On the morning of September 30, 2025, emergency responders rushed to the scene of a single-vehicle rollover accident in Magalia, California, located in Butte County. The incident occurred along Skyway near Hupp Coutolenc Road, a rural area known for its winding mountain roads. According to reports from the Butte County Fire and Aircraft Communications (BCFAC) scanner and the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the accident was first reported at approximately 8:17 AM.

By 8:30 AM, Engine 933 arrived on scene and located the overturned vehicle about half a mile north of Hupp Coutolenc Road. The car was found partially blocking the roadway, creating a potential hazard for other motorists traveling through the area. First responders immediately began assessing the situation and checking for injuries.

At 8:32 AM, emergency personnel confirmed that a single patient had sustained minor injuries in the rollover. Fortunately, the injured party had already exited the vehicle by the time crews arrived. Additional units remained on scene to provide traffic control and ensure the safety of passing cars while the accident was being cleared.

Understanding Single-Vehicle Rollover Accidents

Single-vehicle rollover accidents are among the most hazardous types of crashes on California roadways. Unlike collisions involving multiple vehicles, rollovers often occur due to a combination of factors, including driver error, road conditions, vehicle characteristics, and environmental circumstances.

In rural areas like Magalia, several factors commonly contribute to rollover accidents. The mountainous terrain features steep grades, sharp curves, and narrow roadways that demand constant driver attention. Skyway, the road where this accident occurred, is particularly challenging as it winds through the Sierra Nevada foothills with elevation changes and limited shoulders.

Common causes of single-vehicle rollovers include:

Overcorrection: When a driver veers off the roadway and then overcorrects by turning the steering wheel too sharply, the sudden change in direction can cause a vehicle to tip and roll, especially at higher speeds.

Speed: Traveling too fast for road conditions is a primary factor in rollover accidents. When vehicles take curves at excessive speeds, centrifugal force can overcome the vehicle’s stability, particularly in taller vehicles with higher centers of gravity, such as SUVs and trucks.

Distracted or Impaired Driving: Taking one’s eyes off the road, even momentarily, can lead to drifting across lanes or off the roadway. Similarly, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly increases rollover risk.

Tripping: This occurs when a vehicle’s tire strikes an object, such as a curb, soft shoulder, or roadside obstacle, causing the car to pivot and potentially roll over.

Road Conditions: Wet pavement, gravel, debris, or uneven road surfaces can reduce traction and contribute to loss of vehicle control, particularly on mountain roads.

The Dangers of Mountain Roads in Butte County

The Magalia area, located in the Sierra Nevada foothills at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 feet, presents unique driving challenges. Skyway serves as a major thoroughfare connecting the valley floor with mountain communities, and its 30 miles of winding roadway demand experienced driving skills and constant vigilance.

Mountain roads, such as Skyway, feature characteristics that increase the risk of accidents. Sharp switchbacks require reduced speeds and precise steering control. Limited visibility around curves prevents drivers from seeing oncoming traffic or roadway hazards until they’re pretty close. Narrow lanes leave little margin for error, and soft or unstable shoulders can trap wheels and trigger rollovers when drivers drift off the pavement.

Weather conditions in the Sierra foothills can change rapidly, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. Morning fog, afternoon winds, and seasonal rain or snow can create slippery surfaces and reduce visibility. Even on clear days, shadows cast by tall pines can develop patches of ice in winter months or hide road defects that might catch drivers off guard.

The rural nature of this area also means that emergency response times may be longer than in urban settings. While Engine 933 arrived within approximately 13 minutes of the initial report in this incident, more remote locations can experience significant delays in receiving medical attention, which can potentially exacerbate the severity of injuries.

Injuries Common in Rollover Accidents

While the patient in this September 30th accident fortunately sustained only minor injuries, rollover accidents frequently result in serious or even catastrophic injuries. The violent nature of these crashes—with vehicles rotating and potentially striking the ground multiple times—creates numerous opportunities for occupants to suffer trauma.

During a rollover, unrestrained occupants may be thrown around the vehicle’s interior or even ejected completely. Even with seatbelts fastened, the forces involved can cause significant harm. Common injuries associated with rollover accidents include head and brain injuries from impacts with the roof, pillars, or windows; spinal cord injuries from the violent twisting and compression forces; broken bones and fractures, particularly to arms, legs, and ribs; internal organ damage from blunt force trauma; lacerations and contusions from broken glass and metal; and crushing injuries if the roof collapses during the rollover.

