Collisions

Understand factors that lead to collisions so you can try to avoid them.

Causes of Collisions

The most common causes of collisions are:

• Driver distractions.
• Unsafe speed.
• Improper turns.
• Not following the right-of-way rules.
• Not following stop signals and signs.
• Driving on the wrong side of the road.
• A vehicle traveling faster or slower than the flow of traffic.

If you see a vehicle’s emergency flashers ahead, slow down. There may be a collision or other road emergency. Pass carefully.

Avoid driving near collisions, if possible. If anyone is injured, they will get help faster if other vehicles are not blocking the road.

What to Do if You Are in a Collision

• If you are in a collision:
• You must stop. Someone could be injured and need your help. Failing to stop or leaving the scene of an accident is called a hit-and-run. The punishment is severe if you are convicted of a hit-and-run.
• Call 911 right away if anyone is hurt.
• Move your vehicle out of traffic if no one is hurt. Then call 911.
• Show your driver’s license, vehicle registration card, insurance information, and current address to the other driver, law enforcement officer, and anyone else involved in the collision.
• You must make a report to law enforcement within 24 hours of the collision if anyone is injured or killed. Your insurance agent, broker, or legal representative can also file the report.
• Try to find the owner if your vehicle hits or rolls into a parked car or other property. If you cannot find the owner, leave a note with your name, phone number, and address. Securely attach the note to the vehicle or property. Report the collision to law enforcement.
• If you kill or injure an animal, call the nearest humane society or law enforcement. Do not try to move an injured animal.

Reporting a Collision

If you are in a collision, you must report it to DMV within 10 days if:

• The collision caused more than $1,000 in damage to property.
• Anyone was injured or killed. This applies even if the injuries were minor.

Each driver must file a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR 1) with DMV at dmv.ca.gov/accidentreport. You (or your representative) must file a report whether or not you caused the collision. This applies even if the collision happened on private property.

Your driving privilege will be suspended if you fail to file a report. Law enforcement will not make a report for you.