If you were injured in a crash in San Diego, one of the most important steps you can take after getting medical care is to get a copy of your San Diego police accident report. Whether you’re filing an insurance claim, considering legal action, or need to understand what happened, the report is often a crucial piece of evidence.
However, many people don’t know how to get a copy or why it matters. In this post, our San Diego auto accident lawyers explain what a crash report is, why it’s important, and how to request one from the San Diego Police Department (SDPD), whether online, in person, or by mail.
For a free consultation, please reach us online or call (209) 600-4389 today.
Why Is a Police Accident Report Important?
A San Diego accident report is more than just paperwork. It’s a detailed document prepared by the SDPD officer who responded to your crash.
It typically includes:
- The time, date, and location of the collision;
- Names and contact info for all involved parties;
- Insurance and vehicle details;
- Witness statements, if available;
- A narrative description of the crash;
- A diagram of the scene; and
- The officer’s preliminary assessment of fault.
If you’re injured, the SDPD accident report can help support your injury claim by providing an official version of events. It’s also something that insurance adjusters, attorneys, and courts may rely on when evaluating your case.
Who Can Request a San Diego Police Accident Report?
According to the SDPD, reports are generally available for:
- People directly involved in the collision,
- Attorneys representing a party in a collision,
- Insurance companies with a relevant claim,
- Parents or legal guardians of minors involved, and
- Certain authorized third parties with written consent.
If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, a San Diego car accident lawyer can help you request the report or file a subpoena if necessary.
How to Get a San Diego Crash Report
There are several ways to request an accident report in San Diego, depending on what’s most convenient for you. Below, we break down each method step-by-step.
1. Requesting Your San Diego Police Accident Report Online
You can request an SDPD accident report online through the LexisNexis Police Reports portal.
He aquí cómo:
- Visit the Buy Crash LexisNexis site;
- Search for “San Diego Police Department”;
- Enter the required details, including report number, last name of the involved party, and incident date;
- Pay the report fee; and
- Download a digital copy once it becomes available.
