After a Minor Crash in California: A Shoulder Checklist
A minor crash with no one hurt still comes with a short list of things California expects you to do. Most people remember to swap phone numbers and forget the rest. Here is the order I would work through it, standing on the shoulder with my hazards on.
1. Move out of traffic if you can
If the cars still drive and nobody is hurt, pull onto the shoulder or into a nearby lot. Standing in a live lane to take photos is how a fender bender turns into an injury crash. Turn on hazards and, after dark, keep your headlights on.
2. Exchange the information the law asks for
California Vehicle Code section 16025 says drivers in a collision must exchange names, current addresses, driver's license numbers, vehicle registration numbers, and insurance details: the carrier name and policy number. If the car belongs to someone else, get the owner's name and address too. Photograph the other driver's license, registration card and insurance card rather than copying them by hand.
3. Take your own photos
Shoot both cars from a few steps back so the positions are clear, then close up on each area of damage. Add a wide shot that shows the intersection, signals, signs and lane markings. Photos of the other car's license plate settle a lot of later arguments.
4. Write it down while it is fresh
Note the time, the street names, the direction each car was going, the weather and what each driver said. If anyone stopped to help, ask for a name and a number. Memories of a ten-second event fade fast and start to blend with what the other driver tells their insurer.
5. Know the reports with deadlines
If anyone was injured or killed, or property damage to anyone is more than $1,000, the California DMV wants an SR-1 report within 10 days, whether or not police came and no matter who was at fault. A bumper repair passes $1,000 quickly, so assume you will file. Report the claim to your own insurer promptly too; most policies require prompt notice.
6. Get checked if anything hurts later
Neck and back soreness often shows up the next morning. If it does, see a doctor and keep the paperwork. It is the only record that ties a symptom to a date.
That is the whole list. Ten minutes on the shoulder saves weeks of back and forth. More of my notes on driving and road safety are on my link page.