California Driver Handbook
If you see a vehicle’s hazard lights ahead, slow down. There may be an accident or other road emergency ahead. Stop and give assistance if asked, or pass very carefully.
Avoid driving near accidents, if you can. Those injured will be helped faster if other vehicles aren’t blocking the road. If you must drive near an accident, don’t slow down or stop just to look. You may cause another crash. Drive by carefully, watching for people in the road.
It is against the law to follow closely behind any fire engine, police car, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle with a siren or flashing lights.
Never drive to the scene of an accident, fire, or other disaster to look. You may be arrested for doing this. You may also block the way for police, fire fighters, and ambulances.
Obey any order from a police officer or fire fighter even if you need to ignore normal traffic laws or signs.
Involved In An Accident
If you are involved in an accident:
- You must stop. Someone could be injured and need your help. If you don’t stop, you may be convicted of "hit and run" and could be severely punished.
- Call 9-1-1, if anyone is hurt.
- Move your vehicle out of the traffic lane, if no one is injured or killed.
- Show your driver license, registration card, evidence of financial responsibility, and current address to the other driver or persons involved, or to any peace officer.
- You (or your insurance agent, broker, or legal representative) must make a written report to the police or CHP within 24 hours of the accident if someone is killed or injured.
- You (or your insurance agent, broker, or legal representative) must make a written report to DMV within 10 days, if required. (More Information about financial responsibility and accident involvement)
- Leave a note with your name and address in the car or securely attached to it if you hit a parked vehicle or other property. Report the accident to the city police or, in unincorporated areas, to the CHP.
- Find the owner and report to authorities as mentioned above, if your parked vehicle rolls away and hits another vehicle.
- Call the nearest humane society or call the police or CHP, if you kill or injure an animal. Do not try to move an injured animal or leave an injured animal to die.