If you’ve been in an accident on a California highway, chances are you may want to pursue a car accident claim against the other driver and have a California Highway Patrol Accident Report.
To file your claim, you’ll need a copy of your accident report from the responding police officer.
Generally, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) handles any accident that happens on a state highway. The California Highway Patrol accident report includes important details about your crash, such as injuries, property damage, and witness statements. In addition, it may include the investigative findings of the reporting officer.
For this reason, your California Highway Patrol collision report is an essential part of your claim. While it’s possible to obtain a copy of the accident report on your own, a car accident attorney can help you gather any evidence you need for your claim.
Please don’t hesitate to call us at (310) 288-3000 or send an online message for assistance. We offer free consultations.
Ways to Obtain CHP Incident Reports
To get a copy of a California Highway Patrol collision report, you must be a party with an interest in the accident. This includes any drivers, passengers, parents/guardians of minors, vehicle owners, and any of the attorneys representing them.
Currently, there are two ways to get an accident report through the CHP: via U.S. mail or in person. In either case, you need to fill out and sign CHP’s Application for Release of Information (Form 190).
The information you need to provide in the form includes:
- The name of the driver/vehicle owner,
- The date of the accident,
- The location of the accident,
- Your party of interest designation, and
- Your legal name and address.
Even if you can’t remember the specific address of the accident, try to provide cross streets or any other identifying information. This will help the CHP office find the correct report for your accident.
Once you sign the application form, be sure to also include a copy of your state ID or driver’s license. If you don’t have an ID or license, you can have the application form notarized instead.
Is There a California Highway Patrol Accident Report Lookup Service?
At this time, the California Hwy Patrol doesn’t provide an online incident report lookup service. Avoid any service that offers a way to obtain your CHP accident report online. It is most likely a scam to get your personal information.
How Much Does a California Highway Patrol Police Report Cost?
The fee for the accident report depends on the number of pages in the report.
Here is the current fee schedule for CHP accident reports:
- $10 for 01-25 pages,
- $20 for 26-50 pages,
- $30 for 51-75 pages,
- $40 for 76-100 pages, and
- An additional $10 for every 25 pages over 100.
If you’re sending the application via mail, you’ll need to include a check or money order made payable to “California Highway Patrol” for the appropriate fee amount. However, if you decide to go in person, you may pay for your collision report with cash.
Contact Information for the CHP Los Angeles and San Diego Offices
If your accident occurs in Los Angeles, there are four potential offices where your report may be processed. However, as long as you are a party in interest, you do not need to request a copy of the accident report from the area office that filed the report.
Instead, you can send or submit your application to your nearest area office in the Southern Division of the CHP.
For convenience, here is the contact information for the Central Los Angeles office.
Address:
777 West Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Phone Number:
213-744-2331
Hours of Operation:
Monday: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
If your accident occurs in San Diego, your report will be filed by the Border Division of the CHP. Here is the contact information for their San Diego area office.
Address:
5902 Kearny Villa Road
San Diego, CA 92123
Phone Number:
858-293-6000
Hours of Operation:
Monday: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
To find the CHP area office closest to the location of the collision, use the CHP’s office directory.
What If I Can’t Complete the Application Form?
If you have any trouble printing or completing the CHP’s Form 190, you may request an accident report through a personal letter by mail. This letter must include the same information needed for Form 190, your signature, and a copy of your ID or notarization.
Alternatively, you can ask your lawyer to obtain the CA Highway Patrol accident report for you.
How Our California Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
At Saeedian Law Group, we understand how stressful a car accident can be, especially if you try to pursue a claim on your own. Trying to juggle recovery, financial obligations, and frequent calls with the insurance adjuster causes significant anxiety to many car accident victims. By hiring an experienced personal injury attorney, you can level the playing field against the insurance company and focus on your recovery.
From day one, our attorneys will handle every detail of your case with the utmost care. We provide a passionate, individualized approach that focuses on your specific needs. Whether you need help getting your CHP accident report or determining the extent of your damages, we fight for your best interests.
If you sustained injuries in an accident, don’t take a chance with California Highway Patrol accident report lookup services.
Call us today at (310) 288-3000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Our team is available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.
We are proud to serve clients throughout California from our offices in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, Newport Beach, and Rancho Cucamonga.
