If you are asking, “What do I do after a car accident?” or “Who pays when someone hits my car in Los Angeles?” start here: protect everyone’s safety, document what happened, get medical care, exchange required information, and avoid accepting blame before the facts are reviewed. Responsibility for a vehicle accident depends on the evidence—not just who says what at the scene.

This FAQ-style guide answers common voice- and chat-style questions people ask after a crash. Hakakian Law Group helps accident victims across Los Angeles, West Hollywood, and Southern California understand their options and pursue accountability when another party’s negligence caused harm.

Quick Answer: Who Is Responsible After a Vehicle Accident?

The responsible party is generally the person or business whose careless or wrongful conduct caused the collision. That may be another driver, but it can also be an employer, vehicle owner, rideshare company, trucking company, government entity, or property owner. California law generally requires people to use ordinary care in managing their conduct and property under Civil Code section 1714.

In real cases, responsibility may be shared. For example, one driver may have made an unsafe left turn while another was speeding. That is why photos, traffic-camera footage, witness accounts, vehicle damage, medical records, and police reports can matter.

“What Am I Supposed to Do Right After a Car Accident?”

First, get to safety if you can do so without creating more danger. Call 911 for injuries, fire, a hazardous roadway situation, or when police assistance is needed. Check yourself and passengers for injuries, and seek prompt medical care even if symptoms seem minor.

Next, exchange information with the other driver. California drivers involved in a collision generally must provide identifying and insurance information to the other involved driver or property owner. Vehicle Code section 16025 requires the exchange of names, addresses, driver’s license information, vehicle identification information, and proof of financial responsibility when applicable.

Take photos and short videos of the scene, vehicle positions, roadway conditions, traffic lights or signs, damage, license plates, and visible injuries. Get witness names and phone numbers. If your vehicle can be moved safely, do so only when appropriate; moving a vehicle to a safer nearby location after property damage does not decide who was at fault under Vehicle Code section 20002.

Vehicle Accident Responsibilities at a Glance

Person or Entity	Typical Responsibility	What Could Create Liability?	Helpful Evidence
Driver	Drive safely, obey traffic laws, stop after a crash, and exchange required information.	Distracted driving, speeding, unsafe turns, tailgating, impairment, or failing to yield.	Photos, witness statements, traffic video, police report, phone records, vehicle data.
Vehicle Owner	Maintain control over who uses the vehicle and carry required financial responsibility.	Allowing an unsafe or unlicensed person to drive, depending on the facts.	Registration records, insurance information, driver relationship, vehicle-use records.
Employer	Use reasonable care when employees drive for work.	An employee causes a crash while working, or company practices contributed to unsafe driving.	Work schedules, delivery records, company vehicle logs, employment records.
Rideshare or Delivery Company	May have responsibilities based on the driver’s status and the facts of the trip.	Crash during an active Uber, Lyft, delivery, or app-based work trip.	Trip screenshots, app records, driver information, insurance communications.
Government Entity	Maintain public roads and operate public vehicles with reasonable care.	Dangerous roadway conditions, defective signals, unsafe construction zones, or public-vehicle crashes.	Scene photos, maintenance records, prior complaints, roadway design evidence, video.
Injured Person	Take reasonable steps to protect health and preserve information after the crash.	Responsibility may be disputed if conduct contributed to the collision or damages.	Medical records, timeline notes, treatment records, repair estimates, witness evidence.

“Do I Have to Call the Police for a Minor Accident?”

Calling law enforcement can be helpful, particularly when there are injuries, a hit-and-run, suspected impairment, an argument over what happened, or dangerous conditions at the scene. A police report may provide important documentation, but it is not the only evidence in a claim.

If the crash involved only property damage, California law still requires drivers to stop at the nearest safe location and exchange or provide identifying information. A driver who damages unattended property must leave written notice and notify law enforcement without unnecessary delay under Vehicle Code section 20002.

“Can I Still Make a Claim If I Think I Was Partly at Fault?”

Possibly. Do not assume that being partly responsible means you have no case. California accident claims can involve more than one responsible party. The key question is how each person’s actions contributed to the collision and resulting harm.

Do not apologize, guess about speed, or say “it was my fault” simply because you are shaken up. You can be polite and cooperative without making a legal conclusion. Focus on exchanging information, getting medical help, documenting the scene, and speaking with a Los Angeles accident attorney before giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company.

“What If the Other Driver Is Uninsured, Leaves, or Blames Me?”

Report a hit-and-run promptly and preserve everything you can: photos, damaged property, surveillance-camera locations, witness contacts, and the time and place of the collision. Your own uninsured-motorist coverage may be relevant, depending on your policy and the circumstances.

If the other driver blames you, do not argue. Their statement is not the final word on fault. A thorough investigation may identify evidence that tells a different story, such as traffic footage, a damaged vehicle pattern, eyewitness accounts, or phone use at the time of the crash.

“How Long Do I Have to File an Accident Claim in California?”

For many personal injury cases, California’s general deadline to file a lawsuit is two years from the injury date under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. However, deadlines can be shorter or otherwise different depending on the parties and circumstances.

For example, a claim involving a public entity may need to be presented within six months of the claim’s accrual under Government Code section 911.2. Because missed deadlines can limit your options, it is wise to seek legal advice as soon as possible after a serious vehicle accident.

FAQ

Who pays for my medical bills after a car accident?

Payment can depend on the circumstances, available insurance coverage, fault, and the type of treatment needed. Your health insurance, MedPay coverage, or the at-fault party’s insurance may be involved. An attorney can help identify potential coverage sources.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?

Not without understanding what it covers. Early offers may arrive before you know the full cost of medical treatment, lost income, or long-term effects. Once you settle, you may give up the right to seek more money later.

What should I say to an insurance adjuster?

Provide basic factual information, but avoid speculation, broad medical authorizations, and recorded statements until you understand your rights. You can tell the adjuster that you are still gathering information and seeking advice.

Can I sue if someone hit my parked car?

Potentially. The responsible driver may be liable for repair costs and other covered losses. Save photos, repair estimates, witness information, and any available surveillance footage.

When should I contact a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer?

Contact a lawyer as soon as practical after obtaining needed medical care—especially if you have injuries, disputed fault, a commercial vehicle or rideshare involved, an uninsured driver, or a possible government-entity claim.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Every vehicle accident is different. Contact Hakakian Law Group for a free consultation about your situation.