Pines Salomon Personal Injury | November 8, 2024 | Car Accidents
Car accidents are stressful, particularly in San Diego. One of the most important steps after an accident is filing a police report. This creates an official record of the accident, which can be important for future insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits. Filing a police report after an accident in San Diego is relatively straightforward. Here are the key steps to consider for filing a police report after an accident:
Step 1. Call 911 or the Non-Emergency Line
The first step after a car accident is to call 911 if there are injuries or property damage or if you suspect a crime was involved, such as driving under the influence. The police will dispatch an officer to the scene who will create a report as part of their duties. If no one is injured and the accident is minor, you may also use San Diego’s non-emergency number at 619-531-2000 or 858-484-3154 to request an officer to file a report. However, an officer may not always be dispatched to minor accidents without injuries. This could leave you needing to file the report yourself.
Step 2. Provide Accurate Information to the Officer
The arriving officer will begin assessing the scene as soon as they arrive. They will likely ask questions about the accident and take statements from the drivers and witnesses. Be sure to provide accurate and honest information about what happened. Information that may be requested includes:
- Your name, driver’s license, and contact information
- A brief description of the accident, including any observations about the other driver’s behavior
- Insurance information
Avoid speculating about who was at fault. Only stick to the facts of the incident.
Step 3. Gather Your Own Evidence
The police report will include important details that may impact your insurance claim, but you should also gather evidence if possible. Take photos of the scene, including:
- The location of the vehicles involved
- Any visible damage to the cars or other property
- Road conditions and traffic signals
- Skid marks or debris on the road
- Any visible injuries
Be sure to collect contact information from witnesses who can provide a statement supporting your story. A San Diego car accident lawyer can use this evidence later to strengthen your case.
Step 4. Request a Copy of the Police Report
Request a copy of the police report or report number from the responding officer. This will allow you to retrieve a copy later. You can usually obtain copies of police reports from the San Diego Police Department through their Records Division or by submitting an online request:
- In-person request: You can visit the San Diego Police Department’s Records Division, located at 1401 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101. Bring a valid photo ID and be prepared to pay a small fee (typically around $12) to obtain a copy of the report.
- Online request: You can request a copy of the report online through LexisNexis eCrash. You will need the report number, accident date, and other personal details to complete the request.
The police report will typically be available within a few days to a week, depending on the complexity of the accident.
Step 5. What to Do If Police Do Not Respond
Police may not come to the scene after minor accidents with no injuries. However, it is still important to document your accident. San Diego law requires drivers to file a report with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within ten days if the accident caused injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. You may file a police report in San Diego online or at a Department of Motor Vehicles or California Highway Patrol field office.
Injured in A Car Accident? Contact A San Diego Car Accident Lawyer Today
Filing a police report after an accident is important. It creates an official record of your accident, which is vital if there are disputes about fault or damages. It may also be relied on when processing claims for compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in San Diego, speak with an experienced San Diego car accident lawyer at Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers, LLP, today. Our team can help you navigate the legal process and maximize potential compensation.
Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers of Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers in La Jolla, CA, for Help Today
For more information, contact an experienced personal injury 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
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – La Jolla Office
4660 La Jolla Village Dr. San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 585-9031