When am I legally required to report a car accident to the California DMV, and what is the process?

You must report a car accident to the California DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured or killed, or if property damage exceeded $1,000 for any single person. This duty applies regardless of who was at fault and is separate from any report made to the police or your insurance company. Here is the process for reporting the accident to the DMV: Step 1: Determine if You Must File You are legally required to file a report if the accident resulted in any injury (even minor), death, or more than $1,000 in property damage to any vehicle or property involved. All drivers involved in a qualifying accident must file their own report. Step 2: Obtain the SR 1 Form Download the Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR 1) form directly from the California DMV website. Do not confuse this with a police report; the SR 1 is a separate document for the DMV. Step 3: Gather All Necessary Information Before filling out the form, collect the date, time, and location of the accident; your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance information; and the name, address, license number, and insurance details for any other drivers involved. Step 4: Complete and Submit the Form Within 10 Days Fill out the SR 1 form completely and accurately. You must submit the completed and signed form to the DMV within 10 days of the accident date. Mail the original form to the address provided on the form itself: DMV - Financial Responsibility, Mail Station J237, P.O. Box 942884, Sacramento, CA 94284-0884. Important considerations: The DMV uses this form to confirm that all parties have met their financial responsibility (insurance) obligations, not to determine who was at fault for the accident. Reporting to your insurance company or the California Highway Patrol does not satisfy this legal requirement. Note: Failing to file an SR 1 form when required can lead to the suspension of your driving privilege. While the form is not used by the DMV to assign fault, any information you provide can potentially be used in a future civil lawsuit related to the accident. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, especially those involving significant injuries or disputes over fault, you should consult with a qualified California attorney.