A crash on the 405 freeway in Los Angeles hits differently than a typical fender-bender on a side street. Traffic is fast, lanes are crowded, and the moments right after impact are chaotic. Knowing what to do after a car accident on a Los Angeles freeway — and doing it quickly — can be the difference between a well-supported claim and one that falls apart.

The 405 runs through some of the busiest corridors in Southern California, from the San Fernando Valley through Inglewood and down to Long Beach. Crashes here often involve high speeds, multiple vehicles, and serious injuries. Insurance companies know this, and they move fast to protect their side.

This guide walks you through the steps to take right now — from the scene through your first conversations with insurers — so you don't lose ground before you even know a claim is possible.

Should You Move Your Car After a Freeway Crash on the 405?

Move your vehicle to the shoulder if it is driveable and safe to do so — staying in a live lane on the 405 is extremely dangerous and can lead to a second collision. California law generally requires drivers to move vehicles out of traffic when a crash involves only property damage and no serious injuries. Once you are safely off the roadway, turn on your hazard lights and stay behind the guardrail if one is available.

If the car is not driveable or someone is seriously hurt, stay inside with seatbelts fastened and call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to direct traffic yourself.

What Should You Do at the Scene to Protect Your Claim?

Document everything you physically can before vehicles are moved or towed. Evidence on a freeway disappears fast — vehicles get cleared, skid marks fade, and witnesses drive away.

While waiting for the California Highway Patrol, gather as much as possible. There are at least five things worth doing right at the scene:

  • Photograph all vehicles from multiple angles, including damage, license plates, and final resting positions
  • Take wide shots that show lane markings, signage, and road conditions
  • Get the full name, license number, insurance carrier, and policy number from every other driver
  • Ask any witnesses for their name and phone number before they leave
  • Note the exact time, weather, and any road hazards you observed

If you are injured and cannot do this yourself, ask a passenger or bystander to help. Even a few photos from a phone can carry significant weight later.

Do You Need a Police Report After a Crash on a Los Angeles Freeway?

Yes — a CHP report is one of the most important documents in a freeway crash claim. On the 405 and other Los Angeles-area freeways, the California Highway Patrol typically handles the accident report rather than the LAPD. Request the report number at the scene and follow up to get a copy as soon as it is available.

The report records the officer's observations, any citations issued, and statements from drivers and witnesses. Insurance adjusters and attorneys on both sides will rely on it heavily. Errors or omissions in the report can sometimes be corrected — an attorney can advise you on how to do that if needed.

When Should You Get Medical Attention After a Freeway Accident?

Get evaluated the same day, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline after a high-speed crash can mask pain from whiplash, concussions, and soft-tissue injuries for hours or even days. In Los Angeles, CA, emergency rooms, urgent care centers, and many clinics can document your injuries close in time to the accident.

Gaps in medical treatment are one of the most common ways injury claims lose value. Insurers often argue that if you waited to see a doctor, you must not have been seriously hurt. A continuous, documented treatment record tells a different story.

Keep every bill, every diagnosis, and every referral. Medical liens — arrangements where providers are paid from a settlement — are common in Los Angeles crash cases, and your records will matter at every stage.

Should You Talk to the Other Driver's Insurance Company?

You are generally not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer, and doing so before getting advice can hurt your claim. Adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that can be used to minimize what you are paid. This is especially true in multi-vehicle freeway crashes where fault may be shared.

California follows a comparative fault system, which means your compensation can be reduced if you are found partially responsible. An insurer may try to establish that during an early recorded call. You can confirm receipt of a claim and provide basic facts, but let an attorney review the situation before you say more.

Your own insurer is a different matter — you typically have a duty to cooperate with them under your policy. An attorney can explain the difference and tell you exactly what to say and what to leave for later.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim After a 405 Freeway Accident in California?

Time limits on injury claims in California are strict, and waiting too long can bar you from recovering anything. Statutes of limitations vary depending on who is involved — claims against a government entity, for example, may have much shorter deadlines than claims against a private driver. An attorney can confirm the exact rules that apply to your situation.

Even within the allowed time, waiting creates problems. Witnesses become harder to locate, surveillance footage gets overwritten, and vehicle inspection opportunities close. In a busy freeway corridor like the 405 in Los Angeles, CA, moving quickly preserves your options.

What If the Other Driver Was Uninsured?

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy may apply when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your injuries. This is more common on California freeways than many people expect.

Review your own declarations page or ask your agent whether you carry UM/UIM coverage. If you do, that claim goes through your own insurer — but that does not mean the process is simple or that the offer will be fair. An attorney can review any offer before you accept it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to call the police after a freeway accident in Los Angeles?

On a Los Angeles freeway like the 405, CHP typically responds automatically to reported crashes. If injuries or significant damage are involved, a report is strongly advisable and may be legally required. An attorney can confirm what applies to your situation.

What if I was partly at fault for the 405 crash?

California's comparative fault rules may still allow you to recover damages even if you share some responsibility. Your compensation could be reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney can evaluate how fault is likely to be assigned in your case.

How much does it cost to talk to a car accident attorney?

Most car accident attorneys in Los Angeles, CA work on contingency — no upfront fee, and they are paid only if you recover. A free initial review through After the Crash carries no obligation.

Can I still make a claim if I did not feel hurt right away?

Yes. Many freeway crash injuries appear hours or days later. Seeing a doctor promptly after symptoms develop and documenting the timeline matters. An attorney can explain how delayed-onset injuries affect a claim.

What is the difference between a property damage claim and a bodily injury claim?

Property damage covers vehicle repair or replacement. Bodily injury covers medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. They are handled separately and often on different timelines. An attorney can help you manage both at once.

If you were hurt in a crash on the 405 or anywhere in the Los Angeles, CA area and are not sure what your options are, After the Crash can connect you with a local car accident attorney for a free case review — no commitment, no cost, just a straightforward look at where you stand.