Whether you’ve been involved in a major collision or a minor car accident, knowing when to call the police is crucial. You must call police or California Highway Patrol (CHP) to report an accident within 24 hours if the accident involves injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Generally speaking, contacting law enforcement can help ensure that an official record is created, which is vital for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings. Police reports are essential for documenting accidents, providing official proof, and supporting insurance claims or lawsuits.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident?
One of the first things you can do if you’re in a car accident is contact the local police or sheriff’s office.
In certain jurisdictions, law enforcement must be informed when a traffic accident results in injury or causes automobile harm above a certain dollar amount. Additionally, verify the accuracy of the information provided by the other driver and confirm their insurance coverage, but do not disclose accident details to the other driver’s insurance company at the scene.
In any case, in such a perplexing situation, a qualified law enforcement officer (from the local police or sheriff’s department) can be an invaluable source of assistance and knowledge.
The Officer Has the Right to:
Call the Police After a Car Accident or Not? 4 - Contact law enforcement to provide or order emergency medical assistance, if an ambulance or paramedics have not already arrived.
- Secure the accident scene while determining who caused the accident.
- Prepare and file a traffic collision report (police report) in connection with the accident if there are injuries, serious vehicle injuries, or significant vehicle code violations.
Be sure to make a note of the officer’s name, badge number, and the police department that the officer represents so that you can receive a copy of the accident report after it has been released. Usually, the police officers will provide you with this information on their own.
If a Traffic Collision Report number is available at the scene, be sure to get it.
At a later date, you will be able to obtain a copy of the Traffic Collision Report for your records by going to the local police department and requesting it. There will also be a small fee to pay for the copy.
A traffic collision report is an important document that anyone involved in an auto accident depends heavily on. This includes the parties involved in the accident, as well as insurance companies and any attorneys involved.
Steps to Take at the Accident Scene
- Call the Police: Contact the nearest police station or local police department to report the accident. It is crucial to call the police after an accident to have an official record of the collision, receive medical assistance, determine if an accident report is necessary, document damages and injuries, and ensure safety at the accident scene.
- Exchange Information: Share insurance information, driver’s license details, and contact information with the other driver.
- Seek Medical Assistance: Even if injuries seem minor, getting checked by a medical professional is important.
- Document the Scene: Take photos and gather physical evidence at the accident scene.
- Wait for Police to Arrive: Cooperate with the police officer and provide accurate information for the accident report. Police reports are essential for documenting the accident and supporting insurance claims.
Is It Appropriate to Call the Police Even if the Accident is Minor?
Typically, the answer is yes. Even if the accident is minor, it is important to contact the police. A police officer will assist you in figuring it out and recording what happened in case it is needed in the future. In certain areas, however, the police are unlikely to react to your slight fender bender. They’ll simply order you to exchange information with the other driver. In this scenario, the police will not prepare a report.
What Information Do You Share with the Other Driver?
At the very least, make sure you get the following details from the other drivers— and that the other drivers get them from you:
- Full Name of the Driver and All Passengers,
- Driver’s Address
- Car Insurance Company Name
- Car Insurance Company Policy Number
- License Plate Number
Request documentation such as a driver’s license and an insurance verification card from which you can copy this information. If you don’t check what they’re telling you, people will often give you false details, regarding their true name, insurance company name, and insurance company policy number. If you fail to check their details, call the cops and demand that the driver remain at the scene until they arrive. If you have any questions about the details you are providing, contact the other driver’s insurance company right away to verify that the other driver has provided you with the correct information. However, just verify the information.
What You Should Not Share:
Avoid sharing the following details with the other driver:
- Admissions of Fault: Refrain from admitting fault or apologizing for the accident. Fault determination is best left to insurance companies and legal professionals.
- Excessive Information: While it’s important to exchange basic information, avoid providing unnecessary details or discussing the specifics of the accident.
- Medical History: Keep medical history and personal details private unless required by law enforcement or medical personnel.
- Social Security Number: Never share your Social Security number with the other driver or anyone else involved in the accident.
- Legal Strategy: Avoid discussing any legal strategies or plans with the other driver. Keep conversations focused on exchanging necessary information and ensuring everyone’s safety.
Do NOT tell the other driver’s insurance company about the details of the crash. We recommend calling (818) 877-4878 right away to speak with Sasha Bojat, Esq. Protect your rights and privacy with experienced legal assistance.
Filing Police Report in California
In California, you are required to file a police report if:
- The accident caused injuries or fatalities.
- There is significant property damage exceeding $1,000.
- The accident involved an uninsured driver.
Even in minor accidents, it’s advisable to file a report to document the event officially, as it can significantly impact your ability to file an insurance claim.
Can I File a Police Report Online?
Yes, in Los Angeles, you can file a police report online for non-emergency incidents such as theft, vandalism, lost property, and minor traffic collisions. The LAPD provides an online reporting system to make it convenient for residents to report these types of incidents without needing to visit a police station. To file your report, visit the LAPD’s online reporting page here: LAPD Online Reporting. Ensure you review the guidelines to confirm that your situation qualifies for online reporting.
How to Obtain a Traffic Collision Report in California?
Call the Police After a Car Accident or Not? 5 Obtaining a traffic collision report after an accident in California is an important step in the process of filing insurance claims and pursuing any necessary legal actions. Here’s a guide on how to get a copy of your traffic collision report.
- Contact the Police Department
- At the Scene: If the police respond to your accident, they will provide you with a report number. This number is crucial for locating your report later.
- After the Accident: If you didn’t get a report number at the scene, you can contact the police department that responded to the accident. Be ready to provide details such as the date, time, and location of the accident.
- Identify the Correct Law Enforcement Agency
- Local Police Department: If the accident occurred within city limits, contact the local police department.
- California Highway Patrol (CHP): If the accident occurred on a highway or outside city limits, contact the CHP office that handled the accident.
- Submit a Request
- In-Person: Visit the police department or CHP office and request a copy of the report. You may need to fill out a request form.
- Online: Many police departments and the CHP offer online services to request traffic collision reports. Visit their official website and follow the instructions provided.
- By Mail: Some agencies allow you to request a report by mail. You will need to send a written request along with any required fees.
- Provide Necessary Information
- Report Number: If available, this will expedite the process.
- Accident Details: Date, time, and location of the accident.
- Parties Involved: Names of the drivers and other involved parties.
- Requestor’s Information: Your name, contact information, and relationship to the accident (e.g., driver, passenger, insurance representative).
- Pay the Required Fee
- Fees for obtaining a traffic collision report vary by agency. Typically, the cost ranges from $10 to $25. Check with the specific law enforcement agency for the exact amount and acceptable payment methods.
- Wait for Processing
- The time it takes to process your request and receive the report can vary. It typically takes a few days to several weeks, depending on the agency and the complexity of the accident.
A car accident lawyer can use the traffic collision report to help build a case and gather evidence, which is crucial for pursuing compensation.
Bojat Law Group: Your Ally in Car Accidents
Call the Police After a Car Accident or Not? 6 For expert legal guidance and support from a Los Angeles car accident lawyer, call (818) 877-4878 to speak with Sasha Bojat, ESQ. of Bojat Law Group. With extensive experience in car accident cases, Bojat Law Group is committed to protecting your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve. Don’t navigate the legal process alone—contact Bojat Law Group today for a free consultation.
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