Car accidents are more than just a momentary disruption—they can affect your health, your work, and your peace of mind. Whether it’s a fender-bender on Wilshire Boulevard or a multi-vehicle collision on the I-10, understanding what to do after an accident is key to protecting yourself and making informed decisions moving forward.
This post walks through the essential things to know if you’re involved in a crash in or around Santa Monica.
1. Health Comes First
Even in low-speed collisions, injuries can occur. Some symptoms—like whiplash, soft tissue injuries, or even concussions—might not appear until hours or days later. Seeking medical attention early helps with both your recovery and documentation.
2. Exchange Information, But Keep It Basic
It’s standard practice to exchange names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information with other parties involved. Keep the conversation neutral—don’t admit fault, apologize, or speculate about what happened. Stick to the facts.
3. Take Photos and Notes
When safe to do so, take photographs of:
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Vehicle damage (your own and others)
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Road conditions
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Traffic signs or lights
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License plates
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Any visible injuries
Even seemingly minor details can become important later on. Note the time, date, and location as well as the direction each car was traveling.
4. Reporting the Accident
Under California law, you’re required to report a car accident to the DMV within 10 days if:
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Anyone was injured or killed, or
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The property damage exceeds $1,000
Additionally, most accidents should be reported to your insurance company promptly—many policies require notification within a set time frame.
If police respond to the scene, they will likely generate a report. If they don’t, you can still file a report through the Santa Monica Police Department.
5. Understanding Fault in California
California follows a comparative fault system, meaning that more than one party can share responsibility for an accident. This affects how damages are calculated—if one driver is found 80% at fault and the other 20%, compensation may be reduced accordingly.
That’s one reason why accurate reporting and good documentation can make a significant difference.
6. Common Causes of Accidents in Santa Monica
Santa Monica’s dense traffic, beach visitors, and mix of local commuters can lead to a wide range of accident types. Some of the most common causes include:
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Distracted driving (texting, GPS use)
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Unsafe lane changes or merges
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Rear-end collisions on crowded streets
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Speeding on PCH or the 10 Freeway
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Bicycle and pedestrian-related accidents near the beach or Promenade
7. What Insurance Typically Covers
In California, minimum liability insurance includes:
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$15,000 for injury/death to one person
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$30,000 for injury/death to more than one person
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$5,000 for property damage
Drivers can (and often should) carry additional coverage for:
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Uninsured/underinsured motorists
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Medical payments
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Collision and comprehensive damage
Understanding what your policy covers can help you make informed choices after a Santa Monica car accident, especially if the other driver is uninsured or flees the scene.
8. When Legal Help Becomes Important
This post is not about hiring a lawyer—but it’s important to know when legal issues might arise. Situations that tend to become more complex include:
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Disputes over who is at fault
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Serious injuries or long-term medical care
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Involvement of commercial vehicles or rideshares
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Hit-and-run accidents
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Uninsured or underinsured drivers
Being informed about your rights can help if you ever need to navigate the legal side of an accident.
No one expects to get into a crash—but having a basic plan in mind can ease the stress if it happens. Keep your insurance info updated, know where to access your medical records, and understand the basics of California accident procedures.
Living in or near Santa Monica means sharing the road with a wide variety of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Staying alert, following the rules of the road, and knowing what to do after an accident can help protect yourself and others.