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Calling the Police After a Car Accident in California: Is It Mandatory?

Being in a car accident can be a disorienting and stressful experience. With adrenaline running high, it can be hard to think clearly about what steps to take next. One key decision is determining if you need to contact the police after the collision. While it may seem easier to just exchange information and go on your way, there are important legal considerations regarding when you must call law enforcement in California.

This guide will provide an overview of when California motor vehicle laws require calling the police, when it is recommended to call, and when notifying law enforcement is unnecessary. Knowing these rules can ensure you remain compliant and protect yourself after an auto collision in California.

When You Must Call the Police After an Accident

In some accident scenarios, you are legally obligated to contact the police per California Vehicle Code:

If There are Any Injuries

If anyone involved in the accident sustained any type of injury, you must alert law enforcement as soon as possible. This is mandated by California Vehicle Code 20008 VC:

  • 20008. (a) The driver of a vehicle, other than a common carrier vehicle, involved in any accident resulting in injuries to any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident…and shall fulfill the requirements of Sections 20003 and 20004.

Thus, even a minor complaint of pain requires calling the police. The penalties for violating this law are increased if the victim’s injuries are permanently disabling or fatal. Leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in injuries can be charged as a hit and run, exposing you to fines exceeding $10,000 and up to one year in county jail.

If There is Major Property Damage

Under California Vehicle Code 20002 VC, you must notify police if an accident caused major property damage, such as:

  • Damaging another vehicle to the extent that it is inoperable and needs towing.
  • Taking out a fire hydrant, telephone pole, or street sign.
  • Colliding with a building or private property.

Failure to report accidents involving major damage can again be charged as a hit and run. Penalties increase if the damaged property belongs to the government or a public utility.

If Any Drivers Appear Intoxicated

If you suspect that any of the motorists involved in the collision may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you must contact law enforcement even if there were no injuries or vehicle damage. California Vehicle Code 20008 VC states that:

  • 20008. (b) Any traffic collision in which a driver may be subject to prosecution under Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 shall be reported within 24 hours of the occurrence to the police department…having jurisdiction…

Sections 23140, 23152, and 23153 cover California laws against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Failing to report a DUI-related accident can also be charged as a hit and run.

If Vehicles Are Blocking Traffic

If the damaged vehicles are unable to be moved and are blocking the flow of traffic, you are required by California Vehicle Code 20002 VC to immediately notify law enforcement so officers can redirect traffic safely around the scene. Leaving your vehicle unattended while blocking traffic lanes also violates other California traffic laws.

If Any Drivers Leave the Scene

If any party involved in the accident leaves the area without stopping, you must call the police immediately. California Vehicle Code 20001 VC states:

(a) The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.

Punishment is severe for hit and run offenses involving death or serious injuries. Jail time increases depending on factors like prior offenses and number of victims.

When Calling the Police is Recommended

While the above scenarios legally require contacting law enforcement, officers often recommend reporting any non-minor accident even if not mandated by California law. Here are some situations where calling the police is a good idea:

Moderate Vehicle Damage

Even if the vehicles are still safely operable after the collision, having noticeable damage makes getting a police report prudent. A neutral accident report can help resolve insurance disputes if questions later arise over fault or who caused the accident. The police report number is also required for the California DMV form SR-1.

Confrontational Driver Behavior

If the other motorist acts angry, aggressive, or uncooperative, calling law enforcement can help defuse the situation. Officers are trained to take control of heated disputes and sort out eyewitness accounts. Simply having a police presence may calm down drivers before things escalate.

Feeling Unsafe at the Scene

Depending on factors like time of day, location, or individuals involved, you may feel unsafe remaining at the crash site. Calling the authorities brings emergency responders who can provide security if you are uncomfortable. In a remote area, police can also dispatch tow trucks faster than you could independently.

Uninsured Driver

If either you or the other driver does not have auto insurance, contacting police starts a paper trail that can protect you if claims arise later. Under California law, uninsured drivers must file an accident report with law enforcement to avoid DMV registration suspension. The report number helps document fault and compliance.

While not absolutely required in the above situations, taking the proactive step of calling law enforcement can provide valuable peace of mind and evidence if issues develop down the road.

