How to Get a Crash Report in San Bernardino

You can get a crash report in San Bernardino by requesting it directly from the law enforcement agency that responded to your accident. Organizations like the San Bernardino Police Department or California Highway Patrol (CHP) have options for obtaining it online, by mail, or in person. 

A copy of this report is often essential when filing an insurance claim or preparing a legal case, especially if you’re working with a San Bernardino car accident lawyer. Understanding how to locate and request your traffic collision report can make a significant difference in how your case progresses. 

This document contains critical facts, including the date, time, location, involved parties, and officer observations, all of which can influence your ability to recover compensation after a crash.

Why a Crash Report Matters

At BANA LAW, we cannot overstate how important a crash report is when building a strong personal injury claim. It is often one of the first pieces of evidence reviewed by insurance companies, opposing counsel, and even juries. A well-documented report can help establish fault, validate your injuries, and support your version of events.

If you’ve been involved in a collision, getting this document is one of the first steps we recommend. Our San Bernardino personal injury lawyers review every detail to identify inconsistencies, missing information, or points of dispute, and we take immediate action to protect your rights.

Who Can Request a Crash Report in California?

Under California Vehicle Code § 20012, crash reports are considered confidential, but they are accessible to parties with a “proper interest.” This includes:

• Drivers and passengers involved in the collision
• Vehicle owners
• Legal representatives or attorneys
• Parents or guardians of minors involved
• Insurance companies

As your legal representatives, we are able to request this report on your behalf quickly and efficiently, often avoiding delays that individuals face when going through the process alone.

Where to Request Your San Bernardino Crash Report

Depending on which agency responded to your crash, the process may vary slightly. Here are the most common reporting agencies and how to request from each:

San Bernardino Police Department (SBPD)

If your accident occurred within San Bernardino city limits, the SBPD likely completed the report. Here are the different ways you can access it:

• In Person: Go to 710 North D Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401.
• Online: Visit the SBPD’s online records portal.
• By Mail: Submit a written request including a copy of your ID, the date of the accident, report number (if available), and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

California Highway Patrol (CHP)

CHP typically handles collisions on state highways and freeways near San Bernardino. Information to know about getting your report from here includes:

• Form Required: CHP 190 (Request for Collision Report)
• Mail or In Person: Submit to the nearest CHP office, such as the San Bernardino Area Office at 2031 East Steel Road, San Bernardino, CA 92408

Reports are generally available within 10 to 15 days after the incident.

Information You’ll Need to Provide

To avoid delays, be prepared with the following:

• Full name of the involved party
• Date and approximate time of the accident
• Location of the accident
• Report or incident number (if available)
• Your relationship to the case (driver, attorney, etc.)
• Valid photo identification

At BANA LAW, we handle this process for our clients so they can focus on their recovery instead of paperwork. If information is missing, we contact the agency directly and escalate as needed.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Crash Report?

The typical processing time for a crash report in San Bernardino ranges from 10 to 20 business days after the date of the incident. However, delays can occur due to:

• Ongoing investigations
• Missing information in your request
• High volume of public records requests

We track this timeline for every case and take immediate steps if we see a delay that could affect your claim or negotiations with insurers.

What if the Report Contains Errors?

Mistakes in crash reports are more common than most people realize. An officer might misstate a vehicle’s speed, miss a witness statement, or even incorrectly assign fault. These errors can damage your ability to get compensation.

At BANA LAW, we thoroughly review every crash report. When we spot inaccuracies, we take legal steps to submit clarifications or supporting evidence that puts your story back into focus.

In some cases, we work with accident reconstruction experts to provide additional documentation to insurers or the court.

Can I Still File a Claim Without the Crash Report?

Yes, but it’s much harder. While not legally required to file a personal injury claim in California, crash reports carry weight. Insurance companies often use them to justify denying or reducing claims.

Our team knows how to build strong claims even in cases where reports are delayed or missing. That said, we always recommend obtaining a copy as early as possible, and we take on this responsibility the moment we take on your case.

We’re Here to Help You Take the First Step

Getting a crash report might seem like a small detail, but in a car accident claim, it can be the foundation of your entire case.

At BANA LAW, we know how to leverage every detail in that report to your advantage. Our over 100 years of combined experience means we understand exactly how to handle insurers and defense teams that try to dispute the facts.

If you’ve been in a car crash in San Bernardino and aren’t sure where to start, reach out to us. We will obtain the report, coordinate your medical care, and pursue maximum compensation from every responsible party. We will also keep you updated at every stage of the process so that you never feel lost or left behind.

Start With a Free Consultation

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Contact BANA LAW today for a free consultation. We’ll take care of the crash report and every other part of your claim, from medical referrals to thorough investigations.

With thousands of clients served and a No Fees Unless We Win guarantee, we’re ready to fight for your future.

We know you have other options, and that’s why we treat every case with the urgency, care, and respect it deserves.

When you choose BANA LAW, you’re not just hiring a lawyer — you’re partnering with a legal team that’s ready to stand up for you, protect your rights, and work relentlessly to secure the outcome you deserve.