JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers | December 3, 2024 | Car Accidents
Getting into a car accident is stressful, but knowing what to do afterward can help you navigate the situation smoothly. One of the most important steps in the aftermath is making a police report. In Tarzana, California, filing a police report is not only important for your legal protection but often required for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings. In this post, we’ll explain how to make a police report after a car accident in Tarzana, California.
If you or a loved one need further assistance after you have reported your car accident, be sure to contact a personal injury attorney for help assessing your legal options.
When to Call the Police
According to California Vehicle Code Section 20008, you are required to report a car accident to the police if there are injuries or property damage exceeding $1,000. If someone is injured or there is significant damage to the vehicles or property, you should call the police immediately.
Even if the accident is minor, with no injuries and damage below $1,000, it’s still a good idea to file a report. A police report can help with insurance claims and protect your legal rights.
After ensuring everyone’s safety (e.g., moving to a safe location, if possible), you need to contact the police. In Tarzana, the local police department, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) West Valley Division, handles most accident reports. However, if you’re involved in a collision on a freeway or state highway, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) may respond.
The LAPD West Valley Division Non-Emergency Number is (818) 374-7611. You should call 911 for emergencies. When you call, provide the following information:
- Location of the accident (including cross streets or nearby landmarks)
- Details of the accident (number of vehicles, injuries, etc.)
- Your contact information (name, address, phone number)
- Description of the vehicles involved (make, model, color)
Stay calm and provide clear, accurate information. The police will need details to assess the situation and respond appropriately.
What Happens When the Police Arrive?
Once the police arrive, they will begin gathering information from the drivers, passengers, and any witnesses. They will take photographs, make diagrams, and assess the scene. The officer will prepare a police report that includes:
- Information about the people involved in the accident (names, contact info)
- Witness statements
- A diagram of the accident scene
- The officer’s observations (including potential fault or violations)
Even if you’re unsure about specific details, don’t worry. The police will handle the investigation to ensure an accurate report is created.
How Do I Get a Copy of the Police Report?
After the police file their report, you can request a copy. Typically, you can obtain the report within a few days or weeks, depending on the complexity of the case.
To request a copy of the police report in Tarzana, you can:
- Visit the LAPD West Valley Division at 19020 Vanowen St, Reseda, CA 91335.
- Request the report online through the LAPD’s Records and Identification Division website.
- Call the LAPD West Valley Division to inquire about the process.
There may be a small fee for the report, and you will need the case number, which the officer will give you at the scene. If you don’t have the case number, you may need to provide details like the date and location of the accident.
Why Is a Police Report Important?
A police report serves several critical purposes, including the following:
- Insurance claims: Your insurance company will often require a police report to process your claim. It helps the insurer determine fault and the extent of the damage.
- Legal protection: To file a legal claim or if the accident leads to a lawsuit, the police report is an important piece of evidence. Lawyers will use the case to assess your compensation.
- Accurate record: A police report provides an official, unbiased account of the accident. This can prevent confusion or disputes about the details.
Having an official police report also helps ensure that your version of events is documented, which can be useful if there are disagreements about who caused the accident.
What If the Police Don’t Respond?
In some cases, particularly if the accident involves minor damage or no injuries, the police may not respond. In these instances, you can file a self-report with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or LAPD. You will need to fill out a Traffic Accident Report (Form SR 1), which is often required by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if there is property damage or injury. You can submit this form in person or online, depending on the circumstances.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer for Help
Making a police report after a car accident in Tarzana, California, is an essential step in protecting your rights, helping your insurance claim, and ensuring there is an official record of what happened. Whether you’re dealing with a minor fender-bender or a more serious collision, a police report can be crucial to resolving the situation.
By following the steps discussed above, you can navigate the aftermath of an accident with confidence and ensure that your rights are protected. If you have questions about police reports or need help with your case, contact JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation.
Contact the California Car Accident Lawyers of JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation today at (833) 852-3600.
Our main office is in Encino, CA, but we serve all through Los Angeles County.
JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers
16633 Ventura Blvd suite 1011,
Encino, CA 91436
