more accurate, easier to find later.
- Don't apologize. Don't say "I'm sorry." Even a reflex "sorry" can be interpreted as an admission of fault. Stay factual.
- Don't discuss fault with the other driver. Fault is determined by insurance investigators and, if needed, courts. Not by the two of you standing on the side of the road.
- If police respond, request a copy of the report or get the report number so you can request it later.
CVC § 20001-20003 establishes California's requirements for stopping and exchanging information after a collision. Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense in California — a misdemeanor for property damage only, a felony if anyone was injured. Even a minor "fender bender" requires you to stop.
Phase 03 — Notify insurance, get medical attention
Once you're home and safe, two things happen in the first few hours after the scene: you notify your insurance company, and if there's any chance you were hurt, you get seen by a medical professional. Even mild whiplash or soft-tissue injury often doesn't present symptoms until 24-48 hours later.
- Call your insurance to open a claim. Most policies require "prompt" notice — typically within 24 hours. Give factual information only: date, time, location, other driver's info.
- Get medical evaluation if there's any possibility you were injured. "I feel fine" statements at the scene can be used against you later if symptoms develop.
- Save every receipt and record related to the accident: medical costs, transportation to appointments, missed work, rental car expenses.
- Don't give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance without talking to your own insurance (or an attorney if injuries were involved) first.
Phase 04 — File the DMV report, get your own estimate
California has a specific reporting requirement that catches many drivers off guard. It's not the police report — it's a separate DMV form called the SR-1, and you have ten days to file it.
- File a California SR-1 form with the DMV if damage exceeds $1,000 to any vehicle, or if anyone was injured or killed. Both drivers must file, regardless of who was at fault.
- Get at least one independent repair estimate before agreeing to your insurance's preferred shop. This is your right under California law.
- Compare estimates carefully. Insurance-preferred estimates often use aftermarket parts and lower labor rates. Independent estimates typically use OEM parts and market labor rates.
- Notify the DMV of any change of address during your claim period so notices reach you.
CVC § 16000 requires you to file a Report of Traffic Accident (form SR-1) with the California DMV within 10 days if the accident caused any injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 — even if the police already responded and even if your insurance is handling the claim. Both drivers must file. Failure to file can result in license suspension.
The form is available at dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-industry-services/authorization-services/traffic-accident-reporting and can be filed online or by mail.
Phase 05 — Choose your repair shop
Somewhere in the first 24-48 hours, your insurance adjuster will likely suggest — sometimes strongly — that you use one of their "preferred" or "network" shops. You are not required to. California has one of the strongest anti-steering laws in the country, and it protects your right to choose the shop that will work on your vehicle.
Cal. Ins. Code § 758.5 prohibits insurance companies from requiring you to use a specific repair shop. They can suggest preferred shops. They cannot require them. They cannot penalize you for choosing your own shop. And they cannot refuse to work with your chosen shop.
This is your legal right. Your insurance is required to work with the licensed California repair shop you choose — whether that's one of their preferred shops or an independent shop like Rippers.
- Choose your shop early. The shop you choose does the estimate, negotiates with insurance, and completes the repair. Choosing early avoids delays.
- Ask about parts. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts match your vehicle's original specs. Aftermarket parts are cheaper but not identical. Reputable shops will tell you which they're using.
- Get the warranty in writing. Reputable shops warranty their work. Ask specifically what's covered and for how long.
- Confirm they're licensed. California requires all auto body shops to hold a Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) license. The number should be posted at the shop and on written estimates.
Three things you don't do after an accident.
The three most common mistakes California drivers make in the first 24 hours — each one preventable, each one costly.
Don't admit fault at the scene.
Even a reflexive "I'm sorry" can be used as evidence of fault later. Fault is determined by insurance investigators reviewing evidence, photos, witness statements, and (if applicable) the police report. Not by the two drivers talking on the side of the road. Stay factual, exchange information, take photos.
Don't accept the first estimate without a second opinion.
Insurance adjusters and preferred-shop estimates protect the insurance company's costs. An independent estimate protects yours. Even small differences in parts specification, labor hours, and repair method can mean thousands of dollars over the life of your vehicle. Get a second estimate from a shop that works for you.
Don't let insurance require you to use their shop.
California law explicitly prohibits insurance companies from requiring you to use their preferred shop. They may recommend, suggest, or offer incentives — but the choice is yours. If an adjuster tells you that you "must" use their shop, that statement is not legally accurate under Cal. Ins. Code § 758.5. You have the right to pick.
Preferred shops work with insurance. Independent shops work for you.
This is not a slam on preferred-network shops — many are good shops. But it's important to understand the structural difference in who they answer to. Preferred shops have negotiated volume arrangements with insurance companies. Those arrangements typically include agreed-upon labor rates, agreed-upon parts sourcing (often aftermarket), and agreed-upon completion timelines. That's efficient for the insurance company. It doesn't always serve the vehicle owner.
