As a general rule, by law, you are required to call the police after a motor vehicle crash in California, particularly if there were any injuries or fatalities. In fact, according to California law, if you were involved in an accident with injuries, whether involving car occupants, bicyclists, or pedestrians, you must contact law enforcement and make a written report within 24 hours of the collision. In addition to informing the police, you should also report your car crash to the California Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days if the accident involved injuries, deaths, or more than $1,000 in property damage.