Item: Edward A Smith Law Offices
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How to Get a CHP Accident Report

When you have been involved in a serious accident that required the response of the California Highway Patrol, it is essential to request a copy of the police report. Mounting medical expenses, time lost at work, and property damage from the crash are a few of the immediate concerns you may have after a car accident. However, there may be recourse available in your situation.

A car accident report has critical information that can support your bodily injury claim and help you recover fair compensation for damages incurred. In this article, our personal injury attorneys explain how to request a copy of a collision report from the California Highway Patrol.

How to Request a CHP Incident Report

A CHP 190 form must be submitted to request a copy of a police report. Also known as the Application for Release of Information, it must be submitted and completed either by mail or in person at a CHP area office. Here are the instructions for the CHP 190 form:

Date of Incident: If the exact date of the traffic collision is unknown, provide an estimated date.
Collision Location: If the exact area of the incident is unknown, put down as many details as possible.
Owner or Driver: List the owner or driver of the car. If the incident only involved damage to your personal property, provide your name and address.
Party of Interest: Only one box should be checked off. The most common party of interest includes a driver, passenger, vehicle owner, property owner, the legal guardian of an individual, or parent of a minor. Refer to California Vehicle Code 20012 for more details. If unsure whether you meet the criteria, reach out to any CHP area office to determine your eligibility as a party of interest.
Verification: Attach a photocopy of a state identification card or driver's license for verification of the proper party of interest. If this is not done, a licensed notary must notarize the document.
Applicant: Print your name in this section.
Address: Provide the number, street name, city, state, and zip code you would like the incident report mailed to.
Company or Agency: This section applies to insurance companies or government entities.
Signature: Sign the request for the California Highway Patrol incident report.
Submission: Submit the CHP accident report with applicable fees.
Method of Payment: If you send a check for a CHP 190 request, make it out to the California Highway Patrol.

How Much Does a CHP Traffic Collision Report Cost?

The CHP area office charges $10 for a police report up to 25 pages and up to $40 if it is 75-100 pages in length. If the traffic incident report shows that there are photos available, then there is a $5 charge per CD.

California Highway Patrol Offices in Sacramento, CA

The addresses and contact numbers to California Highway Patrol area offices in Sacramento are listed below:

North Sacramento Area CHP Office
5109 Tyler Street
Sacramento, CA 95841
(916) 348-2300

South Sacramento Area CHP Office
6 Massie Court
Sacramento, CA 95823
(916) 897-5600

East Sacramento Area CHP Office
11336 Trade Center Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
(916) 464-1450

Valley Division CHP Office
2555 1st Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 731-6300

CHP Sacramento Communications Center
3165 Gold Valley Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
(916) 861-1300

CHP Headquarters in Sacramento
601 North 7th Street
Sacramento, CA 95831
(916) 843-3000

CHP Area Office Hours

To request a traffic incident report in-person, visit the California Highway Patrol area office during these standard business hours:

Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

If your traffic collision did not occur in Sacramento, visit the CHP Find an Office Page. This site will help you locate the CHP area office closest to where your motor vehicle accident happened.

How to Check Current Road Conditions in California

You can get up-to-date road condition data by visiting the CHP Traffic Incident Information page. Select one of your local communication centers to see Sigalerts and local traffic conditions provided by the California Highway Patrol for your area. This can be useful when preparing for a trip or daily commute.

How Long Does It Take to Get a CHP Traffic Incident Report in California?

A traffic incident report by the California Highway Patrol generally takes one to two weeks to be processed. In cases where a motor vehicle collision involves a fatality, it may take investigators several months to complete the CHP incident report.

Our personal injury lawyers understand that getting into a traffic collision and ordering a California Highway Patrol accident report can be stressful. We are always available to help you through the process.

Our legal team has handled car accident cases like yours since 1982. We have the experience, skills, and resources to prove your personal injury claim and recover the compensation you deserve. If you have questions or concerns about your accident report and potential case, reach out to our personal injury law firm today to schedule a free consultation.

Why Do You Need a CHP Traffic Accident Report?

A traffic accident report by the California Highway Patrol can be useful. This is particularly true when filing a personal injury claim against the insurance company representing the at-fault party or your own. It may provide details regarding what CHP investigators believe caused the collision and property damage. A CHP incident report may also include statements from eyewitnesses.

Specific sections on a CHP traffic accident report should be thoroughly analyzed and reviewed. Meeting with a personal injury attorney can be useful. A lawyer can go over the specifics of each section in a freeway accident report, what they mean, and how they may affect your personal injury claim.

Our law firm routinely examines CHP accident reports as they can sometimes be in error or inconclusive regarding liability. We are prepared to overcome any statements and conclusions by conducting an independent investigation of the traffic collision to properly determine fault. For a free case review, contact our law firm today. Our personal injury lawyers are available anytime to speak with you regarding your CHP police report.

Speak with a Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney Today

Getting a copy of a CHP traffic report after a car accident in California can be stressful. Have attorney, Ed Smith, and his legal team simplify the process for you. Call our personal injury law firm at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 to get started today and receive our free, friendly case advice.

Proud members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

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Editor's Note: This page has been updated for accuracy and relevancy. [cha 8.24.21]

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