How to Obtain a Car Accident Report in California
Obtaining a car accident report is an important step after an accident in California. If you or a loved one were injured, a California car accident report may contain useful information for an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Here is what you should know about obtaining a car accident report in California after an accident:
What Is a Car Accident Report, and Why Is It Important in California?
A car accident report is an official document prepared by law enforcement responding to an accident. It lists observations about the people and vehicles involved in the accident and resulting injuries or property damages.
Information that may be included in your car accident report includes:
- Names and contact information from drivers, passengers, and witnesses
- Insurance information for other drivers
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- A description of the accident scene and road conditions
- The officer’s assessment of what happened and the potential cause
- Diagrams of the accident scene and position of vehicles
- Information about possible traffic violations
A car accident report may contain useful information when filing an insurance or personal injury claim.
How to Request a Car Accident Report in California
The law enforcement agency that responds to your accident will prepare the car accident report. You can request the report differently if the California Highway Patrol responds to your accident. You can request a California accident report online. You may also complete the CHP 190 Form and submit it in person or by mail to the CHP Area office where your crash occurred. You will need to provide certain information about your crash to complete the request. A copy of your license may also be required.
You may need to request a copy from a local police department or county sheriff’s office if they respond to your accident. This is typically done in person or by mail through the agency’s records department. Check with the local agency for additional information. You may need to complete a report form, pay a fee, and provide identification.
If your accident occurred in Santa Ana, the Santa Ana Police Department Records Division will most likely be the agency processing your request.
Why You Need to Obtain a Car Accident Report in California
A car accident report may contain useful information for a potential insurance or personal injury claim.
You should obtain a copy of your California car accident report because it can:
- Prove your accident occurred: Insurance companies may require evidence that the accident occurred to begin processing your claim.
- Report key information: The report may include important information about the date, time, and location of your accident. It may also show whether weather or road conditions were involved.
- Identify at-fault parties: A car accident report’s determination of fault is not final. However, it can significantly impact negotiations with insurance companies and be a starting point for investigations.
- Support your injury claim: A report can link the accident to any injuries you reported at the scene after the accident.
- Help your car accident lawyer: A Santa Ana car accident lawyer can use the report to start building a strong case and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
A Santa Ana car accident lawyer can help if you or a loved one is facing challenges obtaining a police report after an accident. They can also advise you about what to do if the report contains inaccuracies or mistakes.
Involved in a Car Accident? Obtain a California Car Accident Report
Obtaining a car accident report in California is an important step after an accident. It often provides details about your accident that can help establish fault and support a case for compensation. If you or a loved one are unsure of how to obtain the report, a Santa Ana personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process. Schedule a free consultation today if you or a loved one has been injured.
Contact the California Car Accident Lawyers at The Simon Law Group Today
For more information, please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at The Simon Law Group to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have three convenient locations in California, including Torrance, Hermosa Beach, and Santa Ana, CA. We also have offices in Phoenix, AZ, and Austin, TX.
We proudly serve Los Angeles County and Orange County, CA, and its surrounding areas:
The Simon Law Group – Torrance, CA Office
2916 W 164th St Second Floor,
Torrance, CA 90504
(424) 622-0812
The Simon Law Group – Hermosa Beach, CA Office
34 Hermosa Ave,
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(424) 722-3209
The Simon Law Group – Santa Ana, CA Office
1327 N Broadway,
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 581-8546
