Insurance steps after an accident in Los Angeles
What to do, what to collect, what not to say at the scene, and how to keep your claim organized.
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Notify your insurer promptly
Report the crash as soon as reasonably possible — most policies expect notice within days. You can usually file a first notice of loss by phone, app, or online.
Collect the core information
Other driver's name, insurance carrier and policy number, license plates, crash date/time/location, the police report number, and the investigating agency.
Stick to facts at the scene and afterward
Describe what happened factually. Don't speculate about fault, injuries, or speed — investigations and adjusters work from evidence, and guesses can create confusion later.
Document injuries and vehicle damage
Photograph visible injuries and all vehicle damage before repairs. Keep every medical record, discharge summary, and receipt related to the crash.
Organize receipts and estimates
Keep repair estimates, towing and storage invoices, rental car receipts, and out-of-pocket costs in one folder with dates noted.
Follow the claim and keep notes
Log every call with your insurer — date, person, and what was said. Ask for decisions in writing. If you disagree with a decision, your state insurance department has consumer resources.
Documentation checklist
- Photos of all vehicles involved (wide shots and close-ups)
- Photos of road conditions, signs, and the surrounding scene
- Witness names and contact information
- Police report number and investigating agency
- Medical records and visit summaries
- Repair estimates (two or more when possible)
- Towing, storage, and rental receipts
- Insurance claim number and adjuster contact info
California notes (placeholder)
- California is an at-fault state using comparative negligence (placeholder — verify current law).
- California minimum liability limits increased in recent years (placeholder — verify current requirements).
- The California Department of Insurance offers consumer assistance and complaint processes (placeholder link).
What not to admit at the scene
Stick to facts when speaking with other drivers, responders, and insurers. Avoid statements that guess at fault or cause (“I didn't see you,” “I was probably going too fast”) — even polite apologies can be misread later. Describing what happened factually is not the same as accepting blame; investigations and adjusters work from evidence.
You'll need the official report
Most claims go smoother with the police crash report. See how to request it in Los Angeles.