How to Get a Police Report After a Car Accident in California

The police report is one of the most important documents in your car accident claim. Insurance companies rely on it to assess fault, and attorneys use it to build your case. Here's exactly how to get it, read it, and fix any errors.

Which Agency Has Your Report?

In California, accident reports are filed by the agency that responded to the scene:

• California Highway Patrol (CHP): Responds to accidents on state highways, freeways (I-10, I-15, SR-91, etc.), and unincorporated areas. This is the most common agency for Inland Empire freeway accidents.
• Local police department: Responds to accidents on city streets within their jurisdiction (Fontana PD, San Bernardino PD, Ontario PD, etc.)
• County Sheriff: Responds to accidents in unincorporated county areas not served by a city police department

If you're unsure which agency responded, check the business card or contact information given to you at the scene, or recall the patrol car's markings (CHP patrol cars are black and white with a distinctive badge design).

How to Request a CHP Report

CHP accident reports are typically available within 10 business days of the accident. To request:

1. Go to the CHP's online report request system at chp.ca.gov/programs-services/services-information/traffic-collision-reports
2. You'll need: date of accident, location, your name as listed in the report
3. Fee: typically $10 for regular processing; $20 for expedited
4. You can also visit your local CHP area office in person

How to Request a City Police Report

Each city police department has its own process, but the general steps are:

1. Call or visit the records division of the police department
2. Provide the report number (given at the scene), date, and location of the accident
3. Fees are typically $10–$25 depending on the department
4. Some departments allow online requests through their website

What a Police Report Contains

California uses the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). A standard traffic collision report includes:

• Date, time, and exact location of the accident
• Names, addresses, driver's license numbers, and insurance information for all parties
• Vehicle descriptions and license plates
• Diagram of the accident scene (showing vehicle positions and points of impact)
• Officer's narrative description of the accident
• Witness information
• Factors cited by the officer (speeding, failure to yield, DUI, etc.)
• Citations issued
• Injury codes and whether parties were transported to hospital
• Primary collision factor (the officer's determination of cause)

How to Read the Primary Collision Factor

The most important field for insurance purposes is the "Primary Collision Factor" — the officer's assessment of what caused the accident. Common codes include:

• VC 22350 — Unsafe speed for conditions (speeding)
• VC 21453 — Red light violation
• VC 22107 — Unsafe lane change
• VC 21801 — Failure to yield
• VC 23152 — DUI
• VC 21703 — Following too closely (tailgating)

What If There Are Errors in the Report?

Police reports are not infallible. Officers arrive after the fact, rely on witness accounts, and sometimes make errors in diagrams or factual details. If your report contains errors:

• Contact the reporting officer directly to request a correction (supplemental report)
• Provide documentation (photos, witness statements) to support the correction
• Understand that even if the officer won't change the report, your attorney can challenge the report's conclusions with independent evidence