What is the process for obtaining a police traffic collision report for my accident in California?

You can obtain your police traffic collision report by submitting a request to the law enforcement agency that responded to your accident. The process typically involves proving you are an involved party and paying a small fee. Here is the general process for obtaining a copy of your report: Step 1: Identify the Responding Law Enforcement Agency The report is held by the specific agency that investigated the accident. This will be either the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a local city police department, or a county sheriff's office. The officer at the scene should have provided you with a card containing a report number and the agency's name. Step 2: Confirm Your Eligibility to Request the Report Under California Vehicle Code Section 20012, collision reports are confidential. You must be an "interested party" to obtain a copy. This includes drivers, passengers, vehicle owners, injured persons, or the legal representative (attorney) or insurance company for any of these parties. Step 3: Gather Your Information and Documents You will need the police report number, the date and location of the accident, and the names of the involved drivers. You will also need a valid government-issued photo ID to prove your identity. Step 4: Submit Your Request Most agencies offer three ways to request a report: - In-Person: Visit the records division of the police department or CHP office that took the report. - By Mail: Download a request form from the agency’s website. Mail the completed form, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order for the fee. - Online: Some larger agencies use third-party vendors (like BuyCrash.com) for online report distribution. Check the agency’s website for a link. Important considerations: Reports are typically not available for at least 7-10 business days after the accident to allow the officer time to complete it. The fee for a copy is set by the agency and is usually minimal. The CHP uses a specific form, CHP 190, for mail-in requests. Note: The police report is an important piece of evidence, but the officer’s conclusion about who was at fault is not legally binding. If an officer did not respond to your accident or determined the damage was too minor to require a report, no official report will exist. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, or if you have difficulty obtaining the report or believe it contains errors, you should consult with a qualified California attorney.