Obtaining a copy of your California accident report from the Redding Police is important if you decide to pursue compensation for your injuries after getting in a car accident in Redding. Accident reports are typically created by the California Highway Patrol or one of the local Redding Police that arrived at the scene of your accident.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to obtain a copy of your accident report and why it is so important to a personal injury claim. If you’re having trouble accessing your accident report or need help disputing the details of a report, contact Maison Law today for a free case review.
How Does an Accident Report Help in a Personal Injury Claim?
A California Highway Patrol accident report serves as an important piece of evidence that tells the full story of how the vehicle accident occurred. A CHP accident report will likely contain:
- Impairment information: A CHP 555 report can provide information about whether any of the parties involved in the accident were impaired or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This info can sway a personal injury case and determine the responsible party.
- Fault determination: In certain cases, a police officer will designate fault based on what they can observe at the crash scene. Insurance companies typically use a police officer’s opinion to decide which party will pay for damages.
- Road and weather conditions: Visibility, road conditions, and weather, may have contributed to the vehicle accident.
This report can also be used in legal proceedings such as interrogatories, depositions, or trials. For this reason, it is important to have a Personal Injury Attorney at Maison Law representing you if you elect to take legal action after being injured in a car accident.
Am I Legally Required to Report an Accident to the Redding Police?
When it comes to reporting an accident to the police, several regulations govern when a driver must report an accident. Below is a brief summary of when drivers must report an accident in California if:
- Anyone is injured, even minor scrapes and bruises count
- Anyone is killed in the accident
- Property damage reaches or exceeds $1,000, this includes damage to personal property as well, not just the vehicle
- Any drivers involved were operating a motor vehicle without a license
- Any drivers involved were intoxicated at the time of the accident
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being in an accident, it is recommended to always report it to the Redding Police. Failing to report when required can result in fines, loss of driving privileges, and even criminal charges. By law, a citizen of California has 10 days to report their accident to the police, starting from the day the accident occurred.
Step-by-Step: Police Report Retrieval after a Car Accident in Redding
Obtaining a copy of the traffic collision report is essential for an insurance claim and any potential legal action you may take. Here are the necessary steps to retrieve your police report:
- Identify the Reporting Agency: determine whether the accident was reported to the local police or the California Highway Patrol (CHP). This is usually dependent on where the accident took place.
- Gather Information: the more information you have, the easier it will be to retrieve your report. According to the Transportation Injury Mapping System, California averages around 200,000 car accidents per year, so there will most likely be a lot of accidents to sort through. The information needed includes: date, time, location, names of drivers, and your contact information.
- Request the Report: you can visit the Redding DMV in person to request a report, submit a request online, or you can submit a request via mail if online requests are unavailable.
- Allow Time for Processing: it can take several business days or weeks for the report to be processed and available.
Reporting a California Car Accident to the DMV
If you’re involved in a car accident, it is important to report the accident. One way to report your accident is by letting the DMV know by using an SR-1 report. California requires that you or your insurance agent, broker, or legal representative complete an SR-1 report and send it to the DMV within 10 days of the accident no matter how minor the accident or injuries suffered in the incident.
The only time drivers are not required to report an accident to the DMV is If no one was injured and property damage was below $1000. A police report does not negate the requirement for a SR-1 report, and one will still be needed. If you fail to submit an SR-1 report within the time allowed, your driving privilege could be suspended as a result.
The Importance of Getting an Accident Report
After an accident, it is normal to be too overwhelmed with medical appointments, managing insurance companies, and keeping up with daily life while you’re recovering. However, having an accident report is crucial information necessary to recover compensation from your vehicle accident claim. Accident reports detail how the collision occurred and should include:
- Names and contact information of the involved drivers
- Parties of interest, such as passengers, property owners, vehicle owners, drivers, witnesses, and anyone else involved
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Citations for any type of driving behavior, including whether a driver was intoxicated, speeding, or otherwise violating traffic laws
- Police officer’s opinion as to who or what caused the accident
As you can see, police reports contain important information about your accident, which the insurance company will use to determine liability. Insurance companies will often use any minor detail to reduce your compensation in any way. That’s why it is important to consult with a Car Accident Attorney at Maison Law to protect you from liability and ensure you are fully compensated.
Contact Maison Law | Redding Car Accident Lawyers
If you’re concerned about the next steps you should take after suffering a car accident injury in Redding, CA, contact Maison Law for any questions or a free consultation concerning your incident. Our team of accident attorneys understands how to analyze police reports and will conduct a full investigation into the details of your accident if necessary. If liability is a question, then we will provide you with a custom legal plan of action to minimize your fault or remove it from your case entirely.
See what legal options are available to you by contacting Maison Law today for a free consultation and case review.
