About this tool
How to draw your car accident
- Pick the road that looks most like it.
- Add your car, then the other driver's, and point each the way it was going.
- Mark where they hit, add your name and phone, tap Send.
Common California crash types
Rear-end. The following driver is usually responsible because California requires drivers to keep a safe distance (Vehicle Code section 21703). The main dispute is often whether the front car stopped suddenly for no reason.
Left turn. A driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic that is close enough to be a hazard (Vehicle Code section 21801). These cases usually turn on speed and the color of the light.
T-bone at an intersection. Liability depends on who had the right of way, which usually means who ran the red light or stop sign (Vehicle Code section 21453). Witnesses and camera footage matter most here.
Sideswipe or lane change. A driver may only change lanes when it is safe and after signaling (Vehicle Code section 22107). The diagram shows which car left its lane.
Parking lot. A driver backing out of a stall must make sure it is safe first (Vehicle Code section 22106). These are often shared-fault cases.
Fault in California is divided by percentage, so even if you were partly responsible you can usually still recover. Read our guide on comparative negligence.
Questions
- Is this free?
- Yes. No account, no signup, nothing to download.
- Is my diagram private?
- It stays in your browser until you tap Send. When you send it, it goes only to our office as a confidential communication with a law firm. We don't share it.
- Should I send my diagram to the insurance company?
- Talk to a lawyer first. Anything you give the other driver's insurer can be used to dispute your claim.
- Does a diagram prove who was at fault?
- No. It helps us understand what happened. Fault is decided from the police report, photos, witnesses, video, and the vehicle damage.
- What if I don't remember every detail?
- Draw what you know and leave the rest. We'll fill in the gaps when we talk.
- Can I use it on my phone?
- Yes. It's built for phones.
This diagram is a private communication to your attorney. It is not a statement to any insurance company.
This website is attorney advertising. Submitting a form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case depends on its specific facts. The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.