What to do after a car accident in San Jose, California
The local steps are quoted from San Jose agency pages and the California rules from state law, each with a link. Checked September 17, 2026.
At fault state
The short answer
The San Jose Police Department works crashes on city streets in San Jose, and its non emergency number is (408) 277-8900.
San Jose says to call 911 when a crash involves known or suspected injuries, because that is when an officer is needed at the scene.
San Jose crash reports are sold online through LexisNexis BuyCrash, which lists the San Jose Police Department as its own jurisdiction.
Who comes to a crash in San Jose
The agency that responds
The San Jose Police Department works crashes on city streets in San Jose, and its non emergency number is (408) 277-8900.
“you may call the San Jose Police Department at (408) 277-8900.”
When officers actually come out
San Jose says to call 911 when a crash involves known or suspected injuries, because that is when an officer is needed at the scene.
“vehicle or hit and run accidents with known or suspected injuries”
If no officer comes
When no officer comes out, San Jose lets you file the report yourself online, and that report is meant for your records and your insurer rather than for an investigation.
“Online reports are primarily intended for documentation and insurance purposes.”
On the interstates and state highways
The California Highway Patrol San Jose Area works crashes on the freeways and state highways through San Jose, and you request its report online or with a CHP 190 form at the Area office.
“our office patrols U.S. Route 101, Interstate 280, Interstate 680, Interstate 880, State Route 17, State Route 85, State Route 87, State Route 130, and State Route 237.”
What California law requires you to report
A driver must make a written report of a crash to the CHP or local police within 24 hours, unless it involves a common carrier vehicle, which follows a monthly reporting schedule instead.
“within 24 hours after the accident make or cause to be made a written report of the accident”
Getting your San Jose crash report
Where to get it
San Jose crash reports are sold online through LexisNexis BuyCrash, which lists the San Jose Police Department as its own jurisdiction.
“Jurisdiction: San Jose Police Department”
How long it takes
Give it at least 45 days from the date of the crash before you look for the San Jose report online.
“Please allow a minimum of 45 days from the date of the collision to inquire online.”
What it costs
A copy of a San Jose crash report costs $16.00, paid by check or money order made out to the City of San Jose.
“return it with a $16.00 check or money order payable to the City of San Jose to:”
If your car was towed
Where it goes and how to get it back
A car towed after a San Jose crash goes to a tow company on the police rotation, and you pay that company directly: $335.00 for a basic tow and $130.00 a day of storage, plus a $122.00 release fee to the city.
“All charges to be paid directly to the Tow Company and NOT to the City of San Jose.”
Storage is charged by the day in most cities, so the bill grows while a claim is still open. Tell your insurer where the car is as soon as you know.
California deadlines that apply in San Jose
- 2 years
- to sue for injuriesCal. Code Civ. Proc. 335.1
- 3 years
- to sue for car or property damageCal. Code Civ. Proc. 338(c)
- 2 years
- for a family to sue after a deathCal. Code Civ. Proc. 335.1
- 6 months
- to notify the government if a public vehicle or road was involvedCal. Gov. Code 911.2
All California rules: fault, insurance minimums and the full deadline list
The California rules behind your claim
Who pays for the damage
California is an at-fault state. Drivers must carry liability insurance that pays for injuries and damage they cause to others.
“not less than thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident”
If you were partly at fault
California uses pure comparative negligence. You can still recover money even if you were mostly at fault for the crash; your payout is just reduced by your own percentage of fault, no matter how high it is.
“the doctrine of comparative negligence should be applied in this state in its so-called 'pure' form under which the assessment of liability in proportion to fault proceeds in spite of the fact that the plaintiff is equally at fault as or more at fault than the defendant”
What insurance every driver must carry
As of January 1, 2025, California's minimum liability limits are $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for injury, and $15,000 for property damage.
“not less than thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident" ... "not less than sixty thousand dollars ($60,000) because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons" ... "not less than fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) because of injury to or destruction of property”
Sources on this page
Each one was opened and checked on September 17, 2026.
- San Jose Police Department, Communications - Dispatch
- San Jose Police Department, Report Crimes / Incidents Online
- LexisNexis BuyCrash, Search for A Report
- San Jose Police Department, Vehicle Accident Reports
- San Jose Police Department, Operations Support Services Division
- San Jose Police Department, Public Safety Fees
- Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, Small Claims Division
- California Highway Patrol, (340) San Jose
The state law behind these steps
Each one was opened and checked on September 17, 2026.
Know My Claim is not a law firm or a government agency, and this page is not legal advice. Laws change, so check the linked source before you rely on a deadline.