What to Do After a Car Accident in the San Gabriel Valley
A calm, step-by-step checklist for the minutes, hours, and days after a collision in Arcadia, Pasadena, Alhambra, or anywhere in the SGV.
The first 5 minutes
Check yourself and passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt — or if vehicles are blocking traffic on the 210, 605, 10, or 60 — call 911 immediately. Turn on hazards. If the cars are drivable and no one is injured, move them out of the lane to the shoulder before exchanging information.
The next 15 minutes
Exchange these with the other driver: full name, phone number, driver's license number, license plate, insurance company name and policy number, vehicle year/make/model, and the name of the registered owner if it isn't them. Get contact info for any witnesses.
Document everything
Take wide shots showing the position of both vehicles, close-ups of all damage on both cars, photos of license plates, the other driver's insurance card and license, the intersection or roadway, traffic signals, skid marks, and any debris. More photos is always better.
Should you call the police?
In California, you must report any accident with injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 — which today includes almost any collision. File CHP SR-1 within 10 days. For non-injury, minor-damage fender benders, an exchange of info and a photo of the scene is often enough, but a police report makes insurance claims far smoother.
Within 24 hours
Call your insurance company to open a claim (even if the other driver was at fault — your insurer will subrogate). Then call Next Gen Auto Body at (323) 702-0186 for a free estimate. The earlier you start, the sooner your car is back on the road.
Within the first week
Watch for delayed injury symptoms (whiplash, headaches, back pain) and see a doctor immediately if anything appears — this protects both your health and any future injury claim. Keep all medical records, repair documents, and rental car receipts in one folder.
We're here when you need us
Accidents happen. Whether you're in Arcadia, Pasadena, Alhambra, Monrovia, El Monte, San Gabriel, Temple City, Rosemead, Monterey Park, or anywhere in the San Gabriel Valley — call (323) 702-0186 and we'll guide you through every step.