If you believe you caused a car accident in California, you still have specific legal obligations. Some actions could also make your legal situation worse, so you should avoid them. California law requires you to stop, render aid, and provide identifying information regardless of fault. You should not admit liability at the scene beyond the required exchange of information. Attorney Damoun Yazdi at The Accident Network Law Group can advise drivers on both sides of California car accident claims.

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Key Takeaways

  • Regardless of fault, California law requires you to stop, render reasonable assistance, and exchange information under CVC Sections 20001-20002
  • Do not admit fault or make statements beyond what is legally required; let the insurance investigation determine fault
  • Report the accident to your auto insurance company promptly; failure to report can void coverage
  • Your liability insurance provides a defense and pays claims up to your policy limits
  • California’s pure comparative negligence standard means both drivers may share fault even when you caused the accident

What California Law Requires When You Cause an Accident

California Vehicle Code Section 20001 requires any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to stop at the scene, render reasonable assistance to injured persons, and provide their name, address, and vehicle registration information. CVC Section 20002 imposes similar requirements for property damage accidents.

These requirements apply regardless of who caused the accident. Failing to fulfill them creates criminal liability for hit-and-run that is separate from any civil claim.

What You Should Avoid Saying

Do not say “I’m sorry, it was my fault” or similar admissions at the scene. While these statements may reflect genuine remorse, they constitute admissions that can be used against you in the civil claim from the other party.

Fault determination in California car accidents is a formal investigation process, not a judgment made at the scene. You may believe you are fully at fault when in fact the other party contributed significantly. The insurance investigation, police report analysis, and potentially expert analysis determine the actual fault allocation.

Provide the required information (identity, registration, insurance), cooperate with law enforcement by answering factual questions, but avoid speculation about fault.

Reporting to Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your auto insurance company promptly. Failure to timely report may affect your coverage. Your insurance company has a duty to defend you (provide legal representation) and to indemnify you (pay claims against you) up to your policy limits. Cooperation with your insurer is required by your policy.

However, before giving your insurer a recorded statement, you may want to consult an attorney, particularly if the accident involved serious injuries to the other party that might exceed your policy limits.

Your Potential Liability

California Vehicle Code Section 16056 (amended by SB 1107, effective January 1, 2025) sets minimum auto liability insurance at $30,000/$60,000/$15,000. If the other party’s damages exceed your policy limits, you could face personal liability for the excess. If you have significant personal assets, consulting an attorney about your exposure is advisable.

California follows pure comparative negligence (Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 1975), so even if you caused the accident, the other party may bear partial fault. This could reduce the total liability you face.

California Laws Relevant to At-Fault Accident Situations

California Vehicle Code Sections 20001-20002 (duty to stop and render aid), California Vehicle Code Section 16056 (minimum insurance requirements, amended by SB 1107, effective January 1, 2025), California’s pure comparative negligence rule (Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 1975), and California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1 (two-year statute of limitations for civil claims against you).

MA

Maribel Aguilar

★★★★★

I am very happy that I chose The Accident Network for the vehicle accident I was in! Attorney Damoun Azdi was great. He was regularly communicating with me which I something I was looking for when searching for a great attorney. Attorney Azdi and his team were extremely helpful with helping me win great compensation for my injuries.

Contact The Accident Network Law Group Whether You Caused the Accident or Not

If you were at fault, may have been partly at fault, or are simply unsure how fault will be allocated, Attorney Damoun Yazdi at The Accident Network Law Group can review the police report, your policy limits, and the comparative-fault evidence to explain your actual exposure before you say anything further to an insurance adjuster. Consultations are always free, and we represent injured clients on a contingency basis under our No Recovery, No Fee policy.

Our team serves Costa Mesa, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, Apple Valley, Victorville, and Bakersfield, and throughout Southern California. Se habla espanol. Reach out today to understand exactly where you stand.

Legal Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The outcome of any case depends on its specific facts and circumstances. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contact The Accident Network Law Group for advice about your individual situation.