Do I need to notify the California DMV after a car accident?

California law requires drivers to notify the DMV within 10 days of an accident if:

• Anyone was killed or injured (no matter how minor the injury), or
• The accident caused more than $1,000 in property damage.¹

Note that reporting the accident to the DMV or your insurer is not the same as suing for damages.

If the responsible insurance company or party does not pay up, you may eventually need to file a lawsuit in order to protect your right to recover damages.