California law requires that drivers involved in an accident must immediately stop their vehicle at the scene of the collision (CVC §20002(a)). If it is not possible to stop immediately, drivers must stop as soon as it is reasonably possible to do so.
Within 24 hours of the accident
If the accident resulted in injury or death to any person, or if the accident resulted in more than $1,000 in property damage, you must report the accident to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) within 24 hours (CVC §20008).
Within 10 days of the accident
If the accident did not result in injury or death, but did result in more than $1,000 in property damage, you must submit a written report of the accident to the California DMV within 10 days of the accident (CVC §16000(a)).
