After getting into an accident on a San Francisco roadway, you may need an accident report from the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) to help prove that you weren’t at fault. As you heal from an injury, a collision report could also be the evidence you need to hold a car insurance company liable for recovery costs.
How Can I Get a Copy of My Accident Report from the San Francisco Police Department?
Before making the request to get your accident report, the SFPD asks that you wait at least 5 days to give the officer time to file the report.
Accident victims can secure a copy of their collision reports in one of four ways. They can request it in person, mail or email a request, or request the report online.
In person:
You may request a police incident report in person at SFPD Police Headquarters during the normal business hours of 8 am-5 pm, Monday – Friday (closed on holidays). Beforehand, you’ll need to print out a form, fill it out, and bring it with you.
By Mail:
You’ll need to print out a form, fill it out, and mail it to the police department.
San Francisco Police Department
Crime Information Services Unit / Records Management
1245 3rd Street, 1st Floor
San Francisco, CA 94158
By Email:
You can also fill out the report and email it to sfpd.cisu.reports@sfgov.org.
Online Accident Report Request:
You can fill out an online report request form through the SFPD’s portal. You’ll need to create an account with an email and password.
Requesting a CHP Accident Report After a San Francisco Traffic Accident
If your accident occurs on a San Francisco Highway or Freeway the California Highway Patrol may respond. If the CHP investigates your accident, you’ll need to work with the local Highway Patrol Office to secure your collision report.
To get it, you’ll need to visit the CHP website to download an accident report request form. You’ll print it and fill it out.
You are required to drop it off at the CHP office closest to where your accident happened or mail it in. The San Francisco CHP office may be the closest location.
San Francisco CHP Office Address:
455 Eighth Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Make Sure Someone Else Isn’t Securing Your Accident Report for You
If you decide you need a car accident lawyer to help you get fair treatment after an accident, check with your attorney. Your lawyer will probably be obtaining the accident report for you.
In some cases, your car insurance company will be working to get a collision report. You may be able to obtain a copy from your insurance agent.
When Do I Need a San Francisco Car Accident Lawyer
If your accident involves more than just property damage and a few bumps and bruises, you could probably benefit from the help of a skilled San Francisco car accident attorney.
When injuries are serious and recovery costs are high, auto insurance companies often use tactics to try to reduce the compensation they must provide to you. They may try to shift the blame for a crash to you. They could also try to diminish the injuries you suffer. You may need a lawyer to safeguard your interests.
Contact MJQ Law for a free case review. We’ll go over what your injury may be worth and how to best hold a car insurer fully responsible. If you decide we can help you secure more in an injury settlement, you won’t need any money to hire us. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for your family. Then, our fee comes out of the compensation you are awarded.
