Even minor car accidents can be unsettling and disruptive. Imagine you’re driving near Griffith Park or leaving a shopping trip at The Americana at Brand in Glendale when, out of nowhere, another car bumps into yours. Everyone involved seems fine, the damage looks minimal, and it’s tempting to brush it off as “not a big deal” and go about your day. But is it really that simple? Should you file a police report for minor car accidents in California, or is it okay to skip that step?
The short answer is yes. It’s almost always a good idea to file a police report after any accident, even if it seems minor. Here’s why that simple step could save you from unnecessary stress, financial strain, and legal complications in the long run.
Before we get into the reasons for filing a police report, it’s important to define what we mean by a “minor” car accident. This typically refers to incidents with:
It might feel like nothing significant happened, but even minor accidents can lead to headaches down the road. Filing a police report is an important way to protect yourself and anyone else involved.
Although California law doesn’t always require you to file a police report for minor accidents, doing so can prevent many potential issues from escalating. A police report provides an unbiased, official record of the accident, which can protect your rights and strengthen any insurance or legal claims.
Here’s why this can be indispensable:
After an accident, you might feel fine at first. It’s common, as adrenaline and shock can mask pain. However, some injuries, such as whiplash or soft tissue damage, may not appear for days, even weeks. If you didn’t file a police report, insurance companies—and the at-fault party—could question the validity of your claim.
Imagine waking up a few days after your accident on the 134 Freeway with neck pain that you hadn’t initially noticed. If there’s no police report documenting the crash, proving that the injury stemmed from the accident can become much harder.
What looks like a minor dent on the outside of a vehicle can hide significant structural damage beneath. Modern cars are built with advanced materials like aluminum and high-tensile steel, which can absorb impact in unforeseen ways. A fender repair near your local body shop in Los Angeles might sound routine, but if safety systems like sensors or cameras were affected, repair costs could balloon.
A police report adds credibility when you need an insurer to cover these expenses. Without one, you might find it challenging to prove the extent of the damages.
If you’re thinking, “Well, as long as I exchange insurance information, I’ll be fine,” remember that insurance companies are profit-driven businesses. Both your own insurer and the other driver’s provider will look for ways to minimize payouts. Filing a police report helps you thwart attempts to downplay your claim.
For example, if you’re parked outside LAX and a rideshare driver bumps into your car. In that case, their insurance might argue that they weren’t responsible unless concrete evidence—like a police report—exists.
Sometimes, what feels like an amicable exchange at the scene can devolve into hostility. The at-fault driver might later deny responsibility, misremember details, or even accuse you of causing the accident. Without a police report, it turns into a “he said, she said” situation, making it much harder to protect your version of events.
While filing a police report isn’t always mandatory, California has specific criteria for when it’s legally required. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you must file a report in the following cases:
Even if you believe none of these conditions apply, it’s best to err on the side of caution. A seemingly small repair can cost far more than expected, pulling you into the legal requirements for reporting after the fact.
Filing a police report helps streamline your insurance claim process. Here’s how:
If you decide to file a report after a minor accident, here’s how to do it:
Despite the advantages, some drivers hesitate to file police reports for minor accidents. Below are some of the common concerns—and why they shouldn’t hold you back.
Filing a police report may seem inconvenient, especially if you’re late for a dinner reservation on Rodeo Drive or trying to make it to a Lakers game on time. Still, the time you spend now could save you hundreds, even thousands, of dollars later.
Not necessarily. Reporting an accident to the police doesn’t mean you’re taking blame. It’s simply a tool for documenting what happened. If you’re not at fault, your premiums shouldn’t be affected.
While this might seem like a quick solution in the Target parking lot or outside Dodger Stadium, it’s risky. The other party might fail to uphold their side of the agreement or later change their story, leaving you with no recourse for damages.
Ultimately, filing a police report is not about overreacting, being dramatic, or causing trouble. It’s about ensuring you’re properly supported to handle any consequences, whether they’re immediate or appear days, weeks, or even months later.
Compensation from your insurance claim isn’t about “getting rich”—it’s about covering your medical bills, repairing your car, and recouping lost income if you had to take time off work. It’s about helping you move forward without financial or emotional burdens lingering from the accident.
