How to Get a Car Accident Report in Beverly Hills
Accident reporting is one of the most undervalued roles of local police and highway patrol officers. This third-party report taken at the time of the accident detailing the scene is a unique document that serves many purposes. If you have never been the victim of a car accident in Beverly Hills, you may be asking yourself – Why do I need a car accident report? An accident report usually acts as proof of what happened, what caused the accident, who is responsible, and what damages and injuries were suffered when pursuing an insurance claim or legal action. After experiencing a serious accident, contact a Beverly Hills car accident attorney to help you collect evidence like an accident report to help build an unbeatable case.
Understanding Accident Reports
An accident report is an official document completed by a Beverly Hills police officer or a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer after a car accident. The report includes basic information about the accident including time, date, location, and conditions at the time of the accident. In addition, this document provides witness information and statements which are typically used when determining who was liable for the incident. Police will also document estimates of damage caused by the accident, which can validate the amount of compensation requested. Finally, the police will report if any of the parties involved were impaired at the time of the accident. The valuable pieces of information included in an accident report make it a vital piece of evidence for insurance claims and legal proceedings after a serious car accident.
Do I Need a Beverly Hills Car Accident Lawyer to Request my Accident Report?
A lawyer is not required to request an accident report, but since car accident lawyers in Beverly Hills have submitted requests for these documents many times they can easily assist in this process when pursuing legal action after a car accident. While there are limitations to who can request an accident report, individuals related to or involved in the accident are eligible to receive the document. Those that are permitted to request an accident report include:
- Insurance companies
- Attorneys
- Coroners
- Family members/parents of minors
- Parties involved in the accident (i.e. driver, passenger, vehicle owner)
Accident Report Request Options
Official accident reports can be obtained in person, through the mail, or online. First, you will need to know if the accident was reported by the CHP or Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) since you need to submit your request directly to the entity that filed the document.
You can request an accident report from the CHP in two ways, one is completing a CHP 190 form and submitting it in person, by mail, or online. The other way to request a CHP accident report is through the Online Crash Report System. In order to submit either of these requests, you will need to provide basic information about the accident such as the date, location, name of the driver, and applicant information. Accident reports should be available within 8 business days after the accident.
Alternatively, if the Beverly Hills Police Department filed your accident report, called a traffic collision incident report by the department, you can request the document through their online LexisNexis system. To find the report in the online system, you will need either the report number, last name of an involved party, and the date or location of the incident. Whether requesting the report from CHP or the BHPD, there will probably be a fee required to get the accident report.
FAQs
Does California Require a Police Report for a Car Accident?
In some cases, yes, a police report is required within 24 hours for traffic accidents in California if there were more than $1000 in damages, injuries, or death. The California DMV also requires that you file an SR-1 form within 10 days of the same accident. A police report is not required if the accident was minor and no injuries were suffered, but it is still a good idea to call for a police report if you plan to file an insurance claim.
Do the Police Always Come to an Accident Scene in California?
No, you have to call the Beverly Hills Police Department or the California Highway Patrol to request on-site assistance when an accident occurs. Not every accident requires police intervention at the scene of the accident, but if the accident involved injury, fatality, or more than $1000 in damages, you must call authorities to come to the scene of the accident. If the BHPD or CHP do not come to the site, you may be required to call and report the accident within 24 hours.
Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer After a Crash?
No, not always. Many car accidents can be handled easily by the drivers involved, but in some circumstances a lawyer can help ensure you get the compensation you need after an accident. If you are in an accident that involves serious injuries, permanent medical issues, fatality, or complex liability, it’s recommended that you contact a car accident attorney in Beverly Hills.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim After an Accident in California?
If you are injured in a car accident you have two years to file a car accident lawsuit. This is the standard statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in California; however, this timeline is only valid if you file the required form to report the accident to the DMV within 10 days (only required if the accident involved death, injuries, or property damage over $1,000). Insurance companies often also have time limits for filing accident claims, so it is recommended to report the accident to insurance as soon as possible.
How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements?
California car accident settlements range from $10,000 for minor injuries to $1 million for catastrophic injuries or even more if the accident was fatal. The compensation awarded via settlements is intended to cover medical bills, property repairs, lost wages, and more after a car accident. Since more severe injuries require more extensive medical treatment they tend to involve higher amounts of compensation. Victims often receive greater compensation by working with a Beverly Hills car accident lawyer.
Seeking Justice on the Road to Recovery
For more than 20 years the BD&J team has helped Beverly Hills car accident victims through challenging cases. Whether you suffered extensive damage or injury or insurers have disputed your claim, we can help gather the evidence necessary to back up your case. Clients appreciate our dedication to winning maximum compensation to support them on the road to recovery. Having brought in $2 billion* to compensate clients, we are confident we can harness our resources to win your case and get you the funds you need. Contact our Beverly Hills car accident attorneys today and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case!
