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How Do I Get an Accident Report in Porterville?

Maison Law can help you through the claims process after you’re hurt in a car accident in Porterville. There’s many different things to worry about after one of these accidents, including what evidence and information you’re going to have to prove what happened. And one of the most important documents is the police or accident report that gets made. We can walk you through how to get one of these reports–and how to use them to your advantage. Set up a free consultation today to learn more.

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Where Do I Get an Accident Report in Porterville?

Being in a car accident in Porterville is very frustrating–and usually painful. And when it happens, there’s a process in place to deal with what happened. The starting point for most of these accidents is a call to 911 and police response. Once the police are on the scene, officers will document what happened in a report. Usually, this includes basic information like:

  • The officer’s notes from the scene
  • A diagram or written description of how the collision happened
  • Witness statements
  • Any citations issued (like speeding or running a stop sign)
  • Contact and insurance details for everyone involved

If the other driver’s version of events doesn’t match yours, this report can help set the record straight. To get one of these, it depends on which agency responded. Most of the time, it’s either going to be the Porterville Police Department or the California Highway Patrol. At that point, you can either go to:

or;

  • CHP Visalia Area Office
    5025 W. Noble Avenue, Visalia, CA 93277
    Phone: (559) 734-6767
    Website: https://cad.chp.ca.gov/

Remember, some reports can take days or weeks to be completed, depending on the investigation. To be safe, you might want to call ahead before going.

Can I Use the Police Accident Report as Evidence For My Claim?

Once you get your copy of the accident report, you’ll have an objective account of what happened. But to the surprise of a lot of car accident victims in Porterville, you actually can’t use it as direct evidence in a trial. That’s because, under California law, an accident report is:

  • Considered hearsay, meaning the officer who wrote the report usually didn’t witness the accident firsthand.

In California, the report might not be used directly at trial, but it’s still a key tool for your injury claim. Insurance companies often rely on it to figure out fault and decide whether to pay. That’s why it’s best to treat the report as just one piece of the puzzle and back it up with other evidence, such as:

  • Photos and videos – Images of the crash scene, damage to your vehicle, license plates, and road conditions (like potholes or debris on Henderson Avenue or Olive Avenue).

  • Witness statements – Contact information and accounts from anyone who saw the crash, whether it happened at a busy downtown intersection or on Highway 65.

  • Medical records – Hospital visits, doctor’s notes, and treatment plans from facilities like Sierra View Medical Center.

  • Repair estimates – Documentation showing the cost to fix or replace your vehicle and any other damaged property.

  • Your own notes – A detailed account of what you remember, including weather, traffic, and how you felt right after the collision.

  • Official citations – Records of any tickets or violations issued to the other driver.

The more you can gather, the stronger your claim will be—especially if the insurance company tries to question your side of the story. And remember, you’re not alone. Our team of Porterville car accident lawyers will be there to stand with you.

Talk to Maison Law About Your Porterville Car Accident

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Porterville, getting a copy of the police report can be a helpful first step in understanding what happened. But it’s only one part of the bigger picture. At Maison Law, we guide people through the entire claims process from start to finish. We’ll take the time to:

  • Learn your story and let you know what you can expect.
  • Help you gather evidence and information–including the accident report itself.
  • Talk with police or experts to strengthen your claim.
  • Negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company so you don’t have to.
  • File a lawsuit to push for full damages.

If your accident happened here in Porterville—whether on a busy stretch of Henderson Avenue, near downtown, or out on Highway 65—our team is ready to help you move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s talk about your options.