If you get injured or sustain property damage in a car accident in San Francisco or anywhere else in California, it’s important to get a police report. Notifying the police shows proof that the accident happened – along with recording key details about the collision and your damages. Learn how to access a copy of your traffic accident report so that you can prepare for the car insurance process.
How to Get a Copy of Your Police Report After a California Traffic Accident
If you are someone who was directly involved in the car accident or a chosen representative with authorization to act on behalf of someone involved, you have the right to access a police report in California. Take the following steps to get a copy of your report:
- Report the accident. To get a police report, call 911 from the scene. The responding police officer will file a report for you. You can also report the crash yourself by sending Form SR-1 to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- Contact the responding agency. Determine which police department responded to the scene. Call their office (non-emergency number) in the days following your accident until they tell you that the report has been filed. This typically occurs within 10 days of the crash.
- Order your copy. Depending on the department, you may be able to place an order for a copy of your police report by phone, online or in person. You will generally need to present your ID and pay the copy fee. Having your police report number and the date/time/location of the crash can be helpful.
If you file a report yourself to the DMV, make a copy before submitting it to keep for your records. If the police came to the scene, you will need to order the official police report through the proper channels once it’s submitted by the officer.
How to Get a Copy of a Police Report After an Accident in California
When Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in California?
In California, state law legally obligates a driver who is involved in a car accident to report it to law enforcement in certain circumstances. If you get into an accident that involves any of the following, you are legally required to report it as soon as possible:
- Bodily injury
- One or more deaths
- Property damage in excess of $1,000
Local law enforcement must be notified within 24 hours if a car accident meets these parameters. If the police don’t respond to the scene, you must file a written report (SR-1) to the DMV yourself within 10 days.
What Goes in a Police Car Accident Report?
It’s important to always get a police report following a car accident in California – not only to fulfill your legal obligations under state law, but also to provide critical evidence during the insurance claims process. In most cases, a car insurance company will ask you for your police report to initiate your claim.
The police report has important information, such as a description of all involved vehicles, reports of injuries or property damage, driver citations, witness details, and a diagram of the accident. An insurance company can use the report to piece together what happened and determine fault.
If you need assistance filing your car insurance claim after an accident in California or obtaining your police report, contact Jacoby & Meyers.