Why Exchanging Information After a Car Accident Is So Important?

The “Golden Five”: What You Must Capture

Many people just snap a photo of a license plate and think they are done. This is not enough. A license plate tells us who owns the car, but not necessarily who was driving it.

To build a winning case in 2026, you need to leave the scene with these five pieces of data:

1. Driver’s Full Name & Current Address: Ask to see their physical driver’s license. (Note: The address on the license might be old, so ask them to confirm it).
2. Driver’s License Number: This allows us to track their driving history and past citations.
3. Vehicle Registration Number (VIN): This is usually found on the dashboard or inside the driver’s door jamb. It confirms the car isn’t stolen.
4. Insurance Company & Policy Number: Without this, we don’t know who to bill for your medical treatment.
5. Vehicle Owner’s Name: If the driver is borrowing a friend’s car (or driving a company vehicle), we need the owner’s info too, as they are also liable.

The 2026 Shift: Digital Evidence

Paper insurance cards are becoming rare. In 2026, most San Diego drivers carry their proof of insurance on their phones (Apple Wallet or Google Wallet).

• The Trap: Do not just look at their phone screen.
• The Fix: Ask them to text, email, or AirDrop the screenshot to you immediately. If they drive away and you forgot the policy number, getting it later is a nightmare.

Why Your Lawyer Needs This Info

You might think, “I have their license plate, isn’t that enough?”

• Phantom Defendants: If you only have a plate, the registered owner can simply say, “I wasn’t driving, and I don’t know who was.” Without a name or ID of the driver, the case stalls.
• “Excluded” Drivers: Insurance policies often list specific people who are not covered to drive the car (like a teenager with a bad record). We need to know who was driving to determine if coverage applies.
• Uninsured Motorist (UM) Claims: If we find out early that the other driver is uninsured, we can immediately open a claim with your insurance to get your medical bills paid.

What If They Refuse to Exchange Info?

This is a scary scenario. If the other driver says, “I’m not giving you anything,” or tries to intimidate you:

1. Do Not Argue: Do not put your safety at risk.
2. Get the Plate: Take a photo of their rear license plate immediately.
3. Get the Face: If safe, take a photo or video of the driver. This prevents them from later claiming “my car was stolen.”
4. Call 911: Tell the dispatcher, “I have been in an accident and the other driver is refusing to exchange information and is acting aggressively.” This usually prompts a police response.

“I Hit a Parked Car and No One Is Around”

If you sideswipe a parked car in North Park or Downtown, you cannot just drive away. Under CVC § 20002, you must:

1. Locate the owner; OR
2. Leave a written note in a conspicuous place (under the wiper) with your name, address, and a brief explanation of what happened.
3. Take a photo of your note on their car as proof you left it.