An independent shop has no negotiated arrangement with your insurance carrier. When they write an estimate, it reflects what the actual repair requires — not what the insurance company has pre-agreed to pay. When they source parts, they use what's best for your vehicle. When they set a completion timeline, it reflects the actual work, not a volume-agreement deadline.
Works for you. Estimates reflect actual repair scope. Parts sourced for quality. Timeline set by the work. Warranties directly from the shop.
Works with insurance. Estimates constrained by pre-agreed rates. Parts often aftermarket per volume agreement. Timeline tied to network commitments.
Rippers has been an independent Sacramento auto body shop since 1964. We work with every major insurance carrier — we're not adversarial with them. But we work for the vehicle owner. That's a structural difference that matters when the estimate is written and the repair is done.
Questions California drivers ask after an accident.
Do I have to call the police after a car accident in California?
You are legally required to call the police if anyone is injured or killed under California Vehicle Code § 20001. For a property-damage-only accident, calling police is not legally required but is strongly recommended if there is disagreement about fault, if either driver appears impaired, if either driver refuses to exchange information, or if the damage is significant. A police report becomes important evidence during the insurance claim process, so when in doubt, call.
How long do I have to file a car accident report in California?
California requires you to file a Report of Traffic Accident (SR-1 form) with the DMV within 10 days if the accident caused any injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000, regardless of who was at fault. Both drivers must file. The SR-1 is separate from any police report and separate from your insurance claim — the DMV requires it independently. Failure to file can result in license suspension.
Can my insurance company make me use their preferred body shop?
No. Under California Insurance Code § 758.5, your insurance company cannot require you to use a specific repair shop. They can recommend or suggest preferred shops, but they cannot penalize you for choosing your own shop, and they cannot refuse to work with the licensed California shop you choose. This is one of the strongest anti-steering laws in the country and it protects your right to choose the shop that will work on your vehicle.
Should I get a second opinion on my car damage estimate?
Yes, in almost every case. Getting an independent second estimate is a standard step recommended by consumer protection agencies and it costs nothing at reputable shops (Rippers provides free estimates, as do most California auto body shops). Different estimates reveal different assumptions about parts (OEM vs aftermarket), labor rates, and repair methods. Comparing estimates helps you understand what your vehicle actually needs and helps you make an informed choice about who repairs it.
What should I say to the other driver's insurance company?
As little as possible, and never on a recorded statement without first talking to your own insurance or an attorney. The other driver's insurance adjuster works for the other driver's insurance company — not for you. Standard practice is to provide basic factual information (date, time, location, contact info) and refer detailed questions to your own insurance company. If injuries were involved, consult an attorney before giving any statement.
Who do I call after a car accident in Sacramento?
If anyone is injured, call 911 first. Once safety is confirmed, notify your own insurance company to open a claim. For repair, you have the right under California law to choose any licensed auto body shop — you are not required to use your insurance company's preferred shop. Rippers Body Shop has served West Sacramento, Sacramento, Davis, and Woodland since 1964 as an independent shop that works directly with all major insurance carriers. Free estimates. Call (916) 372-5353 or use the chat on rippersbodyshops.com.
We're here when you need us. No rush.
If you were just in an accident and you're reading this, we're sorry that happened. There's no urgency to make decisions right this minute — get through the first 24 hours, take care of yourself, notify your insurance. When you're ready to talk about your repair, we're here. Rippers is an independent West Sacramento body shop that works for the vehicle owner, not for any insurance carrier's negotiated rate. Free estimates. Straight answers. No pressure.
Contact Rippers Or call (916) 372-5353We work with all major insurance carriers. We've been West Sacramento's independent auto body shop since 1964.
Informational note: This post is general informational content about California vehicle law and insurance practice — not legal advice. Individual accidents involve individual circumstances. For questions about a specific accident, particularly one involving injury, complex fault, or significant property damage, consult a licensed California attorney. California Vehicle Code and Insurance Code references in this post are accurate as of publication date but statutes are subject to change; always verify current law at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.
Continue with the August blog series.
This is Week 2 of the August three-part blog series. Week 1 covered our custom-work specialty for classic-truck enthusiasts. Next week's final post gives you the evergreen guide to choosing the right auto body shop.
- 08.19.2026Week 1 · Custom Work
Frame Shortening a 1972 Chevy C-10
The 14-inch conversion that transforms a long-bed truck into a proper street classic. Step-by-step through Rippers' six-week process.
Read now → - 08.20.2026Week 2 · What To Do
The First 24 Hours After a Car Accident in California
Step-by-step: what to do at the scene, what to say (and what not to say) to insurance, how to document damage, and when to get an independent repair estimate.
- 08.27.2026Week 3 · How To Choose
How to Choose an Auto Body Shop in Sacramento
Certifications that matter, questions to ask, red flags to watch for, and how to compare estimates without getting burned.
Publishes Aug 27 →
CA BAR Automotive Repair Dealer Reg. ARD #294466
Rippers works with all major insurance carriers as an independent shop. All customer-pay services are quoted in writing before work begins per California Bureau of Automotive Repair requirements (16 CCR § 3353). Rippers does not provide legal advice; content in this post is informational only.