The fact that the accident’s victim had already exited the vehicle before emergency responders arrived suggests that the injuries were indeed minor and that the person retained mobility. However, it’s crucial to note that some serious injuries may not be immediately apparent. Internal bleeding, concussions, and spinal injuries can have delayed symptoms, making prompt medical evaluation essential even when injuries initially seem minor.

Legal Rights After a Single-Vehicle Accident

Many people assume that single-vehicle accidents offer no avenue for compensation since no other driver was involved. However, this assumption is often incorrect. Several scenarios exist where injured parties in single-vehicle crashes may have valid legal claims.

Roadway Defects: Government entities responsible for road maintenance have a duty to maintain roadways in a reasonably safe condition. If poor road design, inadequate signage, missing guardrails, unrepaired potholes, or other maintenance failures contributed to the accident, the responsible agency may be liable. In California, this could include Caltrans, Butte County, or local municipalities, depending on who maintains the specific roadway section.

Vehicle Defects: Manufacturing or design defects in the vehicle itself can cause or contribute to rollover accidents. Faulty steering components, tire defects, brake failures, or roof structures that collapse too easily during rollovers may support product liability claims against vehicle or parts manufacturers.

Third-Party Negligence: Sometimes, another driver’s actions can cause a vehicle to leave the road, even without direct contact. If a driver was forced to take evasive action due to another motorist’s negligence—such as a vehicle drifting into their lane—the at-fault driver may be liable even though their vehicle didn’t strike the victim’s car.

Inadequate Traffic Control: In construction zones or during special events, insufficient traffic control devices, missing warning signs, or improperly placed barriers may contribute to accidents, creating potential liability for contractors or event organizers.

Property Owner Liability: If a roadside hazard on private property—such as an unmarked ditch, improperly placed structure, or dangerous vegetation blocking sight lines—contributed to the accident, the property owner might bear responsibility.

Investigating these potential claims requires thorough accident reconstruction, expert analysis, and prompt evidence gathering. Skid marks fade, road conditions change, and witnesses’ memories diminish over time, making early legal consultation valuable for preserving critical evidence.

What to Do After a Rollover Accident

If you’re involved in a rollover accident, taking appropriate steps can protect both your health and your legal rights:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it is essential to consult a medical professional for a thorough evaluation. Some serious injuries have delayed symptoms, and creating a medical record immediately after the accident is crucial for both health and legal purposes.

Report the Accident: Contact law enforcement to file an official accident report. In California, you’re legally required to report any accident involving injuries or property damage exceeding $1,000. The responding officer will document the scene and create a report that becomes valuable evidence.

Document Everything: If you’re able, photograph the accident scene from multiple angles, including your vehicle’s position, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and any visible road defects. Get contact information from any witnesses who stopped to help.

Preserve Evidence: Don’t repair or dispose of your vehicle until you’ve consulted with an attorney. The damaged vehicle itself is critical evidence for accident reconstruction and potentially proving defects or third-party liability.

Notify Your Insurance: Report the accident to your insurance company, but be cautious about giving recorded statements or accepting quick settlement offers before understanding the full extent of your injuries and damages.

Consult with an Attorney: Before discussing fault with insurance adjusters or signing any documents, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case and protect your rights.

California Laws Affecting Single-Vehicle Accident Claims

Several California legal principles affect single-vehicle accident claims. Understanding these laws helps injured parties make informed decisions about pursuing compensation.

Government Claims Requirements: Claims against government entities for dangerous road conditions must follow specific procedures outlined in the California Tort Claims Act. Claimants have only six months from the date of injury to file a formal claim with the appropriate government agency. Missing this deadline typically bars your claim permanently. After the agency denies the claim or six months pass without a response, you have six additional months to file a lawsuit. These compressed timeframes make prompt action essential.

Comparative Negligence: California follows a “pure comparative negligence” system. Even if you were partially at fault for your accident, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 30% responsible for the accident and suffered $100,000 in damages, you could recover $70,000 from other liable parties. This principle is fundamental in single-vehicle accidents, where the driver’s actions often play a significant role.

