{"id":371745,"date":"2016-11-01T13:17:33","date_gmt":"2016-11-01T18:17:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/california-law\/california-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html"},"modified":"2025-06-26T14:00:26","modified_gmt":"2025-06-26T19:00:26","slug":"california-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/california-law\/california-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html","title":{"rendered":"California Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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California Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Following a California car accident, drivers must file an accident report as well as a car accident claim. This begins the settlement process for your insurance claim. After an accident, it’s common to wonder how long will it take to get the insurance payment, and how much will I get?<\/p>\r\n

There are no easy answers for these questions. The auto accident settlement timeline varies for each car crash and insurance policy. There are things you can do to help the process along. Understanding how the car accident settlement process works in California can be a tremendous help.<\/p>\r\n

California Car Accident Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Your actions immediately after an accident<\/a> can have a profound effect on your accident settlement. The insurance company needs certain information with your accident claim. In California, drivers must report all accidents with injuries, fatalities, or property damage over $1,000.<\/p>\r\n

Reporting Requirements<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Drivers have ten days to report an accident to the DMV. The driver\u2019s report is separate from any CHP report, police report, or report filed by your insurance company. The California DMV has an online site<\/a> for accident reports. Failing to report an accident is a possible misdemeanor under California law<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Your insurance company also needs to know about the accident within a certain amount of time. The reporting period differs by company, but it\u2019s usually within 30 days of the accident. You should review your insurance policy, since there may be other reporting requirements you need to follow after an accident.<\/p>\r\n

Statute of Limitations<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

The statute of limitations<\/a> <\/b>is the amount of time an accident victim has to file a personal injury claim after an accident. California\u2019s limitation statutes<\/a> differ for accident claims depending on the type of claim.<\/p>\r\n