If you have been involved in a car accident, you may have a limited amount of time to report the collision to your insurance provider. Generally, the amount of time you have to report your car accident will depend on the terms as outlined in your insurance policy. For this reason, the answer may not be immediately clear. Thankfully, you can remain in compliance and start building a powerful case against the liable party when you take action after your motor vehicle wreck.
When You Are Required to Report a Car Accident in California
Car accidents must be reported to law enforcement officials per California Vehicle Code § 20008. Typically, the law expects you to report the accident to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or the local police department within 24 hours if anyone is seriously injured or killed. Per California Vehicle Code § 16000, if the accident caused more than $1,000 in property damages or anyone was injured in any way or killed, a report must be filed with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. This must be done using form SR-1 within 10 days of the collision.
When to Notify the Insurance Company
The insurance company will determine how long you have to file your claim. There is no legal statute that states the time limit for filing a car accident report with the insurance company. However, some insurance companies require reporting within hours of the accident. Failure to file before the insurance company’s deadline could mean you lose your opportunity to recover the compensation you deserve.
What Happens if You Do Not Report an Accident
If someone other than yourself is injured and you do not report the accident to law enforcement officials, you could be facing fines of up to $10,000 as described by California Vehicle Code § 20001. Unfortunately, it is not only a fine that you need to be worried about. If you do not report the accident, it could have an adverse impact on your ability to move forward with your personal injury lawsuit.
Failing to report the accident to the insurance company could also have devastating consequences. If the insurance company discovers you were involved in a car accident and did not report it, they may terminate your policy. This would leave you without coverage and violation of California’s mandatory auto insurance requirements described by the California Department of Insurance.
Call A Trial-Proven CA Car Accident Lawyer Today For Help Dealing With the Insurer
Failing to report your collision to the insurance company promptly could have a devastating impact on your ability to maximize your payout. However, filing a claim with the insurance company is not the only way to recover the compensation you deserve. Fight to get your damages repaid in full by pursuing a personal injury claim against the at-fault party.
Turn to a high-powered personal injury lawyer from JSM Injury Firm APC to schedule a free consultation. When you do, you can rest easier knowing your car accident will be reported to the insurance company promptly. Fill out our quick contact form or call us to get started on your insurance claim and car accident lawsuit as soon as today.