Statute of Limitations: Generally, you have two years from the date of a personal injury accident to file a lawsuit in California. However, claims against government entities have shorter deadlines as noted above, and specific circumstances can extend or shorten these time limits.

Insurance Requirements: California requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but single-vehicle accidents often involve claims against your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if a phantom vehicle was involved, or collision coverage for vehicle damage. Understanding how different coverage types apply to your situation requires careful policy analysis.

The Role of Accident Reconstruction in Single-Vehicle Cases

Determining what actually happened in a single-vehicle rollover often requires the use of sophisticated accident reconstruction techniques. Unlike multi-vehicle collisions, where paint transfer, vehicle damage patterns, and witness statements help establish the sequence of events, single-vehicle accidents leave investigators with fewer obvious clues.

Professional accident reconstructionists use various techniques to piece together the events leading to a rollover. Physical evidence from the scene includes tire marks, the vehicle’s resting position, debris fields, and damage to roadside objects or vegetation. Digital evidence from the vehicle’s event data recorder (similar to an airplane’s black box) captures information about speed, braking, steering input, and seatbelt use in the seconds leading up to impact. Road characteristics such as grade, curvature, surface friction, and sight distances help determine whether the roadway design or conditions contributed to the crash.

This reconstruction evidence becomes crucial when pursuing claims based on road defects or vehicle defects. To prove a governmental entity’s liability for a dangerous road condition, you must demonstrate that the condition created an unreasonable risk and that the entity knew or should have known about the hazard. Expert testimony about road design standards, traffic engineering principles, and maintenance protocols typically supports these claims.

Similarly, product liability claims against vehicle manufacturers require experts to analyze whether the vehicle performed as expected during the rollover or whether defective components contributed to the crash or worsened the injuries. For example, roof strength standards exist to prevent catastrophic roof collapse during rollovers, and testing may reveal whether a particular vehicle met those standards.

Compensation Available in Single-Vehicle Accident Cases

Victims of single-vehicle accidents who successfully establish another party’s liability may recover various types of compensation:

Economic Damages cover measurable financial losses including medical expenses for emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, ongoing care, and future medical needs; lost wages for time unable to work during recovery; lost earning capacity if injuries prevent returning to your previous occupation or reduce your earnings potential; property damage to repair or replace your vehicle and personal belongings; and out-of-pocket expenses for transportation to medical appointments, home modifications for disabilities, and other accident-related costs.

Non-Economic Damages compensate for subjective losses such as physical pain and suffering, emotional distress and mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disability or disfigurement, and loss of consortium for spouses of seriously injured victims.

California doesn’t cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, though caps do apply to medical malpractice claims. The value of non-economic damages depends on injury severity, permanence of impairment, impact on daily life and relationships, and the strength of evidence supporting your claims.

Punitive Damages are rarely awarded in single-vehicle accident cases. Still, they may apply if another party’s conduct was especially egregious—for example, if a vehicle manufacturer knew about a defect causing rollovers but concealed it, or if a government entity deliberately ignored a known dangerous road condition.

Why Choose GJEL Accident Attorneys

At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we recognize that single-vehicle accidents often involve complex liability issues that require thorough investigation and expert analysis. Our experienced legal team has successfully represented countless clients injured in rollover accidents throughout California, recovering millions of dollars in compensation.

What sets GJEL apart is our comprehensive approach to case preparation. We collaborate with leading accident reconstruction experts, engineers, medical professionals, and economists to construct compelling cases that demonstrate how road defects, vehicle defects, or third-party negligence contributed to our clients’ injuries. Our attorneys have the resources and determination to take on government entities, major corporations, and insurance companies that may try to deny valid claims.

Single-vehicle accidents can be devastating, and victims often feel like they have nowhere to turn. People assume that because no other car hit them, they’re simply out of luck. But that’s not always true. Road defects, vehicle malfunctions, and other factors beyond the driver’s control cause many rollovers. GJEL accident attorneys investigate thoroughly to uncover all potential sources of compensation for our injured clients.

We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. There’s no risk in calling us for a free consultation to discuss your case. During this consultation, we’ll evaluate the circumstances of your accident, explain your legal options, and provide honest guidance about the strength of your potential claims.

