Los Angeles has some of the highest accident rates in the country. Congested freeways, aggressive merges, tight parking structures — fender benders are a near-inevitability for anyone who drives here regularly. Here’s exactly what to do in the first hour after one happens.
1. Move to Safety First
If the vehicles are drivable and the accident happened on a road or freeway, move to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot before doing anything else. Stopping in a lane — even briefly — creates a secondary accident risk. California law (CVC 20001/20002) requires you to stop, but stop safely.
2. Check for Injuries
Ask everyone involved — including your own passengers — if they’re hurt. Adrenaline masks pain, and injuries like whiplash may not be felt immediately. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Don’t move injured people unless there’s an immediate safety threat.
3. Call the Police If Needed
California doesn’t require a police report for accidents with no injuries if damage appears under $1,000. But for any accident involving injuries, significant damage, an uninsured driver, a driver who refuses to exchange information, or a hit-and-run — call LAPD (213-486-8000 for non-emergency) or the CHP for freeway incidents. A police report strengthens your insurance claim significantly.
4. Exchange Information — Get All of This
- Full name and address of all drivers
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, year, and color
- Contact info for any witnesses
Do not discuss fault at the scene. Do not apologize (in California, apologies can be construed as admissions of liability). Just exchange information and let the insurance companies determine fault.
5. Document Everything With Photos
Before any vehicles move, photograph:
- All damage to both vehicles — close-up and wide angle
- Both license plates
- The accident scene — lane positions, skid marks, traffic signals
- Any injuries
- The other driver’s license and insurance card
Time-stamped photos from your phone are accepted by all insurance companies and can resolve disputed claims quickly.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurer promptly — most policies require “prompt” notification and some have a 24–48 hour window. You can report even if you haven’t decided whether to file a claim yet; reporting is not the same as filing. Your insurer will guide you on next steps.
California is an at-fault state. The driver responsible for the accident is responsible for damages. If the other driver was at fault, their liability coverage pays for your repairs with no deductible on your end.
7. Get Your Vehicle Inspected — Even If It Looks Fine
Fender benders that look minor on the surface can hide significant damage underneath. A bumper that appears intact may have a bent reinforcement bar. A door that opens and closes normally may have a compromised side-impact beam. Modern vehicles are engineered to absorb energy in specific ways — and visual inspection alone can’t confirm structural integrity.
Getting your vehicle inspected by a certified body shop after any accident — even a seemingly minor one — is the responsible choice. It protects you, your passengers, and your future resale value.
8. Know You Can Choose Your Own Body Shop
California law guarantees your right to use any licensed repair facility — your insurance company cannot legally require you to use a specific shop. If your insurer recommends a preferred shop, you can accept that recommendation or decline and choose your own. Your coverage follows you.
Accent Collision Serves Los Angeles Fender Bender Repairs
If you’ve been in a fender bender anywhere in the San Fernando Valley — Canoga Park, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Encino, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Reseda, Tarzana, Thousand Oaks, or surrounding areas — Accent Collision offers free estimates and same-day inspection appointments. For typical repair costs, see our auto body repair cost guide. We work directly with all major insurance carriers and have handled thousands of fender bender repairs over our 30+ years in the Valley.