What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Guam?

Step 1: Call the Guam Police Department (GPD)

Call 911 immediately. The Guam Police Department (GPD) handles traffic accident reports on Guam. A GPD accident report is essential evidence for your insurance claim and any future lawsuit. Request a copy of the report — you can obtain it from GPD's Records Division. If the accident occurred on a military base, the military police handle the report.

Step 2: Document the Scene

Photograph all vehicles, license plates, road conditions, traffic signals, and visible injuries. Guam's roads have unique hazards — potholes, unmarked intersections, tropical weather conditions — that may be relevant to your claim. Note the exact location: street name, nearest landmark, or GPS coordinates.

Step 3: Seek Medical Care at GMH or a Clinic

Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH) is the island's main hospital. Seek medical attention the same day. Guam's medical infrastructure is more limited than the mainland, and serious injuries may require medical evacuation to Hawaii or the Philippines — document all medical costs, including transport. Keep every receipt and medical record.

Step 4: Know Guam's Statute of Limitations

Guam's statute of limitations for personal injury is 2 years from the date of injury (7 GCA § 11306(a)). This mirrors California's rule. However, if a Government of Guam (GovGuam) vehicle or employee was involved, you must file a government tort claim with the Department of Administration within 6 months. Missing this deadline bars your claim entirely.

Step 5: Government of Guam Vehicles

If a GovGuam vehicle (bus, government truck, police vehicle) caused your accident, the Government Claims Act applies. You must file an administrative claim within 18 months after the claim arises (5 GCA § 6106). The government then has 60 days to respond. If denied or unanswered, you can file a lawsuit. This process is strict — consult an attorney immediately if a government vehicle was involved.

Step 6: Insurance on Guam

Guam requires minimum liability insurance for all registered vehicles. However, enforcement is inconsistent and uninsured drivers are common. If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, file a claim with your own insurer. Guam's insurance market includes local carriers and mainland companies — the claims process is similar to California but may be slower.

Step 7: Military Personnel and SOFA

If a U.S. military service member caused your accident while on duty, the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) applies — not Guam civil law. You must file an administrative claim with the relevant military branch within 2 years. If the service member was off duty, Guam civil law applies. This distinction is critical and requires an attorney familiar with both Guam law and federal military law.

Key Takeaways

• Call GPD (911) immediately — a police report is essential
• Guam's statute of limitations is 2 years from injury
• Government of Guam vehicles: 6-month tort claim deadline
• Military on-duty accidents: Federal Tort Claims Act applies
• Seek medical care at GMH or a clinic the same day
• Uninsured drivers are common — UM coverage is critical

Frequently Asked Questions