🚗 Stop
- You must stop at the scene of any accident you’re involved in – even a minor one.
- Hit-and-run is a serious crime.
- If it’s a minor accident and safe, move vehicles out of traffic.
🆘 Check for Injuries
- If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
- You are required to render reasonable aid, such as:
- Calling emergency services
- Administering first aid if you’re qualified
🔁 Exchange Information
Exchange with the other driver(s):
- Name and address
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle registration number
- Insurance company name and policy number
📸 Also:
- Show each other your driver’s licenses if requested.
- Get contact info of any witnesses, if available.
📷 Photographs
Take pictures of:
- Vehicle damage
- The overall scene
- Skid marks or debris
- Other vehicle’s license plate
- Other driver’s insurance card
These help ensure accuracy when filing a claim.
👮 Police Involvement
- If injury or death occurs:
- You (or someone else) must call police or CHP.
- Officers will typically respond and file a report.
- For minor property damage:
- Police might not respond (depends on local policy).
- You are legally required to report to law enforcement within 24 hours if someone is injured or killed.
📌 Tip: Always get the police report number if officers do respond.
🧠 Stay Calm & Watch What You Say
- Do not admit fault at the scene.
- Be polite, stick to objective facts.
- You can ask if everyone is okay, but avoid saying things like:
- “I wasn’t paying attention”
- “It was my fault”
- Let insurance companies and police determine fault.
📝 If You Hit a Parked Car or Property
- Try to locate the owner.
- If not possible, leave a note with:
- Your name and address
- A brief explanation of what happened
- Then report the incident to the police.
- Failing to do this is legally considered hit-and-run.