Every driver has a duty to act with care around other drivers. When they drive recklessly and cause a Santa Maria accident, they can be held accountable for the damages caused.
Unfortunately, they don’t always admit fault, and sometimes their insurance providers back them up. Victims in accidents sometimes have to count on the information in the Santa Maria Police Department’s report on the collision to prove fault and get support for injury costs and car repairs.
Securing Your Accident Report from the Santa Maria Police Department
A crash caused by a careless driver on a busy street like Betteravia Road would usually see local police respond. The officer would write up an accident report, determining as much as possible who was at fault and who was involved.
Victims who need a copy of this accident report can get one online at BuyCrash. They’d need to have their case number ready, if possible. The cost will be around $11 for this service.
Victims can also contact the city at (805) 928-3781 ext. 2590 or email at pdrecords@cityofsantamaria.org. They can check to see if the report is finished and ask about other ways to retrieve their copy.
How Do I Get a Car Accident Report from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department?
Some victims may have been hurt in collisions outside city limits. If a Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Deputy investigated the case, the victims will need to go through the Sheriff’s Office to get a copy of the report.
The Sheriff’s Department provides instructions on obtaining a report here. Victims can request a report by email, fax, mail, or in person. Standard reports of 10 pages or less will cost you $15.
- First, contact the Records Unit at (805) 681-4180 to find out if your report has been completed
- Second, fill out a report request form
- Decide what method you will use to request your report
In Person: At 4434 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, at the Sheriff’s Office. Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
By Mail:
Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
Records Bureau
P.O. Box 6427,
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Fax: 805-681-5346
Email: records@sbsheriff.org
Getting an Accident Report from the CHP
If the California Highway Patrol investigates your accident, perhaps along Highway 101, you can request it online. However, you should wait at least 7 days to allow for the report to be completed and submitted.
Through the Mail or in Person: You’ll need to go to the California Highway Patrol website to get a CHP 190 report form.
You can fill it out and drop it off in person at the CHP office nearest to you or mail it in. You can find a list of all of the CHP offices here.
The CHP office in Santa Maria will be the closest location for many victims.
(750) Santa Maria CHP Office
1710 North Carlotti Drive
Santa Maria, CA 93454
805-608-6310
Do I need a lawyer after an accident in Santa Maria?
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, like a bone fracture or head 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.
It’s important that you safeguard your rights and the rights of your family by discussing your case with a skilled Santa Maria Car Accident Lawyer. It’s a no-risk and free way to stay aware of the benefits available to you and what your case may be worth.
Contact a Santa Maria Car Accident Lawyer
Contact Maison Law of Santa Maria for a free case consultation with a real lawyer without any obligation.
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.
