nty Sheriff’s Department (LASD), the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), or the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The agency you need to contact will depend on who responded to the scene of your crash.
A Los Angeles car accident lawyer can explain the precise steps you need to take to get the report. Your attorney may also take steps to secure the report on your behalf, giving you more time to focus on healing after an accident.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department allows you to submit a request for a copy of your accident report over the phone to the Records and Identification Bureau.
You can set up an appointment to pick up the report in person. You may also request a copy through the mail.
You will need to provide information before receiving the report. Generally, you will need to show:
You may also need to provide your signature and an address to mail the report to, if you request it by mail.
Acceptable forms of identification can include:
Additionally, an authorized representative can get your report for you, sparing you the stress of securing this documentation after a crash.
You can obtain a traffic collision report from the LAPD either online or through the mail. The LAPD accepts online requests in either English or Spanish. You can also download the report request and mail it to the LAPD with a $20.00 check.
The LAPD will require you to provide information with your request. You will need to share:
You will also need to explain why you qualify to receive the report. You may need to include release forms to complete your request.
The LAPD recommends that you wait at least 45 days to request a report from the date of your accident. Waiting gives the LAPD time to review and approve the report for release.
CHP introduced a fast, easy way to obtain crash reports that streamlines the process of getting an accident report from the agency. Any motorist involved in a collision that the CHP handles will receive a crash card. The card will have a QR code that motorists can scan to get detailed facts about the crash.
You can also get the information by logging into the CHP’s website. Generally, you only have to wait eight business days to get access to this kind of crash report.
The information contained in your accident report can help your lawyer build a claim to secure fair compensation for your losses after a crash. In many cases, the information provided by law enforcement can help establish who caused the collision, allowing your attorney to prove liability.
An attorney can provide more information about getting these reports and how to deal with the police after an accident so that you can maintain your peace of mind and feel confident throughout the legal process.
Your lawyer may also focus on gathering additional forms of evidence to back up your claim. Depending on your circumstances, a lawyer may need to:
Getting help right away can allow your attorney to collect all available evidence, so don’t hesitate to get help after a crash.
Do you have more questions about how to get a crash report in Los Angeles? The team at BANA LAW can provide the answers you need and guide you through the legal process.
Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers are ready to take charge and assist with your claim for fair compensation.
Our firm has over 100 years of combined experience to bring to your situation. We have assisted thousands of clients and would like to do what we can for you as well.
You can rely on us to help with everything from insurance negotiations to a lawsuit against the liable driver.
We’re available 24/7, so reach out now and discuss your next steps.