If you have been involved in a car accident in Los Angeles, one of the most important documents you will need is the police accident report. This report, often called an LAPD accident report or LAPD collision report, provides a neutral, official account of the crash. It serves as a crucial piece of evidence in insurance claims, lawsuits, and injury cases.
Unfortunately, many drivers do not know how to obtain a police car accident report and what information is needed to request it. This guide will explain the steps involved in getting your LAPD traffic accident report, what you should prepare beforehand, how long it takes, and what to do if the report contains errors.
Why You Need a Police Report After a Car Accident
A police report is often the foundation of a car accident case. It can help prove who was at fault and provide essential details such as:
- The names and contact information of the involved parties
- Descriptions of vehicle damage
- Witness statements
- A diagram of the accident scene
- Weather or road conditions at the time
In many situations, the LAPD traffic accident report is the first documentation insurance companies, attorneys, and courts request. It can make the difference between having your claim denied or accepted.
If you work with a car accident attorney in Los Angeles, they will use this report to support your case, negotiate with insurers, or pursue litigation when necessary. The sooner you obtain the report, the sooner your legal team can build a solid case.
Where to Obtain a Police Car Accident Report
LAPD accident reports are maintained by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Records and Identification Division. There are several ways to request a Los Angeles police accident report, depending on your preference and eligibility.
1. Online Requests
You can submit a request online through their link if the crash occurred within LAPD jurisdiction. You must verify your identity and provide the necessary information.
2. In-Person Requests
You can go to the LAPD Records and Identification Division in Downtown Los Angeles. This option may be necessary if you do not have internet access or need the report urgently.
Address: 100 W 1st St, Room P1-137, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
3. Mail Requests
You may also mail a completed request form and a check or money order for the processing fee. Be sure to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Regardless of which method you choose, remember that only authorized parties can access LAPD collision reports. This includes:
- Drivers involved in the accident
- Registered owners of the vehicles
- Insurance companies
- Attorneys representing a party
What You Need to Request an LAPD Collision Report
The LAPD requires specific details to process your request. Having the following information ready will help avoid delays or rejections:
- The Report Number (also called the DR Number) is usually provided by the responding officer at the scene.
- The date and location of the accident.
- The names of drivers or parties involved in the crash.
- Your relationship to the incident (e.g., driver, attorney, insurance agent).
- A valid government-issued ID (for online or in-person requests).
The current fee for an LAPD traffic accident report is generally $17 per copy. If submitting by mail, make checks payable to the City of Los Angeles.
If you do not have the report number, you can still submit a request using the other details, but it may take longer to locate the correct file.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Police Report in Los Angeles
The processing time for LAPD accident reports varies. Typically, a report takes 5 to 10 business days to become available. However, more complex accidents may take longer, especially those involving fatalities or criminal investigations.
You can check the status of your report by contacting the LAPD Records Division at (213) 486-8130. Be prepared to provide the date and location of the accident and your name.
If you are working with an attorney, they may request and monitor the report on your behalf, streamlining the process.
What to Do If There Is a Mistake on the Report
Police reports are compiled quickly at the scene of an accident and can contain errors. These mistakes might involve
- Incorrect contact or vehicle information
- Inaccurate descriptions of the scene
- Misstated injuries
- The fault is attributed to the wrong party
If you notice a factual error, contact the reporting officer or the Records Division to discuss the possibility of a supplemental report. Keep in mind that officers cannot change their opinions, but they may correct clear inaccuracies.
If the issue is more complex, your attorney can prepare a written statement and submit additional evidence, such as photographs or medical records. Lawyers for car accidents regularly assist with these requests to ensure the report accurately reflects the circumstances.
Do You Need a Lawyer to Get a Police Report?
You do not need a lawyer to request or to obtain a police car accident report, but there are clear benefits to having legal assistance, especially in serious cases.
An experienced car accident attorney in Los Angeles will:
- Request the LAPD collision report promptly
- Analyze the report’s content for useful or problematic statements
- Use the report as part of a larger legal strategy to pursue compensation
If your injuries are severe or the accident resulted in a dispute over fault, having legal guidance is not just helpful — it is essential. The police report will likely play a critical role in determining your settlement or court outcome.
Even if you are not planning to sue, a lawyer can help clarify your rights, explain your responsibilities, and protect you from low settlement offers.
Need Help With Your Report? Let LA Injury Lawyers Guide You
Obtaining your LAPD traffic accident report is only the first step. At LA Injury Lawyers, we help clients use that report to build a powerful case for compensation. Whether you need help correcting errors, dealing with insurers, or pursuing justice in court, we are here to help.
Recent Results:
- $11 Million – Brain injury victim
- $10 Million – Car accident settlement
- $8.2 Million – Motorcycle crash
- $7 Million – Back injury case
We offer free, no-obligation evaluations and work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover for you.
Schedule your evaluation today.
Call: (818) 539-5390
Email: in**@*************rs.com
Visit: 6200 Canoga Ave Suite 310, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How do I request a LAPD accident report online?
You can visit the LAPD’s website or LexisNexis Police Reports portal, provide required identification and details, and pay the standard fee. - Can anyone request a LAPD collision report?
No. Only involved parties, their attorneys, and insurance providers can request the report with proper identification. - How long does it take to receive a LAPD traffic accident report?
Most reports are available within 5 to 10 business days. Delays can occur if further investigation is needed. - What if I do not have the report number?
You can still request the report by submitting the date, time, location, and the names of involved parties. This may extend processing time. - Can a lawyer help me interpret the report?
Yes. A lawyer can review the report, correct inaccuracies, and use it to strengthen your claim against the at-fault party or their insurer.
