The crash in Los Angeles brings a lot of stress and anxiety. At those moments, the police report becomes your most important document for everything that follows – from insurance to potential legal action. However, there is one important thing that many do not know: You must wait a minimum of 45 days from the date of the accident before you can request a copy of the report.
What Is the Fastest Way to Get a Traffic Collision Report
There are two ways to obtain reports – online via the LexisNexis portal or by mail. However, it is important to know that an online application is not possible if:
- Is someone arrested during an accident
- It had a fatal outcome
- Participant was a minor
- The accident occurred before February 1, 2016
In these cases, the only option is to send the request by mail.
Online Request
The LAPD recently digitized the process. Here you can find their online traffic collision report:
https://lapdonlinestrgeacc.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/lapdonlinemedia/tc-report-traffic-crime-2023-24-request-form.pdf
Before you start filling, prepare:
- Number of police reports from the scene of an accident
- A Valid Personal Document
- Accurate information about the time and place of the accident
Mail Request
Prepare a written request with your information and details of the accident, enclose a check for $15 for the LAPD, and mail it to:
Los Angeles Police Department
Records and Identification Division
Document Processing Unit
P.O. Box 30158
Los Angeles, CA 90030
For the status of the request, call (213) 486-8130.
Who Can Ask for a Report
According to section 20012 of the California Vehicle Code, access to the report is granted to:
- Drivers involved in the accident
- Injured persons
- Owners of damaged vehicles or property
- Authorized representatives of the participants
- Insurance companies
- Parents or guardians of minor participants
What Do You Need to Apply
Unlike other administrative procedures, the LAPD requires specific information that you must prepare:
- Type of report (traffic accident)
- Your personal details (name, address, telephone number, date of birth)
- LAPD report number (if you have one)
- Details of the accident (date, time, location)
- Registration plates and registration states of all vehicles involved
- Proof of your interest in the report (participant, agent, insurance company)
Important Note: You must sign a declaration that all information is accurate.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Report
The report can be obtained by requesting it by mail for a fee of $15. Payment is made solely by check or money order in the name of the LAPD (cash is not acceptable).
Why Do You Need a Traffic Collision Report
A traffic accident report can be key evidence in trials related to:
Filing claims with insurance companies
Legal action for injury or property damage
Resolving disputes about liability for the accident
Without this document, you may face problems in proving the damage or determining liability. Bojat Law Group has experience in collecting and using such documents to help clients achieve fair compensation. Call us at (818) 877-4878 if you need help obtaining this document.
Important Advice
- Apply as soon as the mandatory 45-day deadline has passed
- Make copies of all documents you send
- Keep proof of delivery if you send by mail
- Monitor the status of your application
- Consult a car accident lawyer from Bojat Law Group if you encounter problems
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