Car accidents in Riverside County

First steps after a crash

1. Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. A driver involved in a crash that injures someone must stop and remain at the scene (Vehicle Code § 20001).
2. Get the agency and report number. Depending on where the crash happened, the report may come from a city police department, the Riverside County Sheriff, or the CHP. Our crash report guide shows who to contact.
3. Report to the DMV when required. California requires a report to the DMV within 10 days for many crashes involving injury or significant property damage (Vehicle Code § 16000).
4. Be careful with recorded statements and broad medical authorizations requested by the other driver's insurer.

How fault is decided

Fault usually turns on the rules of the road. Running a red signal (Vehicle Code § 21453), following too closely (Vehicle Code § 21703), driving faster than is safe for conditions (Vehicle Code § 22350) and failing to yield on a left turn (Vehicle Code § 21801) are common examples. Our traffic law guide explains each rule.

California uses pure comparative fault (Li v. Yellow Cab Co.): if you were 20 percent responsible, your recovery is reduced by 20 percent, not eliminated.

Rear-end collisions

Stop-and-go traffic on SR-91, SR-60 and I-15 produces frequent rear-end crashes. A driver must not follow more closely than is reasonable and prudent (Vehicle Code § 21703), which is often the key rule in these cases. Whiplash and back injuries from rear-end crashes can take days to show symptoms, so early medical evaluation matters.

Uninsured and hit-and-run drivers

If the at-fault driver has no insurance or leaves the scene, your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply. California's uninsured motorist statute (Insurance Code § 11580.2) sets conditions for these claims, including requirements that apply when the other driver can't be identified. Report a hit-and-run to law enforcement right away and notify your insurer promptly.

Crashes involving a government vehicle or road

If a city, the County or the State may share responsibility, for example through a public vehicle or a dangerous road condition, a written claim usually must be presented within six months (Gov. Code § 911.2). See our claims guide.