When a collision happens, those first minutes can shape your entire claim. This quick, local guide explains exactly what to do after a Sacramento crash—legally, medically, and strategically—so evidence is preserved and rights are protected. It also shows how a personal injury lawyer or a Sacramento personal injury lawyer can step in at each stage.
First Hour After a Crash: What to Do
1) Get safe, call 911, and document the scene.
Move to a safe location if possible, call for police/EMS, and turn on hazard lights. Record short videos, photos, skid marks, debris, vehicle positions, intersection signs, and traffic signals.
2) Exchange and verify information.
Collect driver’s license, plate numbers, insurance details, and contact info for all drivers and witnesses. Snap photos of documents to avoid transcription errors.
3) Ask where the report will be filed.
In Sacramento, crashes may be handled by Sacramento Police Department (SPD) or the CHP depending on location/jurisdiction. Parties of interest can later request CHP reports via the Crash Portal, and SPD provides online reporting options for qualifying collisions.
Personal Injury Lawyer Advice: Critical Forms & Legal Duties
File the DMV SR-1 within 10 days if required.
California law requires an SR-1 report to the DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured (even minor) or if property damage is $1,000+—this is in addition to any police report. Missing it can jeopardize your license and claim.
Know where to get the official crash report.
- SPD: Eligible incidents can be reported online; SPD explains when an SR-1 is also needed.
- CHP: If CHP responded, request your report as a “party of interest” via the online portal.
Personal Injury Lawyer Guidance: Medical Care & Documentation
See a doctor immediately—even if symptoms seem minor.
Concussions, soft-tissue injuries, or internal trauma can appear hours or days later. Prompt care ties injuries to the crash and creates the medical records your claim needs.
Build a paper trail.
Save discharge summaries, imaging, prescriptions, mileage to appointments, time off work, repair estimates, rental receipts, and out-of-pocket costs. A Sacramento personal injury lawyer can use these to quantify damages.
Personal Injury Lawyer Strategy: Dealing With Insurance
Report the crash to your insurer promptly—but be cautious with statements.
Provide the basics, then pause before any recorded statement or broad medical release until you’ve spoken with a personal injury lawyer. Insurers may use early statements to minimize payouts.
Understand comparative negligence in California.
California is a pure comparative fault state: compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover even if you share blame. Expect adjusters to argue fault; solid evidence and legal advocacy matter.
Personal Injury Lawyer Timelines: Sacramento & California Deadlines
Standard two-year limit.
Most California personal injury lawsuits must be filed within 2 years of the injury (Code Civ. Proc. §335.1). Waiting can bar recovery.
Short six-month government claim window.
If a public entity may be responsible (e.g., dangerous road design, a government vehicle), you generally must file an administrative claim within 6 months (Gov. Code §911.2) before any lawsuit. After a written denial, suit deadlines are short.
Tip: If you’re unsure who has jurisdiction or whether a government claim applies, consult a Sacramento personal injury lawyer immediately to preserve your rights.
Personal Injury Lawyer Playbook: Step-by-Step After a Sacramento Crash
Personal Injury Lawyer Steps You Can Take Today
- Start a claim folder. Put all photos, reports, and bills in one place.
- Order the crash report. Use SPD or CHP pathways noted above.
- File the SR-1 if required. Do it within 10 days.
- Pause before repairs if liability is disputed. Photograph damage first and keep parts/estimates.
- Protect your phone data. Preserve dashcam and smartphone footage; back it up.
Personal Injury Lawyer Evidence That Moves the Needle
- Scene photos/videos (close-ups + wide angles)
- Witness names and numbers
- Medical records and symptom journal
- Pay stubs/HR letters for lost wages
- Diagnostic scans and treatment plans
Personal Injury Lawyer FAQs (Sacramento Edition)
Does an SR-1 replace a police report?
No. The SR-1 is a DMV requirement separate from police/CHP reports. Many collisions require both.
What if fault is shared?
California’s pure comparative negligence still allows recovery, reduced by your share of fault. Evidence and expert analysis can shift percentages.
How fast should someone call a Sacramento personal injury lawyer?
As early as possible—especially if injuries are significant, a government entity might be involved, or liability is contested. The 2-year statute and 6-month government-claim deadline come fast.
Why This Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer?
Eric Andrew Mercer Law is a Sacramento-based firm representing injured people across California. The practice handles personal injury along with consumer and family law matters. Local knowledge and courtroom experience help move cases forward.
Secure Your Future with Expert Legal Guidance
After a crash, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed—pain, paperwork, and insurance calls. Take a breath. A free, no‑pressure case evaluation can help you understand your options, key deadlines, and how to handle medical bills and adjusters—confidentially and with no obligation. Bring your questions; clear next steps will be outlined for you.
>> Contact Eric Andrew Mercer Law