When Calling the Police is Unnecessary

There are some minor accident scenarios where contacting police is typically not needed:

  • Minor Fender Bender: If the accident resulted in just paint scraping or small dents but no real damage, calling law enforcement may be excessive. Drivers can self-report the incident to insurance without a formal police report.
  • Successfully Exchanged Information: After a minor accident without injuries, if you and the other driver have successfully collected each other’s names, contact info, insurance details, and vehicle/license plate numbers, calling the police may be redundant.
  • Vehicles Are Movable: Unblocking the roadway or posing a safety hazard, lightly damaged cars that can still be prudently driven likely do not require law enforcement.
  • Private Property: If a collision occurs in a parking lot or private driveway, contacting property owners or managers may suffice over calling police. However, law enforcement can still provide useful assistance with liability disputes on private property when requested.

What to Do After Calling the Police

Once you have contacted law enforcement as required after an accident, here are some key steps to take:

1. Remain at the Scene

Under California Vehicle Code 20002 VC, drivers are legally required to remain at the crash site until police have arrived and carried out their duties. The only exception is needing urgent medical care. Leaving early can lead to criminal hit and run charges.

2. Document the Scene

Use your smartphone to thoroughly photograph damage to all vehicles involved, skid marks on the roadway, any debris/fluids, injuries to those involved, and the overall accident location. Having time and date-stamped photos can serve as crucial evidence if any aspect of the collision is disputed later.

3. Obtain Witness Statements

Speak to any bystanders who saw the accident unfold and obtain their full name and contact number. Witness accounts provide impartial corroboration of how the incident occurred. If possible, briefly record witnesses describing what they saw for additional documentation.

4. Give a Statement

Provide a factual, detailed statement to the officers once they arrive at the scene. Admit fault truthfully if you believe you caused the collision. Consistently declining to speculate or give opinions preserves credibility. Anything you say to police can be used later, so be helpful but strategic.

5. Request a Copy of the Report

Ask the officers for a copy of the eventual accident report for your records, which you are entitled to under California Vehicle Code 20012 VC. Having the report proves you complied with calling the police and provides the report case number needed for insurance claims.

Following these steps preserves key evidence and ensures you meet your legal obligations after the authorities have been contacted.

What Information to Provide the 911 Dispatcher

When calling 911 to report an accident, the dispatcher will ask you several key questions to help direct the appropriate emergency response. Be prepared to provide:

  • The exact location and any landmarks or cross streets
  • A brief description of what happened
  • The number of vehicles involved and extent of damage
  • If there are any injuries and their severity
  • If any vehicles are blocking traffic
  • Your name and contact number

Providing clear, accurate details allows dispatch to send necessary medical, police, and towing assistance quickly.

When An Attorney Can Report For You

In limited cases, you may be unable to stay at the scene yourself to notify police, like needing immediate medical care. A personal injury attorney can help by:

  • Gathering accident info from you at treatment center
  • Dispatching an investigator to document scene
  • Reporting required details to authorities on your behalf

This ensures you still properly comply with reporting laws when physically unable.

Get the Compensation You Deserve After an Accident in California

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in California, contacting the police is an important first step. While the law does not always require you to call the police after a minor accident, having an official report can help protect your rights and ability to recover damages.

At KP Law, our experienced California accident attorneys understand how to build a strong claim after a car crash. Our goal is to maximize your compensation so you can focus on recovery. If you need legal guidance after an accident, contact KP Law today at (866) 973-5691 for a free case consultation.

Our team will evaluate your case at no cost and advise you on the best steps to take. Don’t leave your claim to chance – get the experienced help you deserve.

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Daily Harvest French Lentil + Leek Crumbles Food Product Recall

Have you been injured after eating the Daily Harvest French Lentil + Leek Crumbles food product? Many individuals have purchased the Daily Harvest French Lentil + Leek Crumbles over the last several months. Unfortunately, hundreds of these people have become seriously ill by a bacteria or toxin in this food. The symptoms these victims have suffered include severe abdominal and gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, heartburn, and stomach pains.Many customers have been hospitalized and have experienced even worse problems, such as problems with their liver or gall bladder, requiring surgery. Daily Harvest has issued a recall of this food and has advised customers not to eat the packages they have purchased. If you have experienced an illness after eating the Daily Harvest French Lentil + Leek Crumbles, call the experienced attorneys at KP Law at (866) 973-5691 for a free consultation.You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. KP Law’s attorneys are experts in product liability and personal injury law, and they stand ready to assist with any claim you may have against Daily Harvest.
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Makita Angle Grinder Injuries

HAVE YOU BEEN INJURED BY A MAKITA ANGLE GRINDER? 

