It is not uncommon for California drivers to walk away from a minor fender bender, thinking it is no big deal. If there are no injuries and the vehicles can be driven away, many people exchange information and move on without involving the police. But is this legal? More importantly, can it hurt you later?
This article explains what the law says about reporting car accidents in California, what counts as a “minor” accident, and why skipping the police report may not be a good idea. We will also share what steps to take after a crash and how a lack of a report can affect your insurance claim or legal case. If you are dealing with a minor car accident with no police report in California, you need to know this.
What California Law Says About Reporting Car Accidents
Under California law, not every accident must be reported to the police. However, some reporting is legally required. The rules differ slightly based on whether someone is injured or property is damaged.
When You Must Report the Accident to Law Enforcement
California Vehicle Code Section 20008 requires drivers to file a written report with the California Highway Patrol or the local police department within 24 hours if the accident caused death or injury to any person, including minor injuries.
When You Must Report to the DMV
According to California Vehicle Code Section 16000, you must also report a crash to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days using Form SR-1 if:
- Anyone was injured (even slightly), or
- Property damage exceeded $1,000
This report is mandatory even if the other party was at fault and the accident occurred on private property.
What If There Are No Injuries and the Damage Seems Minor?
If no one is hurt and it appears the property damage is under $1,000, there is no legal obligation to call the police or report the accident. But that does not mean skipping the report is a good idea.
Is It Illegal to Skip a Police Report After a Minor Accident?
The short answer is: not always. If there is genuinely no injury and minimal property damage, not calling the police may not violate any laws. That said, skipping the report can still be risky.
Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms until hours or days later. Similarly, vehicle damage might seem minor at first, but turns out to be far more costly to repair.
Failing to report an accident when required, because an injury was later discovered or the damage was underestimated, leads to:
- Fines
- License suspension
- Insurance claim denials
In short, even in what seems like a minor car accident with no police report in California, you may unintentionally violate state law or jeopardize your right to file a claim.
When You Should Still File a Report Even If It Seems Minor
You are not legally required to file a police report for every fender bender, but you may still want to. A police report provides an official account of the incident. This documentation can be valuable if the other driver changes their story or disputes your version of events later.
Reasons to file a police report include:
- You suspect the other driver may be uninsured or under the influence
- You want a neutral third-party account of the crash
- You need evidence to support your insurance claim or potential lawsuit
Having a police report can protect you from fraud and provide leverage in negotiations with insurance companies. It also helps establish facts early, which your attorney can use to build a stronger car accident case later.
What to Do If the Other Driver Does Not Want to File a Report
Sometimes, the other driver may discourage you from calling the police. They may offer to pay for damages out of pocket, suggest that it is unnecessary, or simply want to avoid documentation.
You are not obligated to agree. If you feel a report is necessary, you should contact law enforcement if there is any chance someone was injured. You also have the right to:
- Photograph the scene, vehicles, and any visible injuries
- Collect names and contact information from witnesses
- Record the other driver’s license plate, insurance information, and vehicle details
If the police do not respond to the scene, you can still file a report later with the local department or the California Highway Patrol.
If you later decide to file a claim, and the other driver tries to deny fault, the documentation you collected will be vital. This is one of many reasons why hiring an LA injury lawyer as soon as possible is wise.
What Happens If You Did Not File a Report and Need to File a Claim Later?
Many people skip reporting a minor accident, only to regret it when their neck hurts or the body shop finds hidden structural damage. If you did not file a report, that does not mean you cannot pursue a claim, but it may be more difficult.
Without a car accident police report in California, your insurer or the other party’s insurer may:
- Deny your claim due to insufficient documentation
- Dispute your version of events
- Offer a reduced settlement
An experienced car accident attorney in Los Angeles can help you overcome these obstacles by gathering other evidence, such as:
- Repair estimates
- Medical records
- Surveillance footage
- Witness statements
Attorneys know how to frame a case, even without a police report, but having one makes the process smoother and strengthens your position.
Why Hiring an Attorney Helps in No-Report Accident Cases
If you are involved in a minor car accident in California without a police report, your best option is to consult with an attorney. Many accident victims do not realize how much they are entitled to or how easy it is for insurers to underpay claims.
A knowledgeable attorney for a car accident can:
- Evaluate the true value of your claim
- Collect supporting evidence if a report was never filed
- Communicate with insurers on your behalf
- Protect you from tactics aimed at minimizing your compensation
Even if your case seems small, hiring a lawyer ensures your rights are protected from day one.
Do Not Let a Minor Mistake Turn Into a Major Problem
Skipping the police report may seem small, but it can have significant consequences. Whether you are unsure about what to do after a crash or are already dealing with complications from an unreported accident, LA Injury Lawyers can help.
We are here to represent your interests, whether the damage was minor or the impact was major.
Recent Results:
- $11 Million – Brain injury victim
- $10 Million – Rear-end collision settlement
- $8.2 Million – Intersection crash recovery
- $7 Million – Passenger injury in a no-report case
Schedule your free evaluation today.
Call: (818) 539-5390
Visit: 6200 Canoga Ave Suite 310, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Email: in**@*************rs.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is it illegal to skip the police report after a minor car accident in California?
Not necessarily. If no one is injured and damage is under $1,000, it may not be legally required. However, failing to report when required can result in fines or license penalties. - What if I was hurt but did not realize it until later?
You can still seek medical attention and pursue a claim. A lawyer can help you build a case even without a police report. - Can I file a police report after the accident if I left the scene?
Yes. You should file as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. If damages or injuries meet the threshold, you also need to file a report with the DMV. - What if the other driver refuses to exchange information or report the crash?
Call the police and document everything. It is your legal right to report the incident. - Should I contact a lawyer after a minor accident?
Yes. Even seemingly minor accidents can lead to unexpected medical issues or repair costs. A lawyer can help protect your interests.
