A car accident can turn a normal day in Modesto into chaos in seconds. Whether it happens on the 99 freeway, near downtown, or on a quiet neighborhood street, what you do in the minutes, hours, and days after the crash matters. If you’ve been involved in a collision, knowing the right steps to take can protect both your health and your right to compensation. And if injuries or damages are serious, speaking with a car accident lawyer Modesto residents trust could make a major difference in how your case plays out.
Here’s a local, practical guide to what you should do — and what you should avoid — after a car crash in Modesto, California.
Step 1: Move to Safety — But Don’t Leave the Scene
California law requires drivers involved in an accident to stay at the scene. That doesn’t mean you have to stay put in the middle of traffic. If it’s safe and your vehicle is drivable, pull over to the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights and stay inside your vehicle if you’re near moving traffic. If you or anyone else is seriously injured, call 911 immediately.
Quick Tip: In Stanislaus County, CHP (California Highway Patrol) and MPD (Modesto Police Department) frequently respond to crash scenes. Get the responding officer’s name and badge number if possible — it can help later when you request the police report.
Step 2: Check for Injuries and Call for Medical Help
Even if you feel “fine,” don’t skip this step. Many injuries — especially whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue damage — don’t show up right away. Paramedics may be able to assess you on-site, and if needed, you should go to Doctors Medical Center or Memorial Medical Center for further care.
Important: If you don’t get checked out right away, insurance companies may argue that you weren’t really hurt. Always prioritize your health, and make a record of it.
Step 3: Document Everything at the Scene
Take photos of:
- All vehicles involved — from multiple angles
- License plates
- Road conditions (skid marks, debris, signs)
- Visible injuries
- Any surveillance cameras nearby (these might be useful later)
Exchange information with all involved drivers:
- Full names
- Contact info
- Driver’s license numbers
- Insurance companies and policy numbers
- Vehicle makes, models, and registration
Also, get witness contact info if anyone saw the accident. Their testimony could become a key piece of evidence if fault is disputed.
Step 4: Report the Accident
You’re required to report an accident to the DMV within 10 days if:
- Anyone was injured (even slightly), or
- Property damage exceeds $1,000
Use Form SR-1, which you can file online or by mail.
In addition, notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Just be factual. Don’t admit fault or get into unnecessary detail — and never say “I’m fine” or “I’m not hurt” prematurely. These statements can come back to haunt you.
Step 5: Don’t Talk to the Other Party’s Insurance Without Legal Guidance
Here’s where things get tricky. The at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster might contact you quickly and sound polite, but they’re not on your side. They’re trained to:
- Get you to downplay your injuries
- Trick you into saying something that reduces your claim
- Offer lowball settlements before you understand the full scope of your damages
If an adjuster calls, you’re under no legal obligation to speak to them directly. You can simply say:
“My attorney will be handling all communication. Please direct your questions to them.”
Step 6: Get Your Vehicle Assessed — But Be Cautious
You have the right to choose the body shop that will assess or repair your vehicle — you don’t have to go with the insurer’s “preferred” shop. Shops like Modesto Collision Center or Anderson’s Auto Body are trusted local choices.
Be wary of signing any repair authorization forms that release liability or waive future claims. Always read the fine print and consult your lawyer if you’re unsure.
Step 7: Keep a Journal and Save Everything
From day one, start documenting:
- Your pain levels
- Doctor visits and medications
- Missed work and lost income
- Mental and emotional impact (anxiety, sleep issues, etc.)
Save every receipt, bill, and medical record. This will help your lawyer calculate the full value of your claim — including both economic (tangible) and non-economic (pain and suffering) damages.
Step 8: Know the Legal Time Limits
California’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit — but waiting that long is rarely a good idea. Evidence fades. Witnesses forget. Insurance companies stall.
If the accident involved a government vehicle or poorly maintained public road (like a pothole on a Modesto city street), you have only 6 months to file a claim under the California Tort Claims Act.
Step 9: Call a Modesto Car Accident Lawyer at Bojat Law Group
Navigating a car accident claim in Modesto isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about leveling the playing field. Insurance companies have powerful legal teams and billion-dollar budgets. You deserve someone just as fierce fighting for you.
At Bojat Law Group, we help injured drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists get what they’re owed — even when the system tries to make it hard. We don’t charge a fee unless we win. And when we take your case, we treat it like it’s our own.
Call our Modesto car accident lawyer team at (818) 877-4878 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and take action — so you can focus on healing.
