Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers | November 14, 2024 | Car Accidents
When you’ve been in a car accident in California, you’re required to report the accident to the police and the DMV if it involved injury, death, or property damage above $1,000. The police report, called an accident report or traffic collision report, contains important details about the accident. Obtaining a copy of your accident report is an important aspect of the insurance claims process.
Here’s what you should know about accident reports and how to get a police report in California.
What Is A Car Accident Report?
A car accident report is either prepared by responding law enforcement or filed by a driver or passenger after a crash. The crash report includes detailed information about the accident, such as:
- Basic crash information: Time, location, and date of the accident
- Details on parties involved: Names, contact information, and insurance details of all drivers
- Witness statements: Notes from anyone who saw the accident
- Officer’s assessment: Observations about damage, injuries, and potential fault
Having this document on hand is valuable when dealing with an insurance claim.
How To File A California Accident Report
There are several reporting requirements after an accident:
- An accident resulting in injury or death must be reported to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or the city police department within 24 hours.
- An accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 must be reported to the California DMV within ten days. Employees driving a company vehicle at the time of the accident must report the crash to their employer within five days. The employer is then responsible for notifying the DMV.
As a general rule, the driver has the duty to report the accident unless they are unable to do so, in which case passengers become responsible. If police respond to the scene of the accident, they will file a police report. You do not need to make a separate accident report.
CHP Or Police Accident Report in CA
In California, accidents involving injury or death must be reported to the CHP if they occur on a freeway or to the local city police if within city limits. For incidents in San Diego, call the San Diego Police Department’s non-emergency line at (619) 531-2000 or visit an SDPD station. Freeway accidents should be reported to the CHP’s non-emergency line at 1-800-TELL-CHP (1-800-835-5247) or at the nearest CHP office.
DMV Accident Report In CA
To report an accident to the DMV in California, you can complete an SR-1 Report form, either by mail or online. You’ll need your driver’s license, license plate or VIN, insurance details, and the other party’s information. If you report the accident to your insurer, they may file the SR-1 for you. If the police file an accident report, they must send it to the DMV within 10 days.
How To Obtain Police Report In California
In California, you have a few ways to obtain a police report: online, by mail, by phone, or in person. To get your copy by phone through SDPD, you can call (866) 215-2771 Monday through Friday, 8 am to 8 pm EST. Otherwise, you can use one of these methods.
Online Requests
Some California police departments offer online portals where you can request a copy of the report. Check with the local law enforcement agency that investigated or responded to the accident. In 2024, the CHP launched a free Online Crash Portal, allowing drivers to access their accident reports digitally using a QR code provided at the scene. San Diego crash reports can be requested through LexisNexis eCrash for a small fee. Typically, reports are available within eight to ten days after the accident.
In-Person Requests
To obtain your accident report in person, visit the police department or CHP office that handled your crash, with a $12 processing fee per report. For an SDPD report, check the address on their website and visit Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 4 pm. To request a CHP report, complete the CHP 190 – Collision Request Form, providing details such as the collision location, date, parties involved, and your identification, along with a copy of your driver’s license or ID. You may visit any CHP office to receive the report.
Mail Requests
Mail requests are possible if you cannot make it to the station or get a copy of the report online. For a CHP accident report, mail the CHP 190 – Collision Request Form to your nearest CHP office.
For an SDPD report, mail your request to the following address–include a stamped, self-addressed envelope and a money order or check for $12 (per report) made payable to the City Treasurer, whose address is available on the website.
Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers of Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers in San Diego, 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.
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Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
835 5th Avenue #302, San Diego, CA 92101
(858) 551-2090
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(858) 585-9031