How To Get Your Car Accident Report in Oakland

Managing Partner

July 30, 2024

8 min read

300+ Reviews

TABLE OF CONTENTS

If you feel overwhelmed and uncertain about your next steps after a car accident, our Oakland car accident lawyer is here to hold your hand with a comprehensive guide. Below, we will walk you through the three ways to get your car accident report.

We aim to ensure you have the necessary information to protect your rights. Discover everything from how to get your police report to the legal requirements you need to meet. Crockett Law Group are here to empower you after your car accident in Oakland.

Request online for your vehicle collision report in Oakland

The Oakland Police Department (OPD) offers a convenient online portal for requesting your vehicle collision report. This option is available 24/7 from the comfort of your home. But to access your report online, you must be an involved party.

These include the driver, passenger, property owner affected by the accident, or a lawyer acting on behalf of an involved party. Here is the process to follow:

Visit the OPD’s Police Reports Portal and navigate to https://www.oaklandca.gov/resources/vehicle-collision-reports
Next, you will need to provide specific details to locate your report. You can enter either of the following:
Report number: This unique identifier is provided to you at the accident scene or later by the OPD.
Your name (first and last) and Incident Date: Ensure accuracy to avoid delays.
Your Name (first and last) and Street: Enter the street where the accident occurred.
Make your payment securely online via credit or debit card. The total cost for an online report is $25, which includes a $5 convenience fee.

Not all accident reports are available online. Due to the sensitive nature of specific incidents, the following reports must be obtained in person or by mail:

Accidents resulting in significant bodily harm or wrongful death often require a more thorough investigation. The reports are typically not released online until the investigation is concluded.
Where a city-owned vehicle was involved in an accident, the report may be subject to internal review before release.
Accidents are at OPD’s discretion. The Oakland Police Department reserves the right to restrict online access to certain reports based on specific circumstances or ongoing investigations.

Request in-person for your vehicle collision report in Oakland, CA

If you prefer a face-to-face experience or need your car accident report immediately, visiting the Oakland Police Department (OPD) in person might be the best option. Here’s what you need to know.

The OPD’s Traffic Investigations Unit, located at 2651 73rd Avenue in Oakland, handles all in-person requests for vehicle collision reports. It is open to the public from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday through Thursday. However, it closes on weekends and holidays, so plan your visit accordingly.

When you arrive, provide your driver’s license or another valid ID to confirm your identity. You’ll also need to pay a $20 fee, which can be paid with cash, check, Visa, or Mastercard. In most cases, you can walk out with your report.

But, if your report requires additional processing (see the timeframe below), you might need to wait a few business days. Feel free to ask for help from a car accident lawyer in Oakland, CA. Our experienced team is happy to help you navigate the process.

Request for your vehicle collision report by mail

We understand that life gets busy, and sometimes, a trip to the police station is challenging. If you need your Oakland car accident report but prefer to handle it from home, you can request your report by mail. Here is what you need to do.

First, write down all the details you remember about the accident – date, time, location, involved parties, and other relevant information. This will help the Oakland Police Department (OPD) locate your report quickly, assuming you reported it earlier.
Write a brief, signed request for the report and include all the accident details you remember. Don’t forget to enclose a check for $20, made payable to the “City of Oakland,” to cover the processing fee. Finally, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the OPD can easily mail your report.
If you’re an involved party, make a copy of your driver’s license or other valid ID and include it in your package. For insurance representatives, be sure to provide the claim or policy number. If your car accident attorney represents you, include a signed authorization allowing them to request the report on your behalf.
Finally, send your complete package off by mail to: OPD Eastmont Substation

Traffic Investigations

Unit 2651 73rd Avenue Oakland, CA 94605

Tip

Before sending, make copies of everything you’re mailing back in case of anything. Consider using certified mail to track your package and ensure it reaches the OPD. Mail requests take longer than online or in-person requests, so allow ample time for processing and delivery.

We’re here to help! If you have any questions or encounter issues during this process, contact us for a free consultation. The Crockett Law Group can assist you in obtaining the documents you need after a car accident.

What are the timelines for getting my police report?

You should receive a response on the status of your record request within ten calendar days from the date your request is officially received and stamped by the Records Division. If the department decides to fulfill your request, you’ll typically receive your record around the same time as this notification.

However, the initial 10-day period can sometimes be extended by up to 14 days. This extension may be necessary for the department to:

Communicate with field offices
Review extensive records
Consult with other departments
Compile data reports

You will be informed of any delay and get an estimated date for when your records will be ready. In unusual situations, the timeline might be further extended, but you’ll receive a written notice explaining the reasons for the delay and the anticipated decision date.

Note

The online portal is solely for obtaining copies of existing reports. If you need to report a new accident, you must do so in person or by calling the police non-emergency number. If you encounter any difficulties or have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact the OPD for assistance.

Who has access to traffic collision reports in Oakland?

