Los Angeles, CA personal injury attorney Narbeh Shirvanian talks about when you are required to file an accident report. He shares that in California, any party involved in an accident is required to file an SR1 (Report of Traffic Collision) with the DMV within 10 days if the incident results in injury, fatality, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Even in cases where these thresholds are not met, filing an SR1 is considered good practice. Failure to file may trigger a notice from the DMV, known as an order of suspension, indicating that the DMV believes the driver was involved in an accident but did not submit the required form.

The SR1 serves an important function: it allows the DMV to verify that all vehicles involved in accidents maintain the state-mandated minimum liability insurance. While the filing process is routine for clients, administrative errors can occur, and the DMV may occasionally send letters alleging non-compliance. In such situations, the resolution is straightforward: the driver should call the number listed on the letter, confirm that insurance was in effect at the time of the accident, and provide the necessary documentation to clear the matter and prevent any suspension of their license.