Badly designed and defective power tools often cause severe injuries to users. This is especially true of cutting tools, such as saws and grinders. Makita is one manufacturer of such tools, including an angle grinder that users have alleged are defective and dangerous. Makita angle grinders are difficult to operate because of a poorly designed switch, and they can result in “kickback” during operation. This can cause the angle grinder to fall from the user’s hand and cause laceration or cutting injuries to the user’s hands, leg, foot and other parts of the body. One of Makita’s angle grinder models does have a feature to make it stop operating upon release from the user’s hand, which can prevent injury. However, Makita has another angle grinder—model 9557NB—that does not stop operating upon release because of its propensity to lock-on during operation, which makes it highly dangerous.

KP Law represents consumers injured by defective power tools. If you have been injured when using power tool, including a Makita angle grinder, call the experienced attorneys at KP Law at (866) 973-5691 for a free evaluation of your injuries and claim.

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Paper Shredders & Burn Injuries

Sometimes, ordinary household products conceal hidden dangers. Paper shredders are one such product. Many people use paper shredders in their home or home office, not suspecting that this seemingly harmless product can pose a serious danger. The most serious danger presented by these products is that created by overheating and catching on fire. Unfortunately, shredders catch fire with some regularity.The fire starts in the box of the shredder, and heat generated by it is then expelled upward toward the user. In this way, paper shredders can cause severe burn injuries to users.If you have suffered a burn injury while using a shredder, you need a lawyer with expertise in product liability law to advise you about your rights.

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Peloton Recalls Tread+ and Tread treadmills

In May 2021, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Peloton announced two separate recalls of Peloton’s Tread+ and Tread treadmills. The recall of Peloton’s Tread+ came about because of a number of injuries caused by this treadmill, including the death of a child. Peloton’s treadmill likely contains a dangerous defect that, among other things, may drag users’ limbs underneath the treadmill. Children or small animals situated behind the treadmill while it’s operational may also experience serious injuries. According to the CPSC, consumers who have purchased a Peloton treadmill should immediately stop using it and contact Peloton for a refund.

Unfortunately, for many consumers, this recall comes too late, because they have already been injured by Peloton’s treadmill. KP Law specializes in representing victims of injuries caused by consumer products like Peloton’s treadmill. KP Law’s attorneys are experts in product liability law, and they will leave no stone unturned to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive proper compensation for your injuries.

If you or your child has been injured by a Peloton treadmill, including the Tread+ model, call KP Law right away for a free consultation. It is important that you act quickly, as waiting too long may mean that the time limit for filing a claim will expire, leaving you or your loved one with no remedy for your injuries.

Aghavni V. Kasparian
KP LAW 150 East Colorado Blvd.
Suite 206
Pasadena, CA 91105
Main Tel: (626) 726-4335
Direct Tel: (626) 639-3520
Fax: (213) 986-3121
akasparian@kplitigators.com www.kplitigators.com
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What Happens When You Get in an Accident with an Uber Driver?

Getting involved in any kind of motor vehicle accident is overwhelming and stressful, but being involved in one with an Uber driver can complicate matters a little further and differs from most other types of accidents on the road. While damages in most other accidents are rather straightforward and the at-fault party is generally liable for any medical bills and property damage, Uber-related accidents are less black and white since there are a few other variables to consider.

Liability Coverage

Rideshare companies provide a certain amount of insurance coverage, but only when the Uber driver has a passenger or is driving to pick up a rider. Drivers are expected to purchase additional ridesharing insurance coverage. If the Uber driver is at-fault, depending on the accident, you might not only be able to sue the driver but the ridesharing company as well.

Understand Your Own Coverage

Everyone should always understand their own policy to ensure they are adequately covered in the event of any type of accident. This will allow you to tap into your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage for any expenses that exceed the coverage of the at-fault driver’s policy, especially if it is an Uber driver who might not be covered by Uber’s policy.

As a Passenger

If you are a passenger and your Uber driver gets involved in an accident, you should get the information of your driver, in addition to any other drivers involved. Be sure to collect the following information:

  • Your Uber driver’s name, address, and phone number
  • The other driver’s name, address, and phone number
  • The personal insurance information of your Uber driver
  • Any information you can get regarding Uber’s insurance
  • The other driver’s insurance information
  • Vehicle information for all of the cars involved
  • Names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses
  • If possible, take pictures and notes regarding injuries and property damage

It is possible that you might be subjected to three different insurance plans – your driver’s plan, the other driver’s plan, and Uber’s driver insurance plan. This is why accidents involving Uber tend to get a little more complex than your average motor vehicle collision.

