Should I call the police after a minor car accident in California?

August 3, 2026

Admin

Yes. Always.

This is one of the most consequential decisions an accident victim makes — and one of the most commonly regretted when made incorrectly.

A police report creates an official, third-party record of what happened. It documents the location, the vehicles involved, the statements made at the scene, any citations issued, and the officer’s observations about the conditions and circumstances of the collision. Without a police report, your account of the accident is your word against the other driver’s — and insurance companies almost always use the absence of a police report to dispute the nature and severity of what happened.

In California, you are legally required to report any accident that results in injury or death. You are also required to report accidents involving property damage over $1,000 to the California DMV within 10 days using an SR-1 form. Given that vehicle repair costs routinely exceed $1,000 even in minor collisions, this threshold is crossed far more often than most people realize.

Beyond the legal requirements, the practical reality is simple. What feels minor at the scene may not be minor. Injuries that seem insignificant in the immediate aftermath of a collision can develop into serious conditions over the following days. A police report filed at the scene protects your ability to pursue a claim for those injuries if they emerge later.If law enforcement does not respond to the scene of a minor accident, file your own report at the nearest California Highway Patrol office or local police department within 24 hours. And call Cohn & Swartzon LLP at 888-480-3883 — our team is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week at legalhelp123.com to guide you through every step.