How Do I Get a Car Accident Report in San Diego?

When a minor fender-bender occurs with limited damage and no injuries, California motorists do not have to call the police to the scene. If the car accident damage is under $1,000 in repair costs, the involved motorists may file the report online through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) online accident reporting tool. Involved drivers must report the accident within four days. After a car accident with property damage and injuries, the motorists must call the police to the scene.

When the police investigate a car accident in San Diego they make a police report so the involved motorists do not have to file a report themselves; however, they still require a copy of the accident report to pursue a compensation claim. Contact a San Diego personal injury lawyer for assistance with your claim.

Do the Police Send a Copy of the Accident Report to the Insurance Company After a San Diego Car Accident?

After a car accident, the police make a report at the accident scene. The report includes their observations of the scene, and sometimes the contact information of eyewitnesses. The report is an important part of obtaining compensation for damages such as property damage, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. The police do not send the report to the insurance company of the drivers; instead, the involved drivers must request a copy of the report.

Obtaining a Copy of a Car Accident Report in San Diego

A car accident report is the key component of a claim for compensation against an at-fault driver, the manufacturer of a defective auto part, or a negligent city road maintenance agency, depending on how the accident occurred. A copy of the report costs $12.00. The state offers multiple avenues for obtaining a copy of an accident report:

Request a Copy of Your Report in Person

One of the easiest ways to request a copy of your car accident report is to go to the San Diego Police Department in the jurisdiction where your accident occurred and request a printed copy in person. Bring $12.00 and your ID with you to request your copy, or write out a written authorization for someone else to pick up a copy for you.

Request a Copy Over the Phone

As long as you have a copy of your California driver’s license with you, a debit or credit card number, and the accident date, you can also request a copy of your car accident report by calling the police department. The department will mail you a printed copy or email a digital copy of the report.

Making an Online Request for an Accident Report in San Diego

You don’t have to leave home or make a phone call to request a copy of your report; you can also request a copy online by using the state’s eCrash site. The online tool requires a debit or credit card payment of $12.00 plus an additional $10.00 convenience charge. You’ll also need to fill out the online form with information including the date and location of the accident and your driver’s license number.

Request a Copy Through the Mail

Accident victims may request a copy of their accident report through the mail by providing your name, driver’s license number, date and location of the accident, and a check or money order for $12.00 along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

How Can a San Diego Car Accident Lawyer Help?

Obtaining a copy of your accident report not only helps recover damages in an insurance claim, but when disputes arise over fault in an accident, the police accident report becomes key evidence in the investigation. After a car accident, contact the experienced San Diego car accident attorneys at Haffner & Morgan in San Diego for skilled legal counsel to maximize your chances of recovering compensation for your damages.