How To Get Your Car Accident Report in Sacramento

Why should you obtain a car accident report?

You may realize how vital a police report is after a car accident, even a minor one. Shock and adrenaline can mask injuries or vehicle damage that may surface later. This report makes proving the extent of your losses easier.

A police report serves as official documentation of the accident, detailing the following:

• Circumstances around the car accident
• Parties involved
• Potential fault and liability

Insurance companies often require it for claims processing, and it’s essential if your case goes to court. Even a fender-bender warrants a report, protecting your rights and interests.

Moreover, these reports offer a comprehensive record, including the following:

• Accident’s date
• Time
• Location
• Vehicle damage
• Visible injuries
• Witness statements
• Driver accounts
• Observations of traffic violations or faults

A police car report is your key to proving the facts of your claim and securing the compensation you deserve while recovering from the accident’s impact. Call our car accident lawyer in Sacramento, CA, who is here to help you through the process and hold negligent drivers accountable.

Reporting a Car Accident to the Sacramento Police Department

In the event of a vehicle accident, prioritize the safety of everyone involved. If there are no injuries, all drivers should share their driver’s license numbers (if available), vehicle license plate numbers, names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance company names. If possible, gather information from passengers.

Ensure you note the exact location of the accident, including cross streets or addresses, and the time it occurred. Then contact the Sacramento Police Department (SPD) immediately by dialing 911 for emergencies or (916) 264-5471 for non-emergencies if:

• Someone is injured or killed
• A driver appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• A driver leaves the scene without stopping (hit-and-run)
• City property is damaged

Immediately after a car accident, you may experience a rush of adrenaline, causing fear, confusion, and anxiety. While it’s natural to want to talk about what happened, be cautious about oversharing details with others involved in the accident.

For example, you might apologize out of shock or concern, even if you weren’t at fault. However, anything you say could be used against you later, as it may be interpreted as an admission of guilt.

Reporting a car accident to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

In addition to notifying the police, you may need to file a police report with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) using the Traffic Accident Report Form SR-1. You must report it to them within ten days if someone is injured or killed and property damage exceeds $1,000.

This report is required even if you weren’t at fault, the accident occurred on private property, or you already reported it to the police, California Highway Patrol (CHP), or your insurance company.

These steps ensure the necessary information is collected and reported to the appropriate authorities after a vehicle accident.

How to file an SR-1 Report

You can get an SR-1 report or complete it online at your local DMV or CHP office. Failure to file an SR-1 report or not having proper insurance coverage at the time of the accident will result in the suspension of your driver’s license.

The DMV will share the information from your SR-1 form with your vehicle’s listed insurance company. If you fail to provide your insurance details on the form, the DMV will assume you were uninsured during the accident and automatically suspend your license.

This suspension can last up to four years, regardless of who caused the accident. However, you can get your license back if you obtain a California Insurance Proof Certificate within three years of the suspension start date.

How long do you have to report an accident in California?

If you are involved in a car accident resulting in injuries or fatalities, you have 24 hours to file a written report with your local Sacramento police department or the California Highway Patrol (CHP). If you cannot do this, a passenger in your vehicle can report it on your behalf.

For example, if you sustain minor injuries like whiplash or a sprained wrist, you are still responsible for reporting the accident and submitting a written report within 24 hours. However, if you experience a California Public Records Act, like a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury requiring hospitalization, another person involved in the accident can take on this responsibility for you.

What happens if you don’t report a car accident in California?

Never drive away from the scene, no matter how minor it seems. It’s illegal, and someone could be hurt. Dial 9-1-1 immediately to report the collision to the police or California Highway Patrol (CHP).

Not reporting accidents can lead to:

• License Suspension by the DMV if you don’t report on time.
• Leaving the scene without stopping could result in a hit-and-run conviction with severe penalties, including criminal charges.