Maison Law can guide you through the claims process when you’re hurt in a car accident in Clovis. While you have rights and options, it’s still going to require important information. A great source of information is an accident report, but there are certain limitations you need to be aware of. To learn more about your options and what you need, set up a free consultation with our team today.
How Do I Get an Accident Report After a Car Accident in Clovis?
If the Clovis Police Department responded to your car accident, there’s likely an accident report on file—and you have the right to request a copy. This report, put together by the responding officer, can help clear up the details of what happened and may be useful if you’re filing an insurance claim. To get a copy of your report, you can contact or visit the department’s Records Division:
Clovis Police Department – Records Division
1233 Fifth Street
Clovis, CA 93612
Phone: (559) 324-2400
Website: https://cityofclovis.com/police/police-services/traffic-collision-reports/
There may be a small fee for the report (usually around $10–$15), so it’s a good idea to call ahead and ask about the cost and accepted payment methods. You can usually request it in person, by mail, or by calling the above phone number.
Why is the Accident Report Important After a Car Accident?
Even though an accident report usually isn’t used as direct evidence in court, it still plays a big role in your injury claim. It’s not hard to see why–it creates an official record of the crash and that can help support your version of what happened, especially if the other driver’s story doesn’t match up. Here’s what a typical accident report might include:
- The officer’s notes from the scene
- Diagrams or descriptions of where and how the crash happened
- Witness statements
- Any citations issued (like speeding or failure to yield)
- Contact and insurance info for everyone involved
Insurance companies often rely heavily on this report to figure out who’s responsible—and to decide whether they’ll cover your claim or try to push back. While the report alone may not decide liability in court, it can absolutely help build your case and explain what went wrong.
Who’s Actually Liable For a Car Accident?
A key reason you may want to get an accident report is because it can help show who was at fault–or liable–for the accident. That matters if you’re considering a claim to help cover the costs of what you’ve lost. In California, the person—or business—who caused the accident through carelessness (legally called “negligence”) is usually the one responsible for paying for the damages. In a typical car accident, this could include any or multiple of the following:
- A driver that was distracted or speeding
- The person who owns the vehicle that let someone else use their car
- A government agency (in cases involving unsafe road conditions or lack of road signs, etc.)
- A business, if the driver was on the job at the time
- A part or car maker, if a defect or poor construction caused the accident
Once liability is clear, a claim can help you recover:
- Medical expenses (including ER visits, follow-ups, physical therapy, and more)
- Lost income from time you had to miss work
- Repair or replacement costs for your car or other damaged property
- Pain and suffering for the physical pain you’ve gone through, as well as emotional distress for the mental/psychological impact
- Loss of quality of life if your injuries limit what you can do
- Wrongful death expenses in fatal accidents
In California, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. But waiting too long can make things harder—evidence fades, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies may be less cooperative the longer you wait. That’s why you need to act quickly at the scene itself.
What Else Should I Do at the Scene of My Car Accident?
Getting an accident report is important—but it’s not the only thing that matters at the scene of an accident. Whether it happened on Shaw Avenue, near Sierra Vista Mall, or in a quiet Clovis neighborhood, here’s what else you (or someone helping you) should try to do after calling 911:
- Take photos, if you can – Use your phone to document the scene. Get pictures of the vehicles, damage, license plates, street signs, traffic signals, skid marks—anything that helps show what happened and where. These can be crucial later on when it’s time to tell your side of the story.
- Exchange information with others – Make sure you swap names, phone numbers, insurance information, and license plate numbers with the other driver and anyone else involved. If there were any witnesses—someone walking by or another driver who stopped—try to get their contact info too so we can talk to them later. They may be able to help back you up if there’s a dispute.
- Be careful with what you say – Keep it simple and stick to the facts when talking to police or anyone else. Don’t say things like “I’m fine” or “It was probably my fault”—even if you’re just trying to be polite. Statements like that can be used later to question your injuries or shift blame your way.
- Save everything – Start a folder—digital or physical—and keep everything: the accident report, medical records, repair estimates, photos, emails, texts, even receipts for gas to get to your doctor’s office. These details matter and can help build a stronger claim if things get complicated.
These steps may seem small, but they can make a big difference if you end up needing to file an injury claim. The more you’re able to document and save, the easier it is to protect yourself later. And if it all seems like it’s too much to handle, our team will be there to help you.
Contact Maison Law After a Car Accident in Clovis
No matter what kind of car accident you’re in or what injuries you’re left with in Clovis, our team at Maison Law will be there to help you through the claims process. While you can somewhat rely on the information in an accident report, we can help you get all the evidence that you’ll need for a strong claim. Don’t wait–if you’ve been in a car accident in Clovis, reach out today to set up a free consultation.
