Should I Call 911 After a Car Accident in Hermosa Beach, CA?
If you think you should call 911 after a car accident but aren’t sure, you should play it safe and call 911. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recommends that you call 911 after any car accident.
If you were involved in a minor car accident, you may be concerned that calling 911 will be a waste of law enforcement’s or the first responders’ time. This isn’t the case. The dispatcher may be able to send the appropriate personnel to the scene or give you instructions on what steps to take next in lieu of sending someone to the scene.
In addition to calling 911, there are several other steps that are mandatory or recommended to take after a car accident.
Stop and Remain at the Scene
In California, you are required to stop after a car accident. If someone was killed or injured, you must stay at the scene until law enforcement arrives. Failure to do so may result in being charged with a felony hit and run with injury. Even if there are minor injuries, it’s a good idea to call 911.
If there was only property damage caused by the accident, you must stop and identify yourself to the other party. Failure to do so may result in being charged with a misdemeanor hit and run.
If the other driver leaves the scene without stopping and exchanging information, call law enforcement immediately.
Seek Medical Attention
If you or someone else involved in the accident needs immediate medical attention, call 911. If someone takes you to an emergency room, leave your contact information with the other driver.
Do not refuse medical treatment even if you do not have visible injuries.
Move Your Vehicle
In California, you must move your vehicle off of the street or highway if no one was injured. A car blocking traffic may cause additional accidents or injuries. However, if someone was seriously injured, or if it would be unsafe to move your vehicle, you can wait until law enforcement arrives and gives you additional instructions.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
The California DMV recommends that you collect the following information from the other driver:
- Driver’s date of birth
- Driver’s license number and state
- Driver’s name and address
- Vehicle license plate number and state
- Driver’s insurance company name
- Insurance policy number and expiration date
- Policyholder’s name and address
- Vehicle owner’s name and address
It may be simpler to ask to take a photo of the other driver’s license, insurance card, and vehicle registration. Be sure to provide your information to the other driver, too. If the accident was with a parked vehicle and you cannot locate the driver, you may leave your information on their vehicle.
If the other driver will not provide this information, do not escalate an argument. Instead, call 911 immediately and wait for law enforcement to arrive.
Record Information About the Other Vehicle and the Accident
You should record their license plate number and the vehicle make, model, and color of the other driver’s vehicle. This information is necessary to report the accident to the California DMV.
In addition, it’s a good idea to write down information about the accident, the location of the accident, and the contact information of any witnesses. You should also take photographs of the scene and the vehicles.
Report the Accident to the DMV
If a car accident causes injury, death, or over $1000 in property damage, you are required to report it to the California DMV. You, your insurance agent, or your Manhattan Beach car accident attorney may make this report. You should report the accident to the DMV even if you already reported it to the police. You can report the accident in person or online.
Key Things to Remember After a Car Accident in Hermosa Beach, CA
Sometimes it’s hard to remember all of the steps to take after an accident.
If nothing else, here are a few key things to keep in mind after an accident:
- Call 911 after an accident. While it is not always required, calling 911 immediately after a car accident may be the safest way to make sure you comply with the law.
- Do not admit fault for the accident. Statements you make to others at the scene might be used against you in an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
- Do not state that you were not injured. This may hurt a future claim for compensation if you have injuries that manifest later on.
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They can handle your case and remind you of any other steps that need to be taken. .
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Hermosa Beach, CA, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. A car accident attorney can help you navigate the appropriate steps to take after a car accident.
Contact the Car Accident Lawyers at The Simon Law Group Today
For more information, please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at The Simon Law Group to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have three convenient locations in California, including Torrance, Hermosa Beach, and Santa Ana, CA. We also have offices in Phoenix, AZ, and Austin, TX.
We proudly serve Los Angeles County and Orange County, CA, and its surrounding areas:
The Simon Law Group – Torrance, CA Office
2916 W 164th St Second Floor, Torrance, CA 90504
(424) 622-0812
The Simon Law Group – Hermosa Beach, CA Office
34 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(424) 722-3209
The Simon Law Group – Santa Ana, CA Office
1327 N Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 581-8546
