What is in a Police Report
Once the scene has been secured, law enforcement conducts an investigation into the accident and compiles the information into a report. This report contains:
- Date, time and location
- Identification of parties involved
- Vehicle descriptions (year, make, model and color)
- Injury reports
- Property damage reports
- Road and weather conditions
- Contributing factors- speed, wildlife, faulty equipment, etc.
- Drawn diagram of the scene
- Officer’s opinion on cause based on evidence, actions and witness statements
- Results of field sobriety tests or medical reports on impairment when applicable
The accident report may take several days to complete. In cases where a serious auto accident injury has occurred, law enforcement will follow up with victims at the hospital and include condition updates in the final report.
How to Obtain a Police Report
Some jurisdictions limit access to accident reports, while others make them available to the public or charge a small document fee. Contact the responding agency to establish their guidelines, and have the following information ready:
- Accident location, date and time
- Responding officer’s name and badge number (if available)
- Personal identification
Most agencies handle these claims on-line, but some may require hard-copy requests. If a claim has been filed, contact the insurance company. They may already have a copy of the official police report.
If the police were not dispatched to the scene of the accident, an in-person report can be filed with the nearest police department. Bring the following information:
- Date, location and time of the accident
- Names and phone numbers of drivers involved
- Insurance information
- Witness information (names, phone numbers)
- Photos of the scene and vehicles
If you have been injured in a car accident in Los Angeles and you don’t know what to do next, contact our personal injury lawyer Encino at Farías Accident Injury Lawyer on (818) 222-2222.
