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To get a crash report in San Francisco, you must submit a request to the police department that handled your accident through an online form, in person, or by mail. Usually, that organization will be the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) or the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
A crash report can be a key piece of documentation if you’re working with a San Francisco personal injury lawyer to pursue an insurance claim or injury lawsuit. It includes details that may prove liability or help validate the extent of your injuries.
Knowing where to request the report and how to navigate the process early on can help ensure you’re not held up later when compensation is on the line.
At BANA LAW, we often explain that a crash report is not just paperwork—it’s a foundational document that helps shape the strategy of a case. As your San Francisco personal injury lawyer, we use the report to examine how the responding officer recorded the events, identify whether fault was noted, and determine what additional evidence may be needed.
While it’s not the only factor considered in a claim, a crash report often influences how an insurance company evaluates liability and how quickly negotiations may move. It may also serve as critical evidence if the case escalates to litigation. For this reason, we request these reports promptly for every client we represent.
California limits access to collision reports to protect the privacy of the people involved. But if you’re a party to the accident or connected to it in a meaningful way, you’re typically allowed to request a copy.
This includes:
Under California Vehicle Code § 20012, our legal team is permitted to obtain your report on your behalf. In most cases, we can access it faster than the general public and use it to begin building your case immediately.
The process for getting your crash report depends on which agency responded to your accident. If it occurred on a city street, the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) likely handled the report. If it happened on a freeway or state route, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) was probably involved.
To request a report from the SFPD, you can use the following methods:
Processing times vary but typically take 10 to 15 business days. The SFPD charges a small fee for collision report copies.
If the crash occurred on a highway, such as I-80 or Highway 101, the CHP likely completed the report. Here’s how you can access it:
We often handle this process directly, eliminating guesswork and reducing delays.
When requesting a crash report, you’ll need to provide the following identifying information:
At BANA LAW, we verify this information for our clients and communicate directly with the agency if there are discrepancies.
Our goal is to make sure no administrative error stands between you and the documentation you need.
Most crash reports in San Francisco become available within two weeks of the incident. However, reports may take longer if the crash involved:
If delays arise, our team monitors the status and contacts the appropriate department to expedite where possible. We understand that time is often critical, especially when medical bills are mounting or your vehicle isn’t drivable.
It’s not uncommon for crash reports to contain errors—whether it’s a misstatement of events, missing witnesses, or incorrect vehicle positions. These issues can impact fault determinations and claim outcomes.
When you work with BANA LAW, we conduct a full audit of every report. If we spot an error, we know how to present additional evidence or witness statements to challenge the record. In some cases, we bring in accident reconstruction experts to provide a stronger narrative supported by data and visuals.
Yes, you can file a claim without a crash report, but it often makes the process more difficult. Insurance companies may use the absence of a report to cast doubt on your story or delay claim resolution.
Even if your report is delayed or missing, we can still build a strong case using alternative forms of evidence, including medical records, photos, video footage, and eyewitness accounts.
However, securing the official crash report in San Francisco car crash cases remains one of the first and most important steps we recommend.
You don’t need to navigate the paperwork, red tape, or legal strategy alone. Contact BANA LAW today for a free consultation. Our team will secure your crash report, coordinate your care, and begin building a strong claim designed to get results.
With thousands of clients served and a No Fees Unless We Win guarantee, we’re ready to stand with you every step of the way.
When you place your trust in our team, we make a promise to fight for you like family. We’re aggressive in how we prepare your case, honest in how we communicate with you, and tireless in our pursuit of the compensation you deserve.
That’s what sets BANA LAW apart, and that’s what every injured San Franciscan should expect.