Ideally, right after a minor car accident, you would have gathered crucial evidence at the scene, like photos of the vehicles, any visible injuries, and contact or insurance information from the other party. Filing a police report before leaving the scene also helps create an official record of the accident. But life often doesn’t go as planned, and quick decisions in the heat of the moment can leave you feeling underprepared later.
The good news? Even if you didn’t take these steps immediately, all is not lost. There’s still plenty you can do in the days and weeks following an accident to strengthen your case, safeguard your rights, and secure the compensation you deserve.
Even if you didn’t collect much evidence at the scene, start documenting everything you remember as soon as possible. Write down details about the time, location, weather, road conditions, and sequence of events. Did the accident happen near the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Was it during rush hour on the 405 Freeway? Even small details can be helpful.
If you have photos of vehicle damage, license plates, or injuries, organize them and keep them safe. If not, inspect your vehicle as soon as you can and take pictures of the damage. Knocking on a nearby business’s door to ask if they have surveillance footage of the incident could also be worth a try—many places, such as gas stations or stores, have cameras capturing nearby traffic or parking lots.
Even if you think you weren’t injured, following up with your doctor or visiting an urgent care clinic is essential. Some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, or muscle strains, may take hours or even days to manifest but can lead to long-term complications if left untreated.
Explain everything to your doctor, even minor pains or headaches, and follow their recommendations for tests or treatments. Keep all medical records, prescriptions, and bills securely stored. If you miss work due to injuries, document your time off and note how the accident affects your daily life. This proof can strengthen your case if you need to pursue compensation later.
Contact your insurance company promptly, even if you didn’t file a police report on the day of the accident. California law requires you to report any accident involving injury or significant property damage to your provider. Share the facts as straightforwardly as possible, but avoid speculating about fault or extent of injuries. Claims can take weeks to process, so starting early helps prevent unnecessary delays.
If you’re worried about dealing with insurance adjusters, tread carefully—they might attempt to minimize your claim. Before agreeing to any statements, it can be helpful to gather as much documentation (photos, medical records, quotes for car repairs, etc.) as possible so you’re prepared to present a strong case.
Take your car to a reputable mechanic or auto body shop to assess damages. While some dents or scratches may look minor, hidden damage to structural components or safety systems can go unnoticed initially but add up quickly. Mechanics in Glendale, Burbank, or other nearby areas can provide a written estimate of both visible and internal damage. Keep this documentation as further proof for your insurance company or any legal case that may arise.
Even if you failed to file a police report immediately, some jurisdictions allow you to file one retroactively within a certain window of time. Check with your local law enforcement agency—whether it’s the Los Angeles Police Department or Glendale Police Department—to see if this is possible. While retroactive filings may not carry the same weight as on-the-spot reports, they can still provide valuable documentation for your case.
Damages after an accident often extend beyond repair costs. You may face medical bills, lost income, transportation expenses, or other costs. Document every expense in thorough detail. Whether it’s the cost of taking an Uber to work while your car is in the shop or the fee for a chiropractic appointment, keep all receipts, bills, and proof of payment. These records can become crucial later in negotiations or court proceedings.
While you might be tempted to post about your accident or even share innocent updates about your day, hold off on any social media activity that could be interpreted negatively. Insurance companies and opposing parties often scour social media profiles for evidence to dispute claims. A seemingly harmless picture of you smiling at Santa Monica Beach or attending a concert shortly after the accident could be twisted to downplay your injuries.
Finally, even if you think your accident was minor, consulting with a legal professional can help clarify your situation and ensure you don’t overlook any vital steps. Experienced attorneys can review your insurance policy, advise you on claims, and negotiate on your behalf. They can also help if the at-fault driver starts to backtrack on their initial agreement or disputes your version of events.
When accidents—minor or major—disrupt your life, having the right legal support can make all the difference. Whether you’re negotiating with insurance companies or need representation to protect your rights, having seasoned attorneys in your corner keeps you on solid ground.
At Legal Fighters, our dedicated team helps clients across Glendale and Los Angeles navigate the aftermath of accidents, ensuring their rights are protected and peace of mind is restored. If you’re unsure about how to proceed after an accident, contact our experienced car accident lawyers at (800) 210-0000 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Your victory starts here.