After A Crash
Veh. Code 20001 — stop, give your information, help, and report
In California, a driver involved in an accident that injures or kills anyone other than the driver stops immediately at the scene. Leaving is punishable by state prison, up to one year in county jail, a fine of $1,000 to $10,000, or both, and more where the accident causes death or permanent, serious injury.
- After an injury accident, the driver gives name, current residence address, the vehicle's registration number, and the owner's name and address to the person struck or the other driver and occupants, and to any officer at the scene.
- The driver shows a driver's license, if available, on request.
- The driver renders reasonable assistance to anyone injured, including taking or arranging to take them for treatment where it is apparent treatment is needed or they ask.
After an accident that damages only property, the driver stops at the nearest place that does not block traffic or endanger others, and moving the vehicle there does not affect the question of fault. The driver then either finds and tells the owner the driver's and vehicle owner's names and addresses, or leaves a written note with that information in a conspicuous place on the damaged vehicle or property and notifies the city police or, outside a city, the Highway Patrol without unnecessary delay.
| The report | Who gets it, and when |
|---|---|
| The reportAny accident with damage over $1,000 to one person's property, or any injury or death | Who gets it, and whenThe Department of Motor Vehicles, within 10 days, by the driver or an insurance agent, broker or legal representative |
| The reportAny accident with injury or death | Who gets it, and whenA written report to the Highway Patrol or, inside a city, the Highway Patrol or the city police, within 24 hours |
Failing to meet the duties after a property damage accident is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
Sources for this section (5)
- Veh. Code 20001 — A driver's duties after an accident causing injury or death
- Veh. Code 20002 — A driver's duties after an accident damaging property
- Veh. Code 16000 — Reporting an accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles
- Veh. Code 20003 — The information a driver gives after an injury accident
- Veh. Code 20008 — The driver's written report of an injury accident
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed California attorney.