If you are in a traffic accident in Los Angeles, one of three different law enforcement departments could respond to the accident scene. The location of the accident generally dictates which law enforcement agency responds. The easiest way to report the accident and request assistance is to call 911.
If possible, note which law enforcement agency responded to your car wreck. It will make getting a copy of the traffic accident report easier for you.
Request a Copy of The Accident Report from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Copies of traffic collision report from the LA County Sheriff’s Department must be requested by mail or in person. You can visit the office in Norwalk on East Imperial Highway during normal business hours to request the report. You must have an acceptable form of identification and the fee for the report.
Requests by mail must be submitted with your full name, address to mail the report, date of birth, signature, and a valid notarized form of identification. Detailed instructions are available on the sheriff’s website.
A Police Report is Not Evidence
While we can use the information from the police report to assist in the investigation, the police report itself is not evidence. The officer would need to testify as to the results of his investigation. Furthermore, the officer is not an eyewitness, so he can only testify as to things that he witnessed after the crash or provide his opinion based on experience and training.
Even though the traffic accident report may note that the other driver was at fault for the cause of the crash, you will need additional evidence if the insurance company denies liability. Hiring a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles who has experience handling traffic accidents can be helpful.
Search for an attorney who has experience in your specific type of crash, such as accidents involving:
- Cars
- Commercial Trucks
- Motorcycles
- Pedestrians
- Bicyclists
- Drunk Drivers
- Rideshare Drivers
- Scooters
Your attorney can handle obtaining a copy of the traffic accident report and other evidence needed to support your claim.
Other evidence may include medical records, videos, eyewitness statements, and expert evaluations. The sooner a lawyer begins gathering evidence and conducting an independent accident investigation, the better chance you have of securing crucial evidence before it disappears or is destroyed.
To learn more details please call us or visit https://kjinjurylaw.com.
