How to Get a Police Report for a Car Accident
How to get a police report for a car accident is one of the first questions many California drivers ask after a crash. A police report provides official documentation of the accident and serves as critical evidence for both insurance claims and potential legal actions. In Los Angeles, Glendale, and across Southern California, knowing how to properly request and obtain your accident report can make a major difference in protecting your rights.
This step-by-step guide explains how to get a police report for a car accident in California, why these reports matter, and what to do if you spot errors.
Why a Police Report Matters After a Car Accident
A police report is one of the most important documents after a collision. It supports your insurance claim, records key facts, and helps establish fault. Insurance adjusters and courts often rely on this record when deciding liability and compensation. For that reason, learning how to get a police report for a car accident is essential.
For more on strengthening your case after a crash, see our guide on dealing with denied car accident insurance claims.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, clear and complete police reports are foundational for fair claim outcomes and court decisions.
When Are You Required to Call the Police?
Under the California Vehicle Code, you must call the police if an accident involves injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Even in minor crashes, obtaining a police report can strengthen your claim. If you’re unsure, it’s better to call—this is the first step in ensuring you’ll later know how to get a police report for a car accident in compliance with California law.
Not sure when to involve law enforcement? Our article on when to call 911 for non-injury accidents explains situations that require immediate reporting.
Leaving the scene without reporting is illegal and can lead to penalties, fines, or loss of driving privileges.
Information Needed to Request a Police Report
To request your report, California law enforcement typically requires identification and accident details. Be ready with your name, date of birth, driver’s license number, and specific accident details (date, time, location, involved parties, and case number if available). Having complete information ensures that when you ask how to get a police report for a car accident, your request is processed smoothly.
Methods: How to Get a Police Report for a Car Accident
There are several ways to obtain your report depending on the responding agency. Here’s how to get a police report for a car accident in California:
- California Highway Patrol (CHP): Use Form CHP 190 (Request for Copy of Collision Report). See the official CHP collision report request page.
- Local Police Department: Many departments (e.g., LAPD, Glendale PD) have online portals or records divisions for collision report requests.
- By Mail: Send a written request with required details, identification, and fees (money order is often required).
- In Person: Visit the records counter of the responding agency with ID and your incident details.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Police Report for a Car Accident in California
- Identify the Responding Agency: Determine whether CHP or a local police department handled the scene.
- Gather Details: Collect the accident date, time, exact location, and any case or incident number.
- Complete the Right Form: For CHP, fill out CHP 190; for local police, use the department’s online or PDF form.
- Submit Your Request: File online, by mail, or in person, and include fees and ID.
- Track and Follow Up: Processing typically takes 5–15 business days—check status if you don’t receive it on time.
By following these steps, you’ll know exactly how to get a police report for a car accident without unnecessary delays.
Cost and Processing Time
Fees vary by agency but typically range from $10–$25. Processing usually takes 5–15 business days depending on workload and accident complexity. The California DMV provides additional accident-reporting information that may affect timelines.
Fixing Errors in a Police Report
Found an error? Collect supporting evidence (photos, dashcam footage, medical records, witness statements) and request a correction from the reporting agency. If the correction isn’t made, consult a personal injury attorney—especially if the error affects fault, damages, or insurance coverage.
If your collision involved head trauma, see our guide on spotting concussion signs after an accident for the medical and legal steps to protect yourself.
Where to Request Accident Reports (Helpful Links)
- California Highway Patrol — Collision Report Request (CHP 190)
- LAPD Records & Reports (Los Angeles)
- Glendale Police Department — Information & Records Requests
- Insurance Information Institute — Claims Resources
Common Issues and How to Overcome Them
- Can’t Find the Case Number: Provide exact location, date/time, vehicle plates, and parties’ names.
- Delayed Processing: Follow up with records, confirm fee receipt, and verify identity documents.
- Denied Access: Confirm your eligibility (party of interest). Your attorney can obtain the report if necessary.
Consulting Grun Law Corporation
At Grun Law Corporation in Glendale, we help car accident victims across Los Angeles and Southern California navigate the process of requesting and using police reports. If you are struggling with how to get a police report for a car accident or your claim was denied, our attorneys can assist with:
- Requesting and reviewing police and CHP reports
- Correcting errors that affect liability or damages
- Using reports to strengthen insurance and injury claims
- Litigating disputes where accident fault is contested
Beyond car accident claims, we also assist with property-related insurance disputes such as water damage claims and storm damage coverage issues.
📞 Call (818) 433-7742 today for a free consultation. We proudly represent accident victims throughout Los Angeles County, Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, and Southern California.
Conclusion: How to Get a Police Report for a Car Accident
Knowing how to get a police report for a car accident can make or break your insurance claim and legal case. In California, police reports clarify liability, ensure compliance with state reporting rules, and speed up claims. Whether you obtain your report from the CHP, LAPD, or another local agency, having this official documentation protects your rights. If you encounter delays, denials, or report errors, legal support can help you pursue a fair outcome.
