If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may be wondering how to get a copy of the San Diego police accident report. Understanding the contents of your San Diego accident report is important because it can provide you with facts that may be beneficial if you are filing a claim or seeking legal action.
In this article, we will discuss what San Diego accident reports contain, what to do right after your car accident, and how to request a copy of your San Diego car accident report.
What San Diego Accident Reports Contain
A police accident report is a document that is created by the San Diego police after they respond to a car accident. The document contains information on who and what was involved in the accident, such as:
- the make, model, and year of the vehicles involved
- date, time, and location of the accident
- the people involved in the accident (with contact information)
- witnesses’ statements
- a description of the accident
- any citations or arrests that were made
- the conditions at the time of the accident (weather, visibility, etc.)
- details of the damage and injuries sustained.
This information will prove to be valuable if you decide to file a claim with your insurance company or take legal action, such as suing an uninsured driver for damages. It will support your case and serve as evidence for the accident.
You can get a copy of your San Diego accident report from the San Diego Police Department which inquires about accidents and maintains all accident reports.
What To Do Right After Your Car Accident
Immediately after your car accident, you should stay calm and assess the situation. Call 911 for medical assistance if there are any injuries to you or your passengers.
If you are awaiting emergency services, exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. Make sure to get his or her name, contact information, insurance policy number, license plate number, and other relevant information.
If you can safely do so, take pictures of the scene and document any damage done to your car and the other driver’s car. This can be used as evidence in the future if needed.
When the police arrive on the scene, they will take statements from you and any other drivers involved in the accident. They will also create an official San Diego police accident report.
If the police do not have to be present at the scene, you also have the option to report the accident to the police within 24 hours of the accident. Based on your location, you can report the accident to the San Diego Police Department or the California Highway Patrol. Also, within 10 days of the accident, you must report the accident to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Lastly, your insurance company must be notified as well of the accident. They may require a copy of the San Diego accident report to process your claim.
How To Request A Copy Of Your San Diego Accident Report
Once you’ve reported the accident to the police, you can request a copy of your San Diego car accident report. A check or money order of $12 for each report is necessary.
Here are four ways you can request San Diego car accident reports:
1. Requesting Your Report In-Person
You can pick up a copy of your San Diego accident report in person at the San Diego Police Department. You will need a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Aim to arrive there early in the day, as they may get busy during peak hours and it’s first come, first serve. Similarly, if you want someone else to pick up the report for you, they will need to have your written authorization and a valid form of identification.
2. Requesting Your Report Over the Phone
You can also call the San Diego Police Department and request a copy of your report over the phone. Make sure to have your driver’s license number and the date of the accident. Simply call the San Diego Records Department at 619 531-2846, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm.
3. Requesting (and Receiving) Your Non-Injury Report Online
If you need a copy of your non-injury San Diego accident report, you can request it online. You will need the details from your report, as well as a valid credit card to pay for the online service. Visit the eCrash site, search for your report, and follow the instructions to request your report and pay for it online. An additional convenience fee of $10 per report may apply to your online transaction.
4. Requesting (and Receiving) Your Report Through the Mail
You can also request a copy of your San Diego accident report through the mail. You must complete a request including details of the accident such as:
- date
- location
- drivers involved
- and incident number
You must also include valid identification, a check, or money order in a sealed and stamped envelope. Then address it to the following:
SDPD Records MS#726, P.O. Box 121431, San Diego, CA, 92112-1431
Experienced Personal Injury And Car Accident Attorneys In California
Accidents can happen to anyone, and you must understand your rights and know how to get a copy of your San Diego police accident report.
If you need help with your case, contact an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney at The Law Office of Michelle Gershen. We understand the laws surrounding personal injury and car accident cases and are committed to helping our clients seek justice for their cases.
With our knowledge and expertise, we can help you fight for your rights and get the best outcome in your case.