Recovering Compensation After an Accident

Regardless if you are a passenger of an Uber driver or were hit by an Uber driver, you should be able to recover fair and just compensation for your injuries. However, it is crucial that you hire a skilled and experienced personal injury attorney.

Skilled Personal Injury Attorneys in Pasadena

If you were injured in an accident involving an Uber driver, you have a right to pursue compensation for your injuries, which could cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you are enduring from the accident. At KP LAW in Pasadena, our skilled team of personal injury attorneys is dedicated to fighting on behalf of those who have been wrongfully injured and will do what is necessary to ensure the at-fault party is held liable. Backed by a proven track record of results, you can be confident in our ability to effectively represent you.

Get started on your personal injury case today and reach out to our law firm at (866) 973-5691 to request a free initial case review.

 

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KP Law Wins $3 Million for Injured Client

We are passionate about upholding the rights of injured clients. Recently, Attorney Aghavni Kasparian was able to represent a woman who was injured from falling on a sidewalk in Hollywood. Using diligent preparation and effective legal strategies, we were able to receive a sizable settlement on her behalf from the city of Pasadena.

About the Incident

Our client was being carried piggyback when the person carrying her tripped on the uneven surface of the sidewalk and fell. Our client hit her head on the concrete and suffered an injury. We helped her file a claim against the city of Pasadena for negligence in failing to maintain a reasonably safe sidewalk. Inadequate lighting, leaves strewn over the sidewalk, and uneven ridges and jagged edges made the sidewalk dangerous, and the lack of warning signs contributed to her injuries.

Initially, the city refused to provide compensation. It argued that our client’s own negligence had caused her injuries and that the sidewalk was not hazardous. However, using persistent legal strategies and thorough preparation, we were able to reach a favorable outcome. The Pasadena City Council voted 11 to 0 to provide $3 million to our client.

To learn more about this case, click here.

Tireless Representation for Injured Clients – (866) 973-5691

At KP Law, we provide compassionate legal assistance to our clients. If you or a loved one have been injured because of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, we will help you pursue justice. Whether you are filing a lawsuit against an individual, a company, or a government entity, our Pasadena personal injury attorneys have the experience to uphold your rights throughout the process.

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Sexual Harassment in the Work Place

Over the past several months, the numerous news stories about sexual harassment by public figures has shined a much overdo spotlight on a major problem in our society. People are now coming to realize how serious and extensive the cancer of sexual harassment in the workplace really is. Sexual harassment is common across the entire spectrum of private and public employment, and it is perpetrated by persons in positions of power and influence. The realization of the problem’s massive scale, however, has also brought about an awakening in our society–an awakening that people who have been the victims of sexual harassment have legal rights and don’t have to passively tolerate or accept this type of inappropriate behavior. Victims of harassment are starting to bravely speak up, saying “me too” and telling their stories about their own experiences.As most people now know from the news, sexual harassment can consist of unwanted touching, verbal comments of a sexual nature, and other conduct such as exposing one’s private parts to co-workers or employees. While sexual harassment can take many forms, in all its forms it is wrong, morally reprehensible, and illegal.

The law allows victims of sexual harassment to sue under a variety of theories, including for assault and wrongful termination. If you’ve been the victim of sexual harassment, you too may have a claim under the law. KP Law will stand shoulder to shoulder with you to stop this kind of behavior and enforce your legal rights by seeking appropriate monetary compensation. Call us today, and tell us your story

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Commercial Truck Accidents & Victims’ Rights

Most of us know that our roads are overly congested with traffic. One of the reasons for the overcrowding on our freeways and roads is the presence of 18-wheeler trailer trucks. We’ve all seen them, and most of us are wary of them, taking care not to follow too closely behind them or drive in their blind spot in the adjacent lane. And that’s for good reason – commercial trucks cause some of the most devastating accidents on public roadways.

Commercial trucks are important to our economy, and most drivers are hardworking people who drive safely and carefully. Unfortunately, some truck drivers and trucking companies are not so careful, and their negligence and carelessness causes accidents and injuries to motorists. The problem, of course, is that being hit with an 18-wheeler trailer truck is not like being hit by a regular car. Because of a trailer’s massive weight, relatively “small” impacts can cause big injuries and even, tragically, death.

