Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers | May 10, 2025 | Car Accidents
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in California that results in major property damage, injuries, or fatalities, law enforcement will likely create a police report of the incident. Whether the responding department is the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a local police department, or a sheriff’s office, they will typically complete a report, take photos, and gather other evidence.
The Importance of Police Reports in Car Accident Claims
Police reports can serve as valuable resources for you and your car accident attorney in La Jolla, CA.
If you are pursuing a claim for damages, a CHP report can:
- Give an idea of the strength of your claim
- Identify other drivers or parties involved in the crash
- Locate potential witnesses who may have seen the incident
- Document any statements made by the other driver(s)
- Record other conditions relevant to the crash
These reports are most beneficial if you know how to access and utilize them effectively.
How to Request a CHP Collision Report
If you were a driver or passenger in a crash, you can request a copy of the collision report by submitting CHP Form 190 either in person or by mail to a California Highway Patrol office. The processing time for these reports can vary from a few days to several months, depending on the severity of the accident and any fatalities.
To complete CHP Form 190, you must provide specific details, including the date and location of the crash, the driver’s information, and your role in the accident. A fee is also required, which can vary based on the length of the report and whether you are requesting accompanying photographs.
What’s Included in a CHP Crash Report?
The length and information in a CHP crash report will vary depending on the nature of the crash, but can include:
- Identifying information for all drivers involved, including vehicle and insurance details, as well as any property damage sustained by the vehicles.
- Details about the crash, such as seat belt use, airbag deployment, ejections, and suspected drug or alcohol involvement.
- Information regarding the injured parties, including the extent of injuries, medical treatment received, and the hospital to which they were transported.
- A crash diagram created by the investigating officer, showing vehicle positions, skid marks, traffic signs, and other relevant crash scene details.
In addition to providing important info to drivers involved in a crash, police reports help CHP keep a record of accidents and monitor trends on California highways.
How CHP Reports Can Support Your Car Accident Claim
While a CHP report is not mandatory for filing a car accident claim, having one can significantly strengthen your case. Personal injury attorneys often obtain these reports to identify key witnesses, verify the facts of the crash, and gather crucial evidence to support their clients’ claims.
Additionally, these reports can provide critical documentation in cases where liability is disputed. If the other driver denies responsibility or provides conflicting statements, the crash report can serve as an objective record of the incident, detailing the officer’s observations and the evidence collected at the scene. This information can be invaluable when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court.
Contact a La Jolla Car Accident Lawyer Today for Help After a Crash
If you were injured in a car accident in La Jolla or the surrounding areas, you should consider contacting an experienced car accident attorney. Your lawyer can help you obtain the CHP report for your crash and use it to build a compelling case for compensation. They can also help you navigate all aspects of your claim and work to maximize the value of your claim.
Contact the Car Accident Lawyers of Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers in La Jolla, CA, for Help Today
For more information, contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
We proudly serve San Diego County and its surrounding areas:
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
835 5th Avenue #302, San Diego, CA 92101
(858) 551-2090
Available 24/7
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – La Jolla Office
4660 La Jolla Village Dr. San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 585-9031
Available 24/7
