California Car Accident Reports

Get a Car Accident Report in the State of California

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How to Report?

Car Accident in the State of California

If you’ve been involved in a vehicle accident in California, obtaining a copy of the official traffic collision report is an important step in resolving insurance claims, preparing legal documents, or maintaining personal records. Accident reports are typically prepared by the law enforcement agency that responded to the scene and may be accessed through the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a local police department, or a county sheriff’s office.

This guide outlines who can access a collision report in California, how to request one, and what information it contains.

Who Can Access a Collision Report in California?

In California, traffic accident reports are not automatically available to the general public. Access is regulated by California Vehicle Code §20012, which restricts release of collision reports to certain authorized individuals and entities, including:

Drivers and passengers involved in the crash
Vehicle owners
Parents or legal guardians of minors involved
Insurance companies representing a party to the accident
Attorneys representing a party
Law enforcement agencies
Victims of crimes related to the crash

Other parties may require a court order or additional documentation to access a report.

What Law Enforcement Agency Filed the Report?

The agency that responded to the scene of the accident will be the one responsible for completing and filing the report. This could be:

California Highway Patrol (CHP) – for accidents on highways, interstates, and unincorporated areas
Municipal Police Departments – for accidents occurring within city limits
County Sheriff’s Offices – in certain unincorporated or rural areas

Knowing which agency handled your crash will determine where and how to request the report.

Guide To Report

How to Report Accident in California

There are three official ways to request your Florida car accident report:

1. Through the California Highway Patrol (CHP)

If your accident was handled by the CHP, you’ll need to submit a request using their official form.
Steps to request a CHP report:
- Download and complete CHP Form 190: Application for Release of Information
  Available here: https://www.chp.ca.gov
- Indicate your role in the crash (driver, passenger, owner, etc.)
- Include all known details about the crash:
  - Date and time of accident
  - Location (street, city, county)
  - Names of involved parties
  - Officer’s name or badge number (if known)
- Include a copy of a valid photo ID
- Include a check or money order (fees typically range from $10–$20)
- Mail or deliver the completed form and payment to the CHP area office that investigated the accident
Reports are usually available within 7 to 14 days, depending on the complexity of the crash.

2. Through a Local Police Department or Sheriff’s Office

For crashes investigated by city police or a county sheriff’s department, contact that agency’s records division directly.

Most departments offer one or more of the following options:

In-person requests at the records or front desk
Mail-in requests with payment and identification
Online portals (e.g., LexisNexis, CrashDocs, or department websites)

You’ll typically need to provide:

Your name and contact information
Date, time, and location of the accident
Names of involved individuals
Report number (if available)

Fees vary by agency but generally range between $5 and $25.

3. Through an Attorney or Insurance Company

If you are represented by legal counsel or filing an insurance claim, your attorney or insurance company can usually request and obtain the report on your behalf.

What’s Included in a California Collision Report?

A standard California collision report includes detailed documentation from the investigating officer, such as:

Date, time, and exact location of the accident
Names, addresses, and license information of involved parties
Vehicle makes, models, and VINs
Insurance company names and policy numbers
Narrative description of the crash
Officer’s diagram and field notes
Road and weather conditions
Citations issued or laws potentially violated
Witness statements, if available

FAQS

About Report

CHP reports: 7–14 business days on average
Local police or sheriff reports: Typically 5–10 business days

Fatal or complex crashes: May take several weeks or months to finalize

You must provide valid identification when requesting a report.
Incomplete forms or failure to include payment may delay processing.
If you’re unsure which agency responded, call the non-emergency number for CHP or your local police department to find out.

Don’t Waste time!

Start Your Report Search Now with Wreck Reports

If you need assistance requesting your crash report or interpreting its contents, a personal injury attorney or Wreck Reports accident claims specialist can help. These professionals are familiar with the report’s structure and can use it to support your case or settlement process.