By Attorney Christopher Brainard – California Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Los Angeles or Orange County, one of the most important steps in protecting your legal rights is obtaining a copy of the police report. This document can serve as vital evidence for insurance claims, injury lawsuits, and proving fault.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get a police report after a crash in Southern California—and why it matters.
🚨 Why the Police Report Matters
A police report (also called a Traffic Collision Report) typically includes:
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Names and contact info of drivers and witnesses
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Diagrams of the accident scene
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Statements from involved parties
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Observations made by the responding officer
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Officer’s opinion about fault or violations of law
While it may not be admissible in court to prove liability on its own, insurance companies and attorneys rely heavily on police reports when evaluating claims.
📍 Step-by-Step: How to Get a Police Report in Los Angeles
If your crash was investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD):
✅ Option 1: Online Request
You can request a copy online through LexisNexis BuyCrash (if eligible).
Visit: www.buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com
Note: Not all LAPD reports are available online. It may take 45 days or more for a report to be uploaded.
✅ Option 2: Mail-In or In-Person Request
Mail To:
LAPD Records & Identification Division
Document Processing Unit
P.O. Box 30158
Los Angeles, CA 90030
Include:
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A completed Request for a Traffic Collision Report (form available on the LAPD website)
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A copy of your ID
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Payment of the applicable fee (check or money order)
You must be:
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A party involved in the crash
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An attorney or authorized insurance rep
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A parent/guardian if the party was a minor
📍 How to Get a Police Report in Orange County
Orange County has multiple law enforcement agencies, depending on where the crash occurred:
🔹 For Crashes in Santa Ana, Irvine, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, etc.:
You must contact the specific city police department.
Example – Anaheim PD:
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Visit: www.anaheim.net
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Go to “Public Safety” → “Police Department” → “Request a Report”
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Submit via mail, in person, or through their online portal (if available)
Each department has its own request form and processing timeline.
🔹 For Crashes on Freeways or State Routes: CHP Report
If the accident occurred on a California highway or freeway, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) likely responded.
To Request a CHP Report:
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Download and complete CHP Form 190: Download here
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Submit by mail or in person to the local CHP office that handled the crash
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Include:
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Your ID
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$10–$20 fee
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Your relationship to the incident
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Use the CHP Office Locator to find the right division.
⏳ How Long Does It Take?
Police reports are not available immediately. On average:
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LAPD reports take 2–4 weeks
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Orange County city police: 5–15 business days
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CHP reports: 7–30 days
Always follow up if you haven’t received your report within a reasonable time frame.
🛡 What If the Report Contains Errors?
It’s not uncommon for a report to contain mistakes—or omit key details. If you believe the officer made a factual error, you may be able to:
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Request an amended report
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Provide your version of events in writing
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Submit evidence (photos, witness statements) through your attorney
Your California personal injury attorney can help correct errors and advocate on your behalf with insurers.
👨⚖️ Need Help After an Accident?
Getting the police report is just the beginning. At LawBrainard, we help clients across Los Angeles and Orange County and all of California:
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Analyze police reports
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Prove liability
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Maximize insurance claims
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Pursue compensation for injuries, lost wages, and pain
📞 Call (310) 266-4115
🌐 Visit: www.LawBrainard.com
🗓 Schedule a consultation to protect your rights and understand your case.
Christopher Brainard is a California personal injury attorney who helps clients throughout California pursue full compensation after car accidents, serious injuries, and wrongful death. He provides honest guidance and aggressive representation from day one.
*This article/blog is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Christopher Brainard, Esq. An attorney-client relationship can only be formed through a written and signed agreement with Christopher Brainard. If you need legal advice about your specific situation contact us for a consultation. [Christopher Brainard, 651 N. Sepulveda Blvd., #2010, Bel Air, CA 90049].