Getting all the details can be confusing after a car accident. Here’s a breakdown of who can access traffic collision reports under California Vehicle Code Section 20012, keeping your privacy and rights in mind:

Directly Involved

You have a right to your report if you were in the accident. Ensure you have an ID proving you’re the person named or owning the property mentioned. The same goes for businesses or government bodies involved—their rep needs an ID showing they’re authorized to get the report.

Parents of Minors

If your child under 18 was in the accident, you can get the report as their parent or guardian. You will need to show proof of your relationship with your child.

Injured Parties & Legal Matters

You can get a copy with the proper ID if your name is on the report as an injured person. If you’re involved in a lawsuit related to the accident or a company is facing a warranty claim, you can also access the report with the proper documentation.

Attorneys & Investigators

Attorneys and their investigators have access, but there are rules. The attorney needs to show ID and state that they represent you. Investigators need written permission from either the attorney or the involved party to get the report.

Insurance companies

Insurance company investigators can obtain reports from involved parties. The insured person must show ID, the insured person’s name, and a policy or claim number.

Court Orders

If a court orders the release of a specific report, that person gets access. This system aims to balance transparency with privacy. Only those with a legitimate reason, like being involved in the accident or handling its legal or insurance fallout, can get the full report.

If you need clarification on whether you qualify, contact our Car Accident Lawyer. We can help you understand your options.

The importance of your Oakland accident report as a crucial tool for your claim

Obtaining your Oakland accident report is a big step in the aftermath of a car accident. It provides a comprehensive and unbiased account of the incident, offering valuable information that can significantly impact your insurance claim and potential legal proceedings. Here is why your report is essential:

Strengthens your insurance claims

You will likely file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company shortly after the accident. Insurers rely heavily on police reports to assess liability and determine settlement offers. The report’s statements, diagrams, and details can strengthen your claim and ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.

A police report helps in negotiating your car accident settlement

The accident report is a powerful tool for negotiating directly with the insurance company or through your attorney. It provides a factual basis for your claim and can be used to counter any discrepancies or unfair offers from the insurer.

Help your personal injury case in case of a lawsuit

The accident report becomes crucial in a personal injury lawsuit if a settlement cannot be reached. While the report may not be admissible in court as direct evidence, it is invaluable for trial preparation and investigation.

The details within the report can help your attorney build a strong case, identify key witnesses, and develop effective legal strategies.

Tip

Requesting your Oakland police report promptly is crucial. This allows ample time for you and your car accident attorney in Oakland, CA, to investigate the details of the accident thoroughly, identify all responsible parties, and gather additional evidence to support your claim.

Acting quickly, you maximize your chances of securing the full compensation you deserve. Don’t underestimate the significance of your Oakland accident report. It is a powerful tool that can protect your rights, strengthen your case, and ensure you receive fair treatment throughout the claims or litigation process.

The legal requirements in California after a car accident

Filing an SR-1 report is a separate requirement from any reports made to the police, California Highway Patrol (CHP), or your insurance company. You or your insurance agent, broker, or legal representative must complete and submit an SR-1 report to the DMV within ten days.

Even if you’ve already filed a report with another entity, you must submit an SR-1 to the DMV if the conditions below are met.

Someone was injured in the accident, even if the injuries were minor.
Someone was killed in the accident.
Property damage resulting from the accident exceeds $1,000.

Filling in your SR-1 “Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California

You can begin filing an SR-1, also known as the “Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California,” online through the DMV website or by obtaining a physical copy from your local DMV office. You have two options for filing the SR-1 report:

The quickest and easiest way to file is through the DMV’s online SR-1 reporting system.
You can download and print the SR-1 form from the DMV website. Then, complete the form and mail it to the address listed.

Before starting the SR-1 report, gather the following essential information and documents:

Your driver’s license or identification (DL/ID) card.
Your vehicle’s license plate number and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Your vehicle’s insurance information, including your insurance company’s name, policy number, and contact information.
If applicable, the other party’s vehicle and insurance information. This includes their license plate number, VIN, insurance company name, policy number, and contact details.
Information about any witnesses to the accident, including their names and contact information.
Details about the accident include the date, time, location, road conditions, and a description of the events leading up to the collision.
Any photos or videos you took of the accident scene, vehicle damage, or catastrophic injuries.

Let a car accident lawyer in Oakland help you with your police report

Your Oakland car accident report is an indispensable document that can significantly impact your insurance claim or legal case. It provides a detailed, unbiased account of the accident and serves as crucial evidence for determining fault and assessing damages.

By following the outlined steps – online, in person, or by mail – you can efficiently obtain your report from the Oakland Police Department. Remember, time is of the essence, so request your report promptly and consider seeking legal counsel to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact Crockett Law Group, our Oakland car accident lawyer, who will support you throughout the process.

AUTHOR

Kevin received both his bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of California, Irvine. He is the managing partner of Crockett Law Group and is recognized as a standout in plaintiffs’ litigation for personal injury law by Best Lawyers, the oldest and most respected legal peer-review publisher. Kevin has written for several law magazines and is an award-winning car accident lawyer in California.

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