Report accidents to your insurer within the stipulated period, often 72 hours, to avoid claim denial. The California statute of limitations for auto accidents is two years. However, there may be exceptions that would permit you to move forward with your case even if more than two years have passed.
In California, personal injury claims from accidents must be filed within two years from the incident date. It is essential to consult with a car accident attorney to understand the complex interplay between accident insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits.
Consequences of Not Reporting an Accident You may face fines and penalties if you don't report an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Your driving privileges could also be suspended or revoked.
Reporting a Collision to DMV When you have a collision, report it to DMV using an SR-1 report. You or your insurance agent, broker, or legal representative must complete an SR-1 report and send it to DMV within 10 days if someone is injured (no matter how minor the injury) or killed, or property damage is over $1000.
While two years is the general time limit to file car accident claims in California, some exceptions can shorten or extend the amount of time you must take legal action. Let us say your crash was caused by a failure to maintain state or city roads. You could have a valid legal claim against a local government.
It's crucial to report accidents to your insurance provider as soon as possible after the incident occurs. While the specific timeframe can vary based on your auto insurance policy, it's generally recommended to report the car accident within 24 to 72 hours.
Report accidents to your insurer within the stipulated period, often 72 hours, to avoid claim denial. The California statute of limitations for auto accidents is two years.