When you get into a car accident or other vehicle accident in California, one of the most valuable documents you need to collect is a collision report. This report is not only important for filing an insurance claim, but it also provides an official record in a personal injury case against the person responsible for the accident. If you are involved in a car accident that causes injury, it is essential you contact the police as soon as possible to report the accident and begin the process of filing a collision report.
Your collision report will typically include information about the time, date, location, and parties involved in the accident. It will identify the names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information of the parties involved. It will include witness statements, and can include photographs and other important information as well.
It might also include the reporting police officer’s observations and witness statements that can help prove liability and strengthen your case. Depending on the agency that files the report, i.e., highway patrol vs. the local police department, you must follow a specific set of procedures to obtain an official copy of your collision report.
Understanding which agency responds to your car accident and the requirements they have in place for obtaining a collision report is essential in saving you time and resources that can be better spent healing after you have been in a car accident. A California personal injury attorney can be invaluable in navigating this process and helping you seek compensation for the damages you sustained.
How Can You Request a Collision Report?
California law requires that all vehicle accidents resulting in injury, death, or over $1,000 in property damage be reported to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) within 24 hours and the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days. Rather than submitting these forms yourself, it is highly recommended you call 911 at the scene of your car accident, no matter how minor your injuries, as the responding police officer is required to submit your collision report to the CHP and DMV within those allotted periods.
Depending on where your accident occurs and the responding law enforcement agency, receiving a collision report can take a few days to almost four weeks. There are three main avenues you can take to request a collision report after your car accident:
- Online: You can access your report online through the CHP Online Crash Portal using the QR code on the crash card you received at the scene of the accident.
- Mail: You can mail an Application For Release of Information Form to the CHP office where your report was filed.
- In Person: You can file your Application For Release of Information Form in person by visiting the CHP office where your report was filed.
- Your Attorney: If you have been involved in a collision and do not have the report, your attorney will be able to obtain the report on your behalf as well.
The responding law enforcement officer will typically file your collision report at the CHP office in the county where the accident occurred. While you can request a collision report on your own, the quickest and most effective way to obtain your report is through a personal injury attorney. If you have any questions about getting your collision report or need assistance, please contact us at Jassim Law to help make the aftermath of your car accident and documentation collection as stress-free as possible.
What Information Do You Need to Collect a Collision Report?
Before requesting your collision report, you should collect some important information about the accident to help you fill out your Application For Release of Information Form. An inaccurate or incomplete form might delay receiving your collision report in a timely manner. The information you need to provide on the release form includes:
- Date of the accident
- Location of the accident
- Names of everyone involved
- Your address
- The case number, if available
- Driver’s license or identification card
- Written Authorization for your Attorney to obtain the report
While requesting your collision report might seem overwhelming, a personal injury attorney can assist you through every step of the process to ensure you get your copy as quickly as possible to file your insurance and personal injury claims.
How Can Jassim Law Assist With Obtaining and Using a Collision Report?
Navigating the process of obtaining a collision report can feel daunting, but we are here to ease the burden. At Jassim Law, we provide tailored guidance to help you secure this critical document efficiently. Whether you’re facing delays or unclear procedures, we ensure the process is streamlined so you can focus on recovery.
With years of experience and recognition, such as SuperLawyers honors from 2017–2024, I bring a trusted perspective to your case. Let us help you take the next steps to strengthen your personal injury claim. Call (619) 630-2680 today or complete our contact form.