Do I need to file report to DMV after a small accident?

[AzNKiD]

Okay, I got into a small car accident last month on the freeway. Yesterday, my insurance company called and told me that I getting no money to fix my car. Bascily, the car behind bumped into me after her car got hit from a 3rd person whom ditch the scene. I was kinda expecting this from insurance company since i got liablity only. anyways, the issue now is that, my insurance company told me that I might have to file a report to DMV using the SR-1 form. I believe the laws state that I have to file this form if damages were greater then $500, but I only have scratches and stuffs on my back bumper. Dont think itll cost more then 200 to fix, and i REALLY do not want to file any reports to DMV becuase i dont want any records on this not at-fault accident. From reading the SR-1 form that i got today, it states "if there was more than $500 damage to any one person's property" and i am a bit confused. Is that overall damage of everyone or each person? i know mines is under 500, but not sure about the person behind me. Should I file this or ignore it? the guy from insurance said they *could* suspen my license if i dont do it. anyone else been though this before? oh yea, i am in la, ca.

 

[abaez]

You don't have to, I was in the same situation and I never did. I'm in California too.

 

[Vic]

IIRC, in most (all?) states you don't have to file an accident report unless the damage exceeds $500

 

[AzNKiD]

well yea, my car is well under that 500, but the confusion is wheather its total overall or just me. if i add the damage from my car and the person behind me, i believe its over $500 because her car got hit pretty bad from behind. worest case, would DMV give me a warning before they suspen my license if they decide to come after me? thanks for answers