If you were involved in a car accident in Carlsbad, California, you might be worried about its impact on your driving record and insurance rates. An accident can stay on your driving record for three years or longer. The amount of time an accident stays on your record and the number of points on your driver’s license depend on the circumstances surrounding the crash. If you need help navigating the legal process or understanding how this will affect you, a Carlsbad car accident attorney can provide valuable guidance. Here is what you need to know.
How Are Car Accidents Reported?
Most people report car accidents when they involve property damage or injuries. A law enforcement officer may respond to the crash scene and conduct a preliminary investigation, potentially finding one driver at fault and/or citing them for a traffic violation.
Additionally, the California Department of Motor Vehicles requires all people involved in an accident that results in an injury or property damage over $1,000 to file an SR-1 report within ten days of the accident.
How Long Do At-Fault Accidents Stay on My California Driving Record?
The amount of time an accident stays on your driving record depends on who is found at fault, the circumstances surrounding the crash, and the type of driver’s license you carry.
If you are found at fault for an accident, this will likely remain on your driving record for at least three years – even if there were no injuries. However, if the accident involved police or injuries, the accident could remain on your record for ten years. DUI convictions can increase how long an accident remains on your record. Commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders with DUI convictions retain the accident on their record for 55 years.
Car insurance rates typically spike after a car accident because the insurance company views you as a riskier driver.
Are Accidents Where I’m Not Found At Fault on My Driving Record
Most accidents reported to the DMV through a law enforcement agent or SR-1 report are listed on driving records. However, the accident might not be reported on your driving record if you were not found at fault for the accident or if there were no injuries or extensive property damage. If you were involved in a no-fault accident that does appear on your driving record, this does not necessarily mean your car insurance rates will spike. California law has banned car insurance companies from increasing rates for no-fault accidents.
If you are not found at fault for an accident and suffered injuries, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. California is a tort state, so if someone is at fault for an accident, they are responsible for paying your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other losses.
What Is Accident Forgiveness?
Accident forgiveness is a term that some insurance companies use for policies in which your insurance rates are not increased after your first at-fault accident. The insurance company does not count the accident against you when determining your rates, but the accident still appears on your motor vehicle record.
Learn More About Your Legal Rights When You Call for a Free Case Review
If you were recently injured in a car accident someone else caused, reach out to the Carlsbad car accident attorneys at the Miller & Steele Law Firm. We have successfully helped more than 3,000 personal injury victims recover compensation for accidents that were not their fault. Call us at (760) 840-5221 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help.