If you sustained injuries in an auto accident, you might be exploring options to pursue an injury claim against the responsible party.
When you file a personal injury claim with the other party’s insurance company, you should have a copy of your Los Angeles accident report.
Understandably, this is a stressful time, especially if you are in pain and missing time from work for medical appointments.
If you cannot get a copy, your attorney can obtain Los Angeles traffic accident reports.
Methods for Obtaining Los Angeles Traffic Accident Reports
There are two main ways to obtain an accident report in Los Angeles—online and mail.
The Los Angeles Police Department will not release your report to just anyone. They only release accident reports to victims, representatives of victims, and anyone who meets the definition under California Vehicle Code 20012.
To order your report online, go to the Buy Crash website, which will require several pieces of information, including your name, the date of the accident, the accident location, and any report number that the police might have given you at the scene.
Note: it can take a while for police departments to enter all the reports into the system. You should allow a minimum of 45 days from the date of your accident before attempting to order a Los Angeles car accident report.
You should download and print the Traffic Collision Report form if you choose to order your report via mail.
You will need to include a check for $3.00 made payable to LAPD. If you do not have access to a printer or the form is not working, you can still make your written request.
You will need to include all the information below:
- Type of report you are requesting;
- Your name and contact information (address and telephone);
- Your date of birth;
- Names of all parties listed in the report;
- Where the accident occurred;
- Time and date of the accident;
- License plate number and state of registration;
- What your role is (accident victim, representative, etc.); and
- A written statement, “I declare this statement is true and correct”; and
- Your signature after the declaration.
The address to mail your Los Angeles accident report request is Los Angeles Police Department, Document Processing Unit, P.O. Box 30158, Los Angeles, CA 90030.
Does your request involve a minor, an arrest, or a fatality? If so, you can request your police report only through the mail. Los Angeles does not release these report types online.
Why Los Angeles Police Department Accident Reports Are Important
You might be wondering why getting your report is so crucial in the first place.
Accident reports can provide an excellent foundation for building a solid case against the other side. It is a report of the facts surrounding your accident.
These reports have relevant information, such as:
- Involved parties’ names and vehicles involved;
- Proof that an accident occurred;
- Date and location of the accident;
- Witnesses’ names, contact information, and statements;
- Damage to each vehicle; and
- Any injuries reported or visible at the scene.
In many accidents, the victim is too injured to gather all this information. Perhaps you are unconscious or cannot use your hand to write anything down.
A police report allows you and your attorney to go back and contact the witnesses, look at the vehicle damage, etc.
Contact a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer
If you sustained injuries in a car accident caused by the other driver’s negligence, let the Weinberg Law Offices assist you. We have years of experience representing victims just like you.
Let us help you hold the other party financially responsible for the damages they caused you. We will gather all evidence, including your Los Angeles accident report, to build the strongest case possible.
Contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation and learn how we can help.
Disclaimer: This content should not be construed as legal advice.
As a personal injury attorney, my mantra is that there is no such thing as a “small case”. I will give 100% matter how big or small a case may be. I am fluent in English, Hebrew, and Spanish, languages which I use regularly in my practice.
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