How To Obtain a Police Report in California

Did you know that in California, you're required to report a car accident within 10 days if damages exceed $1,000? Failing to do so could result in a suspended driver's license, fines, or, in severe cases, even a misdemeanor charge. While this might sound serious, it's not the only reason you should call 911 after an accident and have a police report filed. If you plan to file a claim for compensation—whether for damages, lost wages, or pain and suffering—having an official police report is essential. This report provides accurate, detailed information about the accident and can serve as critical evidence for your case.

So, we've established why it's important to call 911 after an accident, but the real question is: how do you get a copy of the accident report afterward? In this article, we'll discuss how to request a police report and why working with a personal injury law firm can be beneficial in such a situation.

How To Get a Police Report for an Accident

Once a traffic collision report is filed, it can take up to 45 days for it to become available. After that, you can request the report in person, online, or by mail, though the method required to obtain the report may vary depending on the police division handling the case. To find the police station where the report was filed, you can enter the incident's address here: Find Your Local Police Station.

Once you know which division has your report, you can submit a request. There may be a small fee involved, but your local police station can provide all the details. However, this process isn't always straightforward. It's not uncommon to experience delays or frustration when dealing with different districts, as procedures may differ slightly between divisions. To avoid complications, it's often helpful to work with a local personal injury attorney who understands car accident laws in California.

Also, keep in mind that depending on how you submit the request, it may take some time to receive a copy of the accident report. Many assume they can easily access the crash report online, but, as mentioned earlier, online requests may not always be an option. If you follow the steps above and contact your local police station, they can guide you through the process. So then, why would you need a lawyer? Let's talk about that.

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help?

As stated before, the process of requesting a police report can be time-consuming and vary depending on the police division. Personal injury attorneys are experienced in dealing with law enforcement and can streamline the process, ensuring that you don't get the run-around or face unnecessary delays. Further, an attorney can review the police report to ensure it accurately reflects the incident. If there are any discrepancies, your attorney can help address them quickly, which is crucial when pursuing a claim.

Additionally, an attorney can use the report, along with other evidence, to build a compelling case on your behalf. They understand how to interpret the report's details and can use it to your advantage. And lastly, in some cases, there may be complications in obtaining the report, such as when additional approvals or court orders are needed. An attorney can overcome these legal hurdles more efficiently than someone unfamiliar with the process.

Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in North Hollywood or Burbank?

If you were involved in an accident and are having challenges obtaining a copy of the traffic collision report, contact Yepremyan Law Firm for legal help. As an established personal injury law firm in North Hollywood, we have been representing clients throughout Southern California since 1998. Our seasoned attorneys can walk you through the process of filing a claim and help you explore your legal options.

With 24/7 support, Yepremyan Law offers free consultations to help accident victims navigate the legal landscape confidently. Call us today to speak with our car accident lawyers in North Hollywood.

Additionally, you can request to be connected to our personal injury lawyer in Burbank. Our attorneys work on a contingency basis for all personal injury matters. No recovery, no fee.

*No Legal Advice Intended. This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. These materials have been prepared for general informational purposes only and are not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for legal advice pertaining to any particular legal matter. Use of and access to this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and Yepremyan Law Firm and any of its attorneys, employees, or associates.