It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months for an accident to show up on your driving record in California. The exact time depends on how long it takes law enforcement to file their report and the backlog at the DMV for processing the report. It’s also important to note that not all accidents will appear on your driving record.
California law has specific requirements for reporting accidents to the DMV. If you fail to report an accident when required, you could lose your driving privileges. An experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer can review the details of your crash to determine your obligation to report it.
How Long After an Accident Do You Have to Report It to the DMV?
When required to report an accident to the California DMV, you will have 10 days to submit Form SR-1. Failure to report your accident within this time period could result in the loss of your driving privileges. In addition to reporting the accident to the DMV, you must also inform your insurance provider of the crash, as well as report it to law enforcement in most cases.
In addition to the SR-1 report you file, law enforcement officers will also submit a report of the accident to the DMV with their findings regarding fault.
Requirements for Filing an Accident Report With the DMV
You are not required to report all accidents to the DMV. Minor fender benders do not have to be reported under certain conditions. You are required to file an accident report if the accident resulted in:
- Over $1,000 in vehicle or property damage
- An injury to any party
- The death of any party
If you were involved in a minor accident with no harm to any person and only minor property damage, you are not required to report your accident in California. It will not appear on your driving record, either.
Circumstances Under Which an Accident Will Not Appear on Your Driving Record
While you will be required to report your accident if involved in a more serious collision, there is still the chance it will not appear on your driving record. The DMV will review the details of the report submitted by law enforcement before adding the accident to your driving record.
If the police report shows that another party was at fault for the collision, the accident will not appear on your driving record.
How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Driving Record in CA?
While the circumstances of your accident may lead to it appearing on your driving record, it is important to note that accidents do not remain on your record forever.
A crash will typically remain on your driving record for three years from the date of the collision. After this time, the record will be purged from the DMV’s database.
Options for Removing an Accident From Your Driving Record in California
After an accident is added to your driving record, there are options to potentially get the accident removed before the three years it will take to come off your record without intervention.
After an accident, you can enroll and participate in a defensive–driving course approved by the court. Successful completion of this course could potentially result in the removal of the accident from your driving record. However, it is important to understand that there are no guarantees, and ultimately, removal of the accident is up to the discretion of the California DMV.
If you believe an accident was added to your record when it shouldn’t have been, you can seek to correct the problem by filing Form DL-208. To support this petition for a correction to your driving record, you will need to provide evidence that supports your case. The DMV will review all the information you provide and make a determination.
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Always Report Your Accident to Law Enforcement After a Crash
If you are involved in a collision in California, it is important to report the accident to the police so they can come to the scene and file a report. Even if the accident seems minor and the other party says they want to avoid insurance, you should contact law enforcement so they can file an impartial account.
The other party can always change their mind and decide that they want to pursue a claim against you, and not having a report of the accident from the police can create a variety of problems.
In this situation, you could find yourself facing a civil claim for damages from the other involved party. You may also have to worry about the accident appearing on your driving record, affecting your insurance rates, and potentially resulting in the loss of your driving privileges. Criminal charges could even be possible if it was a hit-and-run.
Reach Out to an Experienced California Car Accident Lawyer Today
After a car accident in California, you should speak to an experienced lawyer at Omega Law Group to better understand your rights and responsibilities.
A knowledgeable attorney can review the details of your case, help you understand whether you need to report your accident to the DMV, and discuss your options regarding keeping the accident off your driving record.
Our skilled legal team has decades of experience, and we have recovered millions of dollars in damages for our clients. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
