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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 traffic collision 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 police report has critical information that can support your bodily injury claim and help you recover full compensation for your losses. In this article, our legal team at AutoAccident.com explains how to request a copy of a traffic incident report from your nearest CHP area office.
How to Request a Copy of a CHP Incident ReportA 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.
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, CAThe 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 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 police report.
At AutoAccident.com, our legal team can order a copy of a traffic incident report at no cost to you. From there, you can decide if you would like to retain us to handle your case. Learn more by scheduling a free consultation with a member of our team.Why Do You Need a Police Report for a Car Accident?
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 police 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 office today. Our California personal injury lawyers are available anytime to speak with you regarding your motor vehicle accident report.
Speak with a California Personal Injury Attorney TodayGetting a copy of a CHP traffic report after a car accident can be stressful. Have California personal injury attorney, Ed Smith, and his legal team simplify the process for you. Call our Sacramento-based law firm at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 to get started today and receive free, friendly case advice.
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Editor's Note: updated [cha 8.3.23] Photo by “fsHH” via Pixabay ds cha
