Can they search the car?

Question

I was just in a car accident in CA (we rear-ended someone) and the car I was in had some beers and weed in the trunk. We are all minors. The items do not belong to the driver (but of course law enforcement wouldn't believe that). I doubt they would search the car because we were all on our way to school and none of us have any records, with the school or otherwise. 
But can they legally search the car? Does this type of accident count as probable cause?
Also I know this isn't the right group but it seemed to fit the topic most accurately. I will take it down if necessary.

Answer

You can be barely swerving and that's probable cause. A traffic accident is definitely probably cause. 
Just be calm and respectful. They probably won't search your car.

Answer

if you got rear ended and the trunk was smashed to the point where they can see the drugs that's plain sight and they have the right to search the car. they have the right to search the car under probable cause but if you keep the trunk and glove box locked you do not have to give them access to that unless they have a warrant.

Answer

I don't think so unless they had reason to believe you may have caused the accident or were acting weird.
Here's my tip though, never have anything you wouldn't want seen by the cops in your car.  That's the best way to avoid this crap.

Answer

Actually no. They can search with what is in view. That means they do not have permission to search the trunk at all unless someone opens it for them. Legally speaking you should be fine if everything is in the trunk. if they find something in plain sight in the car itself that's when they'd have probable cause to search the trunk and start moving things in your car to check under the seats and what not.

Answer

I've never had my car searched because of an accident. unless you were driving recklessly i don't see why they would

Answer

If they ask to search tell them you don’t allow searches without a warrant.

Answer

If they smelt the beer/weed in your car then they have probable cause to search it

Answer

Anything can be probable cause.

Answer

I had a car rear end me at night and state patrol didn't search either of us

Answer

Cops can do whatever they want lol

Can they search the car?

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