After an accident or personal injury in Los Angeles, getting a copy of your police report from the LAPD is an essential part of the process. Whether it was an auto accident, a slip and fall, or something else, your Los Angeles police report is an official record that could protect your legal rights and support your personal injury claim. The Los Angeles car accident attorneys at Lerner and Rowe offer you the information you need on how to get your report and why it matters.
What Is a Los Angeles Police Report?
A Los Angeles police report is an official document prepared by an LAPD police officer detailing the circumstances of an incident. For individuals injured during an accident or other event, the police report includes:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Contact information for all individuals involved
- Witness statements
- Observations and conclusions drawn by the police officer
- Documentation of injuries and damage
While the LAPD prepares reports for accidents on Los Angeles streets, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) police report is used for accidents occurring on California freeways and state highways. Whether your accident happened near the Wiltern Theater on Wilshire and Western or The Getty Center off the 405, you’ll be able to get the report you need.
3 Ways to Get Your Report
1. Online (Fastest Method)
If the police report is available electronically, the quickest way to get it is via the Los Angeles Police Department Online Crash Report search page. You can search for the report by:
- Your report number, or
- Your last name + incident date, or
- Your last name + the street where the accident occurred
This method is free, and you can print as many copies as you need. This is the recommended starting point for anyone seeking a Los Angeles accident police report.
2. In Person at an LAPD Police Station
You can also get a copy of your police report in person at any Los Angeles police station. When you go, you will need:
- Valid government-issued photo identification, and
- Proof of participation in the incident (driver’s license, vehicle registration, etc.), and
- $5 for the report fee, which must be paid in person
3. By Mail
If you’re unable to find the report online and it’s not convenient for you to go in person, you can ask for the police report by mail. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:
- Obtain a copy of the LAPD Traffic Collision Report Request Form (CHP 190)
- Enclose a copy of your driver’s license
- Send a check or money order for $10, made payable to the City of Los Angeles
- Mail everything to:
LAPD Records Section
150 North Main Street, Room 120
Los Angeles, CA 90012
How Long Does It Take to Get a Los Angeles Police Report after an Accident?
Whether you ask for the police report online, in person, or by mail, there is a minimum two-month waiting period before it is available for public viewing. This is because the police need this time to complete the investigation.
The waiting period varies depending on the complexity of the accident, the police officer, and the nature of the accident. Los Angeles County has a lot of traffic accidents, so it is recommended that you ask for the police report as soon as the waiting period starts to avoid any further delay.
Why You Need This Report after an Accident
Getting a copy of your report isn’t simply an exercise in bureaucratic procedure. It’s essential to the success of your eventual personal injury claim. Here are five compelling reasons why you should get a police report:
1) It provides an official record of what occurred. The police report contains verified information such as date, time, location, road conditions, and witness statements, which may be difficult to remember later.
2) It aids in determining fault. The assessment of an accident by a police officer is quite persuasive. The police report’s fault assessment may be used as evidence.
3) The police report provides an account of physical injuries and property damage.
4) It provides support for your personal injury claim. If you choose to sue, your legal counsel will be able to use it as evidence of liability.
5. It shields you from future liability. The official document reflects that you took swift and appropriate action following the crash, which can protect you from liability disputes that may surface in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to obtain a Los Angeles police report?
The individuals involved in the incident, whether drivers, pedestrians, or their legal representatives, are eligible to obtain a Los Angeles police report. Third-party individuals may have limited access, depending on the nature of the report.
What if the car crash occurred on the freeway?
If the car crash occurred on the 134 or the 10, the incident is under the jurisdiction of the CHP, not the LAPD. You’ll need to obtain a CHP report following the incident.
Do I need a police report to file my insurance claim?
While it may not always be a requirement under the law, the insurance company will almost always ask for a copy of the police report during the claims process. It may prevent potential disputes and establish facts about the accident from your perspective.
What should I do if I find errors on my police report?
If you find factual inaccuracies in the police report, you should contact the station where the report was submitted to make corrections to the original report. You may also seek the assistance of a personal injury attorney to formally contest inaccuracies in the original report to prevent them from prejudicing your case.
Should I give my police report to the other party’s insurance adjuster?
You are under no obligation to give them the copy of the police report. It would be best to seek the advice of a personal injury attorney before giving them any documentation, as timing may play a crucial role in the process.
Let Lerner and Rowe Help with Your Los Angeles Police Report
Piecing your life back together after a car accident is difficult enough without having to deal with paperwork and red tape. The Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe are available 24/7 to assist with your Los Angeles police report, review it with you, and construct a solid case on your behalf.
Contact us today to schedule a free case review and evaluation by giving us a call, filling out our online form, or using our LiveChat service. We don’t charge upfront fees, and we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.