At KP Law, our Pasadena truck accident attorneys have fought on behalf of numerous victims who suffered injuries and losses in preventable auto accidents involving tractor-trailers and commercial trucks. We know the challenging issues present in these cases, and we have the experience and resources to fully address them as we fight to protect our clients’ right to compensation.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in an auto accident involving a commercial truck, here are a view important things you should know:

  • You have rights – When you are injured as the result of another’s negligent, careless, or wrongful acts, you have the right to hold that party liable for the damages you suffered by filing a personal injury lawsuit. Personal injury lawsuits are civil actions that allow you to prove that another person or party (such as a truck driver or the trucking company) failed to uphold their legal duty of operating safely and, as a result of their negligence, more likely than not caused your injuries. When effectively handled, a personal injury lawsuit can help you recover financial compensation for damages you incurred as a direct result of your accident and injuries, including medical expenses, future medical needs, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional injuries, and more.
  • Truck accident cases can be complex – Because commercial trucks do pose serious hazards to public safety, the trucking industry is heavily regulated. Truck drivers and trucking companies must abide by a number of critical safety regulations designed to keep the public safe. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for the damages victims suffer in preventable crashes. However, determining how and when these violations occurred, the underlying cause of a wreck, and how to clearly establish fault and liability can be difficult elements of truck accident cases. Compounded with the fact that trucking and insurance companies want to avoid paying out claims and these cases can quickly become a challenge.
  • Trucking companies will fight – Truck companies and their commercial insurance providers are corporations in business to make money. As such, they are often more concerned with protecting their bottom line, and will not hesitate to put profits over people when it comes to defending against personal injury lawsuits, denying liability, or shirking full responsibility for an accident. What’s more, these corporations have extensive assets and resources to use to their advantage when fighting off claims. Because they are so intent on minimizing payouts, victims should be intent on retaining the legal representation they need to fight back and maximize compensation.
  • A lawyer can make the difference – After an accident, one of the most important things you can do to protect your rights and your future is to work with an experienced lawyer. By having an advocate on your side, you can ensure the correct steps are being taken as you pursue a full and fair recovery of your damages. Our legal team at KP Law understands that injuries can create extensive burdens in the lives of victims and their families, which is why we strive to secure the maximum compensation possible. We do this by leveraging decades of experience and utilizing our resources to effectively level the playing field between our clients and the companies that work aggressively to pay them as little as possible.

Truck accidents are not easy experiences, especially when injuries are severe and recoveries long and difficult. During these difficult times, you can be confident about placing your trust in the proven personal injury lawyers at KP Law. As former insurance defense attorneys, we know how the other side operates, and we draw from this insight for the advantage of the victims and families we represent. Over the years, our team has handled numerous multi-million dollar cases, and we have the tools to tackle even the toughest matters.

Ultimately, we believe that when someone is injured by the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company, it is our job to fight for them to make sure they get the compensation they deserve. We have extensive experience representing people injured in truck accidents, from ensuring they receive the medical help they need to holding trucking companies fully accountable for their failures.

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What to Do If You Get Hurt After Tripping On a Public Sidewalk

Our nation’s crumbling infrastructure is routinely a topic of debate among politicians, including those in local governments, state representatives, and Senators that work closely with the federal government. While most of the attention seems to be directed towards the conditions of highways and freeways, many pedestrians encounter dangers caused by cracked, uneven, or raised portions of the sidewalks in their neighborhoods.

In the blink of an eye, someone just walking down the street can trip, fall, and suffer a serious injury.

Injuries often reported in sidewalk trip and fall accidents include:

The elderly and young children are especially susceptible to serious injury from a sudden fall. For this reason and so many more, it is crucial that the sidewalks of our communities are well-maintained throughout the year.

Who is Accountable for Sidewalk Trip & Fall Injuries?

The sidewalk is a public walkway. Even when a person stumbles directly in front of a retail location or home, it is incredibly difficult to assign liability to that store or household. The question is raised, “Who is actually liable for sidewalk trip and fall injuries?”

In many cases, the city, county, or municipality directly in charge of maintaining sidewalks and streets can be held accountable in a sidewalk trip and fall accident. Locals depend on these groups to provide a safe living environment. Failing to uphold that intrinsic duty can shift liability to governmental councils.

However, trouble often arises when someone tries to sue a city for not fixing a dangerous sidewalk. After all, the lawsuit is going to target people in power and those with potential connections to the court system. KP Law specializes in representing clients who have suffered serious trip and fall injuries caused by damaged sidewalks. If you’ve been injured as a result of a sidewalk trip and fall, do not suffer in silence – learn about how you may be entitled under the law to file a claim for damages and obtain compensation for your medical bills as well as your pain and suffering.

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