How to Get a Car Accident Report in Ventura
You get involved in an automobile accident in Ventura, California, you may be able to make up the costs of the crash with a car insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. However, it can be difficult to meet an insurance company’s filing requirements without the proper evidence – including a car accident police report. That’s why working with an experienced Ventura car accident attorney is advised.
What Is a Car Accident Report?
A car accident report is an official document created by law enforcement that provides details and information about a motor vehicle collision. It is written after the police are called by one or more involved parties, respond to the scene of a car accident, and investigate the crash.
You can report a car accident in Ventura by calling 911 in an emergency or contacting the Ventura Police Department using its non-emergency line at (805) 339-4400. If your accident is minor and the police do not come to the scene, you are required to file an accident report by submitting SR-1: Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Why You Should Always Report a Car Crash in Ventura
In California, drivers are legally required to report car accidents that cause injuries, deaths or more than $1,000 in property damage. Even a crash that causes a mild or minor injury must be reported. A car accident report will document important details about the crash, such as:
- The date, time and location
- The names, addresses and contact information of all parties involved
- Eyewitness names, contact information and statements
- A description of how the accident occurred and statements from those involved
- Official photographs of the scene of the accident
- A diagram or sketch showing the positions of the vehicles and any relevant traffic signs or details
- Documentation of any tickets or citations given to drivers
- Law enforcement observations and conclusions
Even if a car accident is minor, you should report it to the police in Ventura to obtain an accident report. This will create a record of the crash so that you can prove to a car insurance company that the accident occurred how you say it did. The insurance company can use the information on the report to process your claim.
How to Obtain a Copy of Your Car Accident Report in Ventura
The City of Ventura has an online system available to conveniently request a copy of a car accident report. You can search for a traffic collision report through the BuyCrash website. Select the Ventura Police Department jurisdiction to begin your search. Then, fill in your report number, your last name and the date of the incident, or your last name and the location of the accident.
Once you find your car accident report, you can download a copy online after paying a $10 convenience fee. Allow a minimum of two weeks from the date of your accident to search for your report online. If you need assistance with the online process, you can contact the help desk at (866) 215-2771. If you need to request an accident report for a collision resulting in a fatality, you must visit the Ventura Police Department’s Records Counter to do so.
For assistance getting an accident report or collecting other types of evidence to support your car accident claim, contact Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP for a free consultation with a Ventura personal injury attorney.