A crash aftermath guide from the Menlo Park Police Department

Published on March 04, 2024

Crashes happen, even to safe drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 77% of drivers report experiencing a car crash at some point in their lives. The California Highway Patrol estimates 1,500 car collisions happen every day. While many emotions can arise following a collision, it is helpful to know what steps to take to ensure all parties are safe and you are compliant with car insurance companies and the law.

Here are some frequently asked questions about what to do after you are involved in a vehicle collision:

What is the first thing I should do?

Make sure everyone involved is unharmed before proceeding with anything else. Inspect yourself and other passengers for injuries. Call 9-1-1 if you need medical attention. When possible, move to a safe area where you are not blocking traffic or causing additional hazards to other drivers.

When should I call 9-1-1?

You should only call 9-1-1 if you or anyone involved is injured or there is an impact on traffic. If you are involved in a “fender-bender” or minor collision that is not blocking traffic, you can call the non-emergency line at 650-330-6300 to file a police report.

What information do I need from the other parties involved?

You should obtain names, addresses, telephone numbers, driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations and insurance policy information from all drivers and/or witnesses involved. If you have a camera, take photographs of these documents and of the damage to your vehicle.

Whom should I notify?

You should notify your insurance company immediately. According to the California DMV, if anyone is injured or the vehicle damage exceeds $1,000.00, you must report the incident to the DMV within 10 days. Failure to report may result in a driver’s license suspension.