Our track record speaks for itself, with numerous multi-million dollar recoveries in single-vehicle accident cases involving road defects and vehicle defects. We’re not afraid to take cases to trial when insurance companies refuse to offer fair settlements. Our reputation for thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy often leads to favorable negotiations.

Mountain Driving Safety Tips

While legal remedies are available after accidents occur, prevention remains the most effective approach to mitigating the consequences. Drivers navigating mountain roads like Skyway in Magalia should follow essential safety practices:

Reduce your speed below the posted limits when conditions warrant, particularly on curves, in bad weather, or when you are unfamiliar with the road. Posted speed limits represent the maximum safe speeds in ideal conditions, not targets to be achieved. Maintain a safe following distance of at least four seconds behind vehicles ahead, increasing this gap in poor conditions. Mountain roads often require sudden stops to avoid wildlife, fallen rocks, or other unexpected hazards.

Stay in your lane and avoid crossing the center line on curves where you cannot see oncoming traffic. The temptation to “straighten” curves by cutting across lanes has led to numerous head-on collisions. Use lower gears on steep descents to maintain control without overusing brakes, which can overheat and fade on long downgrades. Most modern vehicles’ automatic transmissions allow manual gear selection for this purpose.

Watch for wildlife, particularly during dawn and dusk when deer and other animals are most active. Be especially alert in areas with wildlife crossing signs. Avoid distractions—even momentary inattention can cause you to drift off the roadway or miss seeing a curve tightening unexpectedly. Mountain driving demands complete focus.

Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained with properly inflated tires, good brakes, functioning lights, and adequate fluid levels before heading into mountainous areas, where mechanical problems can become particularly hazardous. If you feel uncomfortable with mountain driving conditions, slow down significantly or consider pulling off at a safe location to let faster traffic pass.

Local Resources and Road Conditions

Drivers planning to travel through the Magalia area and along Skyway can access current road condition information through several resources. Caltrans provides real-time updates on road conditions, closures, and construction at quickmap.dot.ca.gov. The Butte County Public Works Department maintains information about county road conditions and maintenance schedules. Local news outlets, including the Chico Enterprise-Record and KRCR News, provide coverage of accidents and road hazards.

During the winter months, checking road conditions becomes particularly important as snow and ice frequently affect higher elevation portions of the Skyway. Chain requirements may be implemented, and inexperienced winter drivers should avoid these areas during storms.

The California Highway Patrol’s traffic incident page provides real-time information about accidents, closures, and traffic delays throughout the state. This resource helps travelers plan routes and avoid areas with ongoing incidents.

Understanding Rollover Accident Settlement Calculators

Rollover accident settlement calculators are valuable online tools that help injury victims estimate the potential value of their personal injury claims before entering negotiations with insurance companies or pursuing litigation. These calculators work by gathering information about your specific accident circumstances—including the severity of your injuries, total medical expenses incurred and anticipated, lost wages and future earning capacity, property damage to your vehicle, and the degree of pain, suffering, and lifestyle impact you’ve experienced.

By inputting these factors, the calculator applies formulas based on historical settlement data, jury verdicts in similar cases, and established legal principles to generate an estimated range of settlements. While no calculator can predict the exact outcome of your case, these tools provide injury victims with a realistic baseline understanding of their claim’s potential value, empowering them to make informed decisions about settlement offers and legal representation. The most sophisticated settlement calculators consider California-specific factors such as comparative negligence rules, which reduce your recovery by your percentage of fault.

They account for both economic damages (quantifiable financial losses) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering), typically calculated as a multiple of medical expenses, ranging from 1.5 to 5 times the amount, depending on the severity of the injury. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we provide clients with access to comprehensive settlement evaluation tools backed by our decades of experience securing compensation in rollover accident cases. These calculators serve as starting points for case evaluation, helping clients understand what fair compensation looks like before insurance adjusters present lowball offers designed to minimize payouts.

However, it’s crucial to remember that settlement calculators provide estimates only—the actual value of your case depends on numerous factors, including the strength of liability evidence, the quality of medical documentation, your attorney’s negotiation skills, and the jurisdiction where your case would be tried. For the most accurate assessment of your rollover accident claim’s value, we recommend scheduling a free consultation with our experienced attorneys who can review your specific circumstances, apply their knowledge of recent verdicts and settlements in similar cases, and provide personalized guidance on the compensation you deserve.

