# What to Do After a San Jose Car Accident

Canonical: https://sanjosecacaraccidentlawyer.com/san-jose-guide/after-crash/

Reviewed by Andrew Ronald Gillin; reviewed 2026-11-05.

Start with safety and medical help after a crash. When it is safe, preserve the basic information and check the reporting and insurance steps that may apply.

## Safety and medical help after a crash

If there is an emergency, call 911. Follow the direction of emergency responders and your treating clinicians. This website cannot assess an injury, choose a hospital, or replace emergency care. Do not put yourself in danger to take a photograph or collect a document.



Sources: [California DMV SR-1 collision reporting](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv-virtual-office/accident-reporting/); [SJPD traffic collision report request information](https://www.sjpd.org/records/vehicle-accident-reports)

## Documents and evidence to keep

Keep the report or incident number, insurance information, photos, and correspondence. California DMV reporting is separate from a police investigation. Before signing a release or relying on a date from an insurer, consider asking a lawyer which rules and rights are involved.



Sources: [California DMV SR-1 collision reporting](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv-virtual-office/accident-reporting/); [SJPD traffic collision report request information](https://www.sjpd.org/records/vehicle-accident-reports)

## Insurance, DMV, and legal steps to check

For a useful review, keep the following information together. You do not need to enter it on this website.

- The investigating agency or record custodian, if known.
- The official request link and its current instructions.
- Identification and eligibility requirements checked with that agency.

Sources: [California DMV SR-1 collision reporting](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv-virtual-office/accident-reporting/)



## Related resources

- [How to Request a San Jose Car Accident Report](https://sanjosecacaraccidentlawyer.com/san-jose-guide/accident-reports/)
- [California Car Accident Deadline Checklist](https://sanjosecacaraccidentlawyer.com/tools/deadline-checklist/)
- [Car Accident Evidence: Dashcams, Vehicle Data, and Video](https://sanjosecacaraccidentlawyer.com/california-law/digital-evidence/)

## Legal and agency sources

- [California DMV SR-1 collision reporting](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv-virtual-office/accident-reporting/)
- [SJPD traffic collision report request information](https://www.sjpd.org/records/vehicle-accident-reports)
- [CHP San Jose Area Office](https://www.chp.ca.gov/find-an-office/golden-gate-division/340-san-jose/)

General information, not legal advice. Examples are hypothetical.