How to Obtain an Accident Report in San Diego

An accident report can be one of the most crucial items needed for your personal injury claim. This report can contain a number of details concerning the accident, and bring clarification if the moments after the accident were a bit chaotic. 

Interested in obtaining an accident report in San Diego, CA? Here is everything you need to know from our experienced San Diego car accident attorneys.

What is an Accident Report?

Police will usually be called to the scene of a car accident, especially a serious one. The accident report is made by the investigating officer once police respond to a car accident that has caused injuries or even death. 

 

After a car accident, the drivers involved may be a bit confrontational, or still in shock about the events that unfolded. An accident report can provide important details pertaining to the accident. Luckily, accident reports can be obtained by those who were involved in the vehicle accident in some way.

What Does the Accident Report Contain? 

Why is an accident report so beneficial for a personal injury claim? This detailed report may be just what you need in order to gather more strong evidence for your claim. 

An accident report will usually contain a lot of crucial details concerning the initial incident, such as: 

 

• Road dimensions
• Speed information for both vehicles
• Initial contact calculations 
• Witness statements 
• Skid data

 

Also, some accident reports may even determine which driver was liable for the accident. Accident reports can be a very helpful document when it comes to building your car accident claim. Considering personal injury claims need strong evidence, an accident report can provide just that. 

 

There are two types of accident reports in California. 

Driver Accident Reports

It is California law that drivers report any accidents that have caused injury, death, or property damage totaling over $1,000 to the DMV. 

In this driver accident report, drivers are required to list their name, contact information, vehicle information, insurance information, and a description of the injuries or losses obtained as a result. This report does not require an account of how the accident occurred. 

Police Reports 

As previously stated, a police report is a report created by the investigating officer after police have responded to a car accident. This is a very detailed report, containing information such as the accident narrative, a diagram of the accident, citations that may have been issued, and the witness contact information. 

Even if a police report has been created, the drivers involved in the accident are also still required to file their own driver reports.

Can an Accident Report Help My Case? 

After a car accident, emotions may be running high. As a result, there may be confusion and disagreements regarding the details of the accident. This can be especially true if you are dealing with a driver who is aggressive or does not want to claim liability.

 This is why it is essential to call the police after a car accident has occurred. Some drivers may not want to get the authorities involved, but it can be an important step to help Ensure the details of your accident are clearly recorded for future reference.

However, it is important to note that an accident report cannot be used as evidence for a personal injury case involving a car accident. This is because an accident report can constitute inadmissible hearsay.

However, an accident report can allow you to reach out to witnesses of the accident. This can help bring an unbiased account of the accident as it unfolded. Having eyewitness testimony can provide some much-needed insight into your case.

How Can I Obtain the Accident Report?

The process of obtaining an accident report can actually be fairly easy. You can get a copy of your accident report online, by phone, through the mail, or in person.

In order to obtain a police report, you must be able to prove that you were involved in an accident as a:

 

• Driver
• Passenger 
• Pedestrian 
• Bicyclist 
• Vehicle owner 
• The attorney representing someone involved in an accident
• The parent of a minor who was involved in an accident 

 

Here are the methods which you can go about obtaining a copy of the police report for your car accident:

Online

Submit a request for your accident report online at LexisNexis eCrash. There may be a small processing fee charged. 

Phone

If you are looking to obtain your accident report through the phone, call 866-215-2771. 

Mail 

Mail your request for an accident report at: 

SDPD Records MS#726
P.O. Box 121431
San Diego, CA, 92112

Be sure to include a stamped, self-addressed envelope and a check or money order for $12 per report, payable to the City Treasurer. 

In-Person

If you prefer to obtain your accident report in person, visit:

 

SDPD Records Division

1401 Broadway

San Diego, CA 92101

 

This office is open Monday-Thursday, from 8 am to 4 pm. 

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help With My Car Accident Claim? 

Many people involved in car accidents choose to have the representation of a personal injury lawyer throughout their case. Whether you are dealing with insurance or have filed a lawsuit for rightful compensation, having a personal injury lawyer can help bring legal expertise and negotiation skills. 

Though an accident report could be inadmissible in court, the details recorded can still set the record straight as to the conditions of the road, the narrative of the accident, and injuries and other damages that were acquired. 

When you bring on a personal injury lawyer to your car accident claim, they can help with a variety of legal processes like:

 

• Collecting further evidence
• Helping you calculate the value of your case
• Obtaining expert witnesses to support your injuries and other damages
• Explain your legal options and rights as your car accident claim continues to unfold
• Negotiate a settlement agreement on your behalf
• Start the lawsuit process if a fair settlement cannot be reached

 

If you have obtained a number of serious injuries due to a car accident, you may not be thinking about the claims process. Hire a personal injury attorney that works in your best interests and will provide top-notch legal representation. While your lawyer represents you, you can focus on the road to recovery!

Looking for a San Diego Car Accident Lawyer? 

Have you or a loved one been involved in a car accident in San Diego, CA? Are you in the middle of filing a car accident claim? Is the insurance company of the other driver denying or lowballing your claim? 

An accident report can help set the record straight in terms of what occurred and sometimes, even determine who the liable driver was. You may already have a copy of your accident report and may be wondering what’s next.

 Whether you are going through an insurance claim or are considering filing a lawsuit, a personal injury attorney can help. Are you looking for legal representation for your San Diego car accident claim?

Work with the team at HHJ Trial Attorneys! We are a dedicated group of personal injury attorneys who have fought for injured victims involved in car accidents. Contact us today to learn more about booking your consultation!