What to Do After a Car Accident
State motor vehicle agencies describe a similar set of steps after a crash: stop, get help for anyone who is hurt, contact police when required, exchange driver, vehicle and insurance information, and file any report the state requires. The details, including when police must be called and when a report must be filed with the state, differ from state to state.
What the law says
- New York's driver's manual says you must stop after a crash no matter how minor; the level of damage does not matter. New York DMV, Driver's Manual Chapter 12: If You Are in a Traffic Crash
- California's handbook says you must stay at the scene of a collision, and that leaving is a hit-and-run that can carry serious penalties. California DMV, California Driver Handbook: Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions
- If anyone is injured or killed, New York's manual says to notify police immediately and make sure an ambulance or rescue team has been called, and not to move an injured person unless there is a life-threatening danger such as fire. New York DMV, Driver's Manual Chapter 12: If You Are in a Traffic Crash
- Texas DOT advises checking for injuries and helping anyone who is hurt, and says that if no one is hurt and the vehicle can be driven, the law requires moving it out of the flow of traffic. Texas Department of Transportation, Tips to avoid collisions and what to do when one occurs
- Texas DOT says to call police if someone is injured or killed, a vehicle cannot be moved, a driver appears intoxicated or uninsured, or a driver leaves the scene. Texas Department of Transportation, Tips to avoid collisions and what to do when one occurs
- In Florida, a driver in a crash involving injury, death, or at least $500 in estimated vehicle or property damage must immediately contact local law enforcement (Section 316.065, Florida Statutes). Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Involved in a Crash?
- New York's manual lists the information to exchange with other drivers and police: name, address, driver license number, vehicle registration, and insurance information including the policy number and effective date. New York DMV, Driver's Manual Chapter 12: If You Are in a Traffic Crash
- California's handbook says drivers must exchange their driver's license, registration card, insurance information, and current address with the other driver, officers, and others involved. California DMV, California Driver Handbook: Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions
- If you hit a parked car or other property and cannot find the owner, California's handbook says to leave a securely attached note with your name, phone number, and address and to report the collision to law enforcement. California DMV, California Driver Handbook: Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions
- California requires each driver to file a Report of Traffic Accident (SR-1) with the DMV within 10 days if damage is over $1,000 or anyone is injured (even slightly) or killed, regardless of fault; law enforcement will not file it for you, and failing to file results in suspension of the driving privilege. California DMV, California Driver Handbook: Financial Responsibility, Insurance Requirements, and Collisions
- New York requires a Report of Motor Vehicle Crash (MV-104) to be filed with the DMV within 10 days when anyone is injured or killed or when one person's property has $1,000 or more in damage; failing to file is a misdemeanor and can lead to suspension or revocation of the license and registrations. New York DMV, Driver's Manual Chapter 12: If You Are in a Traffic Crash
- New York's manual says reporting a crash to your insurance company does not replace the separate requirement to report it to the DMV. New York DMV, Driver's Manual Chapter 12: If You Are in a Traffic Crash
- Texas DOT advises notifying your insurance company of a collision right away. Texas Department of Transportation, Tips to avoid collisions and what to do when one occurs
FAQ
Do I have to stop if the accident was minor?
In New York, yes: the driver's manual says you must stop after any crash and the level of damage does not matter. California likewise requires drivers to remain at the scene. Other states set their own rules.
When do I have to call the police?
It depends on the state. Florida requires immediately contacting local law enforcement for crashes involving injury, death, or at least $500 in estimated damage. New York requires notifying police immediately when someone is injured or killed. Texas DOT lists injury or death, an immovable vehicle, an apparently intoxicated or uninsured driver, or a driver leaving the scene as reasons to call police.
Do I have to file a report with the DMV myself?
In some states, yes. California requires an SR-1 within 10 days for crashes with more than $1,000 in damage or any injury or death, and New York requires an MV-104 within 10 days for crashes with injury, death, or $1,000 or more in damage to one person's property. Thresholds and deadlines vary by state.
If I tell my insurance company, does that count as reporting to the DMV?
Not in New York. The manual says reporting to your insurer does not mean your legal obligation to report to the DMV is finished.
What if I hit a parked car and the owner isn't around?
California's handbook says to leave a securely attached note with your name, phone number, and address and report the collision to law enforcement. New York's manual says to try to locate the owner or notify police.
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.