Insurance & Claims
What to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles (Step-by-Step Guide)
Just been in an accident? Here's exactly what to do in the next 24 hours — and how to get a replacement rental fast.
A car accident is stressful — but the steps you take in the first 24 hours can make the difference between a smooth claim and a months-long headache. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, in order, so nothing falls through the cracks.
1. Check for injuries and call 911
Before anything else — make sure everyone is safe. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Even minor accidents in California require a police report if there's any injury or property damage over $1,000, so requesting an officer to the scene is almost always a good idea.
2. Move to safety (if you can)
If the cars are drivable and blocking traffic, move them to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. Turn on hazard lights. Sitting in a busy intersection waiting for an officer is dangerous — California Vehicle Code §20002 actually requires you to move out of the lane if safely possible.
3. Exchange information
Get the other driver's:
- Full name and phone number
- Driver license number and state
- License plate number and vehicle make/model
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Names and phone numbers of any passengers or witnesses
4. Document everything with photos
Use your phone to take clear photos of: every angle of both vehicles, the license plates, any visible injuries, the road conditions, traffic signs and signals, skid marks, and the other driver's insurance card and license. The more documentation you have, the faster your claim closes.
5. Call your insurance company
Most insurers require notification within 24 hours of an accident. Have your policy number ready, plus the police report number if one was filed. Your insurer will assign a claim number and adjuster — write both down. You'll need them for everything that follows, including arranging a rental.
6. Arrange a replacement vehicle
If your car is in the shop, your insurance policy likely includes rental reimbursement (look for it under "Loss of Use" or "Transportation Expense"). Most companies cover up to $30-$50 per day for 30 days. At Car Mart Rentals, we bill your insurer directly so there's no out-of-pocket payment from you — just give us your claim number, adjuster name, and we coordinate the rest.
7. Get your car evaluated
Take your car to a body shop your insurance approves (you usually have the right to pick the shop yourself — don't let the adjuster push you into one you don't trust). Our partner International Auto Collision Center handles repairs end-to-end and can coordinate the rental on the same visit.
8. Keep records of everything
Save every receipt, every email, every doctor's note. If the other driver was at fault and you ever need to recover medical or rental costs, complete documentation is what makes it possible.
Need a replacement rental today?
Car Mart Rentals serves drivers across Van Nuys and the San Fernando Valley with insurance-replacement rentals — direct billing, same-day pickup, full fleet. Call us with your claim number and we'll handle the rest.