After a car accident, obtaining a copy of your California accident report can prove useful if you plan to file a lawsuit for your injuries. If the California Highway Patrol responded to the scene of your accident, they likely created an accident report detailing specific facts about the incident.
Read on to learn why this report is so important and how to obtain a copy of your California accident report after a collision.
What Is a California Accident Report?
A California accident report prepared by the California Highway Patrol is also referred to as the CHP 555 report. The traffic collision report includes the following information:
- Details of the collision,
- Date of the collision,
- Information collected by officers,
- Witness information and statements, and
- Estimated damage from the accident.
However, this CHP accident report isn’t just a list of facts—it serves as an important piece of evidence that often tells the full story of what happened during the crash. It can contain key details like:
- Impairment information. The CHP 555 report may provide information about whether any of the involved parties were impaired or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. This can play a huge role in determining who’s responsible and what legal consequences may follow.
- Fault determination. In some situations, a reporting officer may also make designations of fault based on their observations at the scene. This is important for insurance claims since companies often use the officer’s opinion when figuring out who should pay for damages.
- Road and weather conditions. The report also sheds light on things like visibility, road conditions, and weather, which might have contributed to the crash. These details help provide context to the incident and clarify factors that may have caused the collision.
Insurance companies rely heavily on this police accident report when figuring out who’s liable and how much compensation should be paid out. Its details help adjusters make decisions on fault and damages. Plus, the report can be used in legal proceedings if you need to support your side of the story or dispute what others say happened.
Who Can Request a Copy of a California Accident Report?
A variety of individuals can request California accident reports, including:
- Insurance companies for the parties,
- Attorneys for the parties,
- Coroners,
- Family members of the victim,
- Parents of any minor children, and
- Involved parties.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive and other individuals may also be permitted to request a copy. You may obtain a copy of your accident report from a California Highway Patrol office or the Department of Motor Vehicles. Contact a personal injury attorney if you have questions about your California accident report.
How Do You Request a California Accident Report?
Before CHP will release the police accident report, you need to complete the CHP 190 form, Application for Release of Information. This form is essential for ensuring your request for your California accident report is processed in a timely manner.
In this form, you will need to provide the following information:
- Date and location of the accident,
- The names of the individuals involved,
- Your relationship to the accident,
- Your address, and
- A photocopy of your identification card or driver’s license.
You can download the CHP 190 form directly from the California Highway Patrol website or pick up a physical copy at your local CHP office.
How Do I Complete the CHP 190 Form?
Let’s break down how to complete each section of the CHP 190 form accurately.
- Collison date. Enter the exact date of the accident if you know it. If you don’t have the exact date, provide an approximate date as close as possible to when the incident occurred.
- Collision location. Fill in the location of the accident. If you don’t know the precise location, list as much information as possible, such as the street name, nearby intersections, or any landmarks.
- Driver or owner. Enter the name of the driver or the vehicle’s owner who was involved in the accident. If you are unsure, you may need to check the vehicle’s registration or other related documents.
- Party of interest. You’ll see several boxes to choose from in this section. Only check the one that applies to your role in the accident (such as driver, passenger, or other).
- Applicant information. Print your full name, street address, city, state, and zip code. Make sure your information is accurate and up to date.
- Agency or company. This section is only relevant if you’re applying on behalf of a government agency or an insurance company. Otherwise you can leave it blank.
- Signature. Sign your name where indicated.
- Verification. Attach a clear photocopy of your state identification card or driver’s license to the form. This is required to verify your identity.
Remember to keep copies of all correspondence and receipts for your records. Ensure that all information provided is accurate and legible to avoid processing delays. Take a moment to double-check the accident details and your personal information, and confirm that your payment is included and that you’re submitting your request to the correct CHP office.
Can I Get My Accident Report Online?
Yes. You can obtain a copy of your California accident report online, by mail, or in person.
- Online. You can access your report for free through the CHP’s Online Crash Portal. After a collision, you’ll receive a crash card with a QR code to scan for your report, or you can log into the portal and enter the crash card details to retrieve it.
- Mail. To get your report by mail, you need to fill out the CHP 190 form and send it with a payment of $1013 to the CHP office where your report was filed. The reporting officer usually files the report in the area where the accident occurred.
- In Person. An in-person request can be made at the CHP office where the accident occurred. To obtain a copy of the accident report in person, you must bring a photocopy of your identification card and the completed CHP 190 form.
Be sure to call the CHP headquarters office and ensure your accident report is complete and ready for ordering regardless of the method you choose.
The Importance of Getting Your CHP Accident Report ASAP
Obtaining your CHP accident report as soon as possible is very important for several reasons. Here’s why taking swift action after a car accident is vital to protect your rights and build your claim:
- Memories fade. Time can blur details. Obtaining your report promptly can help jog your memory and ensure your account of the accident aligns with the official record.
- Deadlines are strict. California generally has a two-year statute of limitations to file a claim. If you wait too long to request your report, you might miss your chance to file.
- Insurance companies move fast. They often try to settle quickly, sometimes before you fully grasp the situation. Having your report helps you negotiate fairly and avoid getting lowballed.
- Errors can occur. If there are inaccuracies in your report, it’s best to catch them early. The quicker you identify and address any issues, the easier it is to get them corrected.
Acting quickly protects your rights and improves your chances of a fair outcome after your accident.
Contact Us
The attorneys at Wells Call Injury Lawyers understand how to obtain and read California accident reports.
After an accident, the difficulty of gathering evidence while recovering from your injuries often feels like an overwhelming task. Let us get to work building a strong case entitling you to just compensation after a car accident.
The first step is contacting us! We provide free consultations. The attorneys at Wells Call Injury Lawyers are here to help!
Resources
- State of California Traffic Collision Report (CHP 555), link.
- CHP Online Crash Portal, link.
- California Code CCP 335.1, Statute of Limitations, link.
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