What to do in the first 24 hours after a car accident in California
A calm checklist for the day of a crash: what to do at the scene, why to see a doctor the same day, and how to handle the first call from an insurance company.
- Personal injury
- September 18, 2026
- 7 min read
- Written by our team
The first day after a crash is confusing. You may be sore, your car may not start, and the other driver’s insurance company may already be calling. What you do in these first 24 hours can protect your health and your claim. Here is a plain checklist you can follow, even from your phone.
First, make sure everyone is safe
If you can, move out of traffic to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot and turn on your hazard lights. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. California law requires you to stop at the scene of any crash that involves an injury or damage to property. Stay calm and don’t argue about who caused it. Police and insurers will look at fault later.
Get checked by a doctor the same day
Adrenaline can hide pain for hours. Whiplash, concussions and back injuries often show up the next morning. Go to urgent care, the emergency room or your own doctor within 24 hours, and tell them you were in a car accident. A same-day visit protects your health, and it creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the crash. Waiting gives the insurance company room to argue you were hurt somewhere else.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different. If you have questions about your own case, call us at (760) 338-9712.
