The community of Oildale doesn’t have its own police department. That means if you are in an accident, you’ll likely see the Kern County Sheriff’s Department or the California Highway Patrol respond and offer aid. Those officers will also be trying to determine who caused the accident and then writing up an accident report about what happened.
That accident report could serve as valuable evidence to prove that you weren’t responsible for what occurred. It can also help you demand full accident support from an at-fault driver’s car insurance company.
An Oildale Car Accident Lawyer can help you secure the evidence you need, including a collision report, to force an insurance provider to provide full compensation. Maison Law offers a free case consultation to all Kern County victims. Contact us for a no-risk opportunity to find out what your accident claim may be worth.
Requesting an Accident Report from the Kern County Sheriff’s Department
When you need a collision report from a crash worked by a sheriff’s deputy, you can contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Department or visit the office in person.
You can print out an accident report request on their website. You can submit your request by mail, in person, or by email. For other questions call the Sheriff’s Department at (661) 391-7624.
Sheriff’s Office County of Kern
1350 Norris Road
Bakersfield, CA 93308
It’s best to wait at least a week before submitting a report. This will hopefully give the officer enough time to complete a report and file it.
Remember that if you’ve hired a Kern County Car Accident Lawyer to handle your injury claim, you can count on your attorney to secure this report for you. If your crash only involved property damage, your car insurance representative might also request an accident report on your behalf.
Requesting a California Highway Patrol Accident Report After an Oildale Collision
If the CHP responds to your accident, you’ll need to determine the closest Highway Patrol Office to your accident scene. The officers investigating your crash should have also let you know which office they’ll be submitting the report to.
Your closest CHP office will likely be one of two locations in and around Bakersfield:
9855 Compagnoni Street
Bakersfield, CA 93313
(661) 396-6600
29449 Stockdale Hwy.
Bakersfield, CA 93314
(661) 764-5580
Once you know where your request should be directed, you’ll be filling out and submitting a CHP 190 document. You should download and complete this collision report request form. Then you’ll be either mailing it or bringing it into the proper CHP office.
You’ll find additional instructions on the Highway Patrol website.
Do I Need a Lawyer After an Accident in Oildale County?
For minor accidents involving just vehicle damage, you shouldn’t need a lawyer to get a settlement to pay to fix your car or replace it. But when accidents involve serious injuries, like a broken bone, to you or a loved one, it’s important to talk to an attorney about what happened.
Your injury could be worth more than you think. It may even require additional medical care in the future, but insurance companies won’t inform you of this. They can give you a quick settlement award that leaves you to pay half or more of your medical bills. You should also seek legal guidance if you are being blamed for an accident you didn’t cause.
Don’t end up footing the bill for a major injury that you received through no fault of your own. Contact an Oildale Car Accident Lawyer serving all victims in Kern County to find out how we can help you during recovery.
