Areas of Practice

DMV Accidents

Automobile Accidents

Automobile accidents can be a physically, emotionally and financially draining experience. When you are involved in an automobile accident, California law requires you to stop and exchange insurance, driver’s license and contact information with the driver of the other vehicle.

If you don’t stop after an accident, you may be arrested on suspicion of a hit and run, which is a serious crime punishable with jail time and severe penalties. If you get involved in an accident, remember to do the following:

• Report the accident to police or California Highway Patrol within 24 hours of the accident if someone is injured
• Report the accident to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days, if there is more than $750 in damage to property or if there are injuries – even if they are minor injuries.

DMV Accident Reporting

When you are involved in an automobile accident, you must report it to the DMV using the Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California Form or the SR-1 Form. You or your insurance agent, broker, legal representative or DMV accident attorney must complete this report and send it to the DMV within 10 days of the accident. If you do not complete this report, no matter how slight the injury, or if you did not have proper insurance at the time of the accident, your driving privilege may be suspended. Every accident reported to DMV by a law enforcement agency will show up on your driving record unless the investigating officer says the other person was at fault. Every accident reported by you or another party will show on your record if any vehicle involved has over $750 in damage or if anyone suffers injury.

Fatality suspensions

If a driver causes a fatal auto accident, especially if he or she was driving under the influence of alcohol and/drugs, then the DMV may suspend his or her driving privilege for an indefinite period of time. This is known as a fatality suspension and could have serious consequences. You may not be able to work or attend school. It can also be a huge problem in Southern California where public transit options are limited and time-consuming.

If you or someone you love is facing the possibility of your driving privilege being suspended or revoked, please do not give up without a fight. At Wallin & Klarich, our California DMV defense attorneys have helped hundreds of clients retain their driving privilege even when they were on the verge of losing it. If you care about your driving privilege, call us today.

Learn more about how we can help you in your case or call us immediately at 1-888-782-5196.

At Wallin & Klarich, we approach every case with the belief that the person we're defending could easily be one of our own family members. We've seen firsthand how stressful legal matters can be for our clients and their loved ones. We are committed to being available to our clients at all times -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you or someone you love is facing a DMV matter in Southern California, you should call Wallin & Klarich today for a free evaluation of your case. Call 1-888-782-5196 or fill out our online consultation form to get in contact with a legal professional today. We will be there when you call.

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