How To Get Your Car Accident Report in Long Beach

When to contact a car accident lawyer for your car accident report

Remember, reporting an accident is not an admission of guilt. It’s necessary to document the incident officially, protect your rights, and initiate the claims process. Besides, reporting won’t impact your insurance premiums or require legal intervention.

While reporting the accident is a crucial first step, it doesn’t guarantee receiving the compensation you deserve. Police investigations often prioritize criminal aspects of the accident, and insurance companies might not always offer adequate coverage or may even deny your claim entirely.

In such situations, seeking legal help becomes crucial to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Here are situations where consulting an attorney can be highly beneficial:

Uninsured or underinsured motorist

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) protects you when the at-fault driver in an accident either lacks insurance or has insufficient coverage to compensate for your losses. It ensures you’re not left bearing the financial burden of an accident caused by another driver’s negligence or lack of adequate insurance.

It’s a safety net that can make a significant difference in your financial recovery after an accident where you are not the at-fault driver. If the other driver lacks insurance or has insufficient coverage to compensate for your damages, an attorney can explore alternative options for economic recovery.

Disputed liability

When fault is contested, or your insurance company refuses to cover the full extent of your losses, an attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance adjusters to secure a fair settlement.

Complex legal cases

If your injuries are severe or the accident circumstances are complex, an attorney can help you with the legal work, compile medical records, and build a solid case to maximize your compensation.

Limited time and resources

Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming. An attorney can handle the legal aspects, allowing you to focus on your recovery while they fight for your rights. A car accident attorney at Kevin Accident Attorney is your advocate, communicating with law enforcement, insurance companies, medical providers, and other relevant parties.

How does reporting a car accident benefit me in Long Beach, CA?

Reporting your car accident, even minor, is crucial in protecting your rights and interests. This seemingly simple act initiates a chain of events that can significantly impact your ability to seek compensation and recover from the incident. By reporting your accident, you:

Begin the documentation and investigation process smoothly

The police report created at the scene serves as official documentation of the accident, capturing significant details like:

• Date
• Time
• Location
• Parties involved
• Witness statements
• Preliminary assessment of fault

This information is crucial for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings.

Preserve Evidence

A police report can be invaluable if you file a personal injury claim or pursue legal action. It provides an unbiased account of the incident, which can be used to support your case and establish liability.

Start the financial recovery process

Reporting the accident initiates your insurance claim, allowing you to seek compensation for medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident.

Fulfill legal obligations

In California, you must legally report accidents resulting in injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Failure to file an SR-1 report or maintain proper insurance coverage during the accident could result in the DMV suspending your driving privileges.

Prevent future disputes

Reporting the accident promptly can help prevent disputes over liability or damages that may arise later. It gives a clear incident record, making it difficult for others to contest your claims.

How long will it take to get my Accident Report from The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD)?

The website states it takes an average of three weeks to process and release a traffic accident report. However, this timeframe can vary depending on the complexity of the accident. Simple accidents with minor injuries may be processed sooner.

In contrast, those involving fatalities, severe injuries, or government property damage might take significantly longer due to the need for review by the department’s Accident Investigation Detail unit.

Currently, there’s no online retrieval option, so we recommend you contact the department for status updates after submission.

What if there’s a mistake on my car accident report?

Mistakes or inaccuracies on a police report are more common than you think. The chaotic nature of accident scenes, coupled with heightened emotions and potential misinformation from those involved, can lead to errors in documentation.

These may include simple typos to misquoted statements or even deliberate falsehoods from drivers attempting to evade liability. If you discover inaccuracies in your accident report, the first step is to contact the responding officer and politely request a correction.

Be prepared to provide evidence supporting your claim, such as a copy of your driver’s license for incorrect personal details or photos of the accident scene to dispute a factual error. However, proving subjective interpretations or conflicting accounts can be challenging, and you may encounter resistance from the police department.