Take Action Today – Get the Help You Deserve

“I want anyone injured in this Skyway rollover to know that just because you were alone in your vehicle doesn’t mean you’re alone in seeking justice. Single-vehicle accidents often have hidden causes—a road defect, a mechanical failure, or dangerous conditions that would have caused any reasonable driver to lose control. Don’t blame yourself without a thorough investigation. If you have suffered any injuries, even minor ones, please consult a doctor immediately and then contact us for a complimentary consultation. We’ll look into every factor that contributed to your accident, from road design to vehicle safety systems, to determine if someone else’s negligence played a role. Mountain roads, such as Skyway, should be maintained safely, and when they’re not, the responsible parties need to be held accountable. At GJEL, we thoroughly investigate these crashes because we know that what appears to be a simple loss of control often reveals something much more serious. You deserve answers, and you deserve compensation if another party’s negligence caused your injuries. Call us today—there’s no fee unless we win your case, and time is critical for preserving evidence and protecting your rights.”- Andy Gillin, GJEL Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured in a single-vehicle rollover accident in Magalia, Butte County, or anywhere in California, the experienced attorneys at GJEL Accident Attorneys are ready to help. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options.

Don’t assume you have no claim simply because no other vehicle was involved in your accident. Road defects, vehicle defects, and third-party negligence contribute significantly to single-vehicle crashes, and our skilled legal team is well-equipped to investigate these factors and build strong cases for our clients.

Time is critical in preserving evidence and meeting legal deadlines, especially for claims against government entities. The rolling hills and mountain roads of Butte County offer beautiful scenery, but they also present real dangers for motorists. When accidents happen, GJEL Accident Attorneys stands ready to help victims navigate the legal system and recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.

Our compassionate GJEL accident attorneys are always available to discuss your case, and you pay nothing unless we secure a favorable outcome. Let our experienced legal team shoulder the legal burden while you focus on what matters most – your family’s healing and recovery. Contact us today at +1-866-218-3776 or visit our Concord office to secure your future and compensation.

Local Butte County Resources and Traffic Authorities

For individuals involved in traffic accidents in the Magalia area or throughout Butte County, several local agencies and resources provide essential services, information, and support.

Butte County Law Enforcement Agencies

California Highway Patrol – Oroville Office The California Highway Patrol is the primary agency responsible for investigating traffic collisions on state highways, including Skyway, where this accident occurred. The Oroville CHP office serves the Magalia area and surrounding communities.

• Address: 2620 Oroville-Quincy Highway, Oroville, CA 95966
• Non-Emergency Phone: (530) 538-7000
• Emergency: 911
• Website: https://www.chp.ca.gov/Find-an-Office/Valley-Division/Oroville-CHP
• Services: Traffic collision investigations, accident reports, road condition updates, traffic enforcement

To obtain a copy of your traffic collision report, you can visit the office in person, request it by mail, or access it online through the CHP’s Traffic Collision Report system at https://www.chp.ca.gov/notify-chp/chp-traffic-collision-reports.

Butte County Sheriff’s Office: The Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement services in unincorporated areas of Butte County, including some portions of Magalia that are not directly located on state highways.

• Address: 1775 Hicks Lane, Oroville, CA 95965
• Non-Emergency Phone: (530) 538-7321
• Emergency: 911
• Website: https://www.buttecounty.net/sheriffcoroner
• Services: Traffic enforcement, accident investigations on county roads, public safety information

Transportation and Road Maintenance Agencies

Butte County Public Works Department. This department is responsible for maintaining county roads, including portions of the road network in the Magalia area. They handle road repairs, maintenance, signage, and addressing hazardous road conditions.

• Address: 7 County Center Drive, Oroville, CA 95965
• Phone: (530) 538-7681
• Website: https://www.buttecounty.net/publicworks
• Online Services: Road condition reports, construction project updates, maintenance schedules
• Report Road Hazards: Citizens can report potholes, damaged signs, debris, or other road hazards through the Public Works website or by calling the main office

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) – District 3 Caltrans maintains state highways, including Skyway (State Route 32). District 3 covers Butte County and the surrounding areas.

