Victims in Chico accidents can get a copy of a police accident report online or by contacting the police records department for a paper copy.
What to Know Before Requesting a Copy of a Police Accident Report?
After an accident on a busy route like Skyway or Forest Avenue, an investigating officer will prepare a collision report based on what happened. This report can be of great help in case an at-fault driver’s insurance company tries to blame you for causing the accident.
Proving you weren’t at fault can be the first step in getting your car repairs paid for and any medical bills if you are injured. However, you may not need to request your report in some cases.
If you have hired a lawyer to handle your case, your legal representative should be getting this report for you. If your accident only involves property damage, your insurance provider may also secure the report. Check with these folks first before you waste time requesting another copy.
Getting an Accident Report from Chico Police
To request a copy of a Chico Police Department accident report online, you should visit Chico’s public records request page.
For all requests, having this information will help:
- The date of the accident
- The last name of the involved party (usually your own)
- The driver’s license number of the involved party
- A report number if you got one
For all other requests, you’ll want to call the Records Department at 530-897-4910. They are usually open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be a fee of $6.50 for a paper copy of the report.
How Do I Get an Accident Report from the California Highway Patrol after an Accident in Chico?
If your accident occurs on a highway like State Route 99, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) might handle the investigation.
If you need to secure an accident report from the CHP, you’ll want to either file a request online. Or mail or walk your request into the nearest CHP office. You’ll pay $10 for a report that’s 25 pages or fewer.
Filing By Mail or In Person
You’ll be filling out and submitting a CHP 190 document and mailing it off or bringing it to a local office. You can find a nearby office on the CHP website’s office locator.
For local victims, that will be the Chico office:
(241) Chico Highway Patrol Office
413 Southgate Avenue
Chico, CA 95928
530-332-2800
Do I need a lawyer after an accident in Butte County?
When accidents involve only property damage and minor injuries, obtaining a personal injury lawyer may not be necessary. Vehicle repair or replacement is a fairly standardized process, and insurance companies generally treat victims fairly.
However, when you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury, the financial support needed is dramatically higher. That means insurance companies will fight even harder to get out of accepting responsibility for their policyholder.
Contact a Chico Car Accident Lawyer
It’s important that you safeguard your rights and the rights of your family by discussing your case with a skilled Chico Car Accident Lawyer. After an accident that leaves you or a family member seriously hurt, it’s important to discuss your options with a legal professional.
Contact Maison Law of Chico for a free case consultation to make sure you are aware of all of the benefits available to you. And if you end up needing our help to earn more, you don’t have to worry about how you’ll pay an attorney. Maison Law works on a contingency basis, which means we don’t get paid unless your case is won. If it’s a success, the attorney’s fee is paid out of the settlement money you receive.