• District 3 Office Address: 703 B Street, Marysville, CA 95901
• Phone: (530) 741-4573
• Website: https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-3
• QuickMap (Road Conditions): https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov
• Report Highway Issues: Call 1-800-427-ROAD (7623) or use the Caltrans mobile app
• Services: Highway maintenance, construction updates, road condition information, winter chain control updates

Butte County Association of Governments (BCAG) BCAG serves as the region’s metropolitan planning organization and council of governments, coordinating transportation planning and projects throughout Butte County.

• Address: 326 Huss Drive, Suite 150, Chico, CA 95928
• Phone: (530) 809-4616
• Website: https://www.bcag.org
• Services: Regional transportation planning, project coordination, traffic studies, bicycle and pedestrian planning

Emergency and Medical Resources

Adventist Health Feather River Hospital is the nearest full-service hospital to Magalia, providing emergency care for accident victims.

• Address: 5974 Pentz Road, Paradise, CA 95969
• Emergency Department Phone: (530) 877-9361
• Main Hospital Phone: (530) 877-9361
• Website: https://www.adventisthealth.org/feather-river

Enloe Medical Center is A comprehensive medical facility in Chico serving Butte County, including a Level II Trauma Center.

• Address: 1531 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926
• Emergency Department: Available 24/7
• Main Phone: (530) 332-7300
• Website: https://www.enloe.org

Butte County Emergency Medical Services Coordinates emergency medical response throughout the county.

• Administrative Office: 78 Declaration Drive, Chico, CA 95973
• Phone: (530) 879-5220
• Website: https://www.buttecounty.net/publichealth/ems

Traffic Safety and Information Resources

Butte County Traffic Safety Committee Works to improve traffic safety through education, enforcement, and engineering solutions.

• Contact: Through the Butte County Public Works Department
• Phone: (530) 538-7681
• Website: Information available through https://www.buttecounty.net/publicworks

California Office of Traffic Safety provides statewide traffic safety information, statistics, and educational resources.

• Phone: (916) 509-3030
• Website: https://www.ots.ca.gov
• Services: Safety campaigns, crash statistics, educational materials, grant programs for local agencies

Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC), based at UC Berkeley, provides traffic safety data and analysis for California communities.

• Website: https://safetrec.berkeley.edu
• Services: Local traffic safety profiles, crash data analysis, interactive mapping tools
• Butte County Traffic Safety Profile: Available through their website, with local collision statistics and trends

Victim Services and Support

The Butte County Victim-Witness Assistance Center provides support services for crime and accident victims.

• Address: 25 County Center Drive, Suite 245, Oroville, CA 95965
• Phone: (530) 538-7245
• Website: https://www.buttecounty.net/da/VictimWitness
• Services: Crisis intervention, counseling referrals, assistance with victim compensation claims, court support

California Victim Compensation Board provides financial assistance to victims of violent crimes, including hit-and-run accidents.

• Phone: 1-800-777-9229
• Website: https://victims.ca.gov
• Services: Reimbursement for medical expenses, mental health treatment, lost wages, and funeral costs

Obtaining Accident Reports and Documentation

CHP Traffic Collision Reports

• Online Request: https://www.chp.ca.gov/notify-chp/chp-traffic-collision-reports
• In-Person: Visit the CHP Oroville office at 2620 Oroville-Quincy Highway, Oroville, CA 95966
• By Mail: Send the request, including the case number, date, location, and fee, to the Oroville office.
• Fee: Current fee is $15 per report (subject to change)

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires reporting for all accidents, regardless of whether they are inevitable or not.

• Chico DMV Office: 1820 Arroyo Avenue, Chico, CA 95926
• Phone: 1-800-777-0133
• Website: https://www.dmv.ca.gov
• Note: California law requires drivers to report accidents to DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured or killed, or if property damage exceeded $1,000

Weather and Road Condition Information

National Weather Service – Sacramento Office provides weather forecasts and warnings for Butte County.

• Website: https://www.weather.gov/sto
• Phone: (916) 979-3051
• Services: Weather forecasts, severe weather warnings, winter storm alerts

Caltrans QuickMap: Real-time road condition information throughout California.

• Website: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov
• Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android
• Features: Traffic incidents, construction, chain controls, road closures, live traffic cameras

511 Travel Information Statewide traveler information system.

• Phone: Dial 511 from any telephone in California
• Website: https://www.511.org
• Services: Real-time traffic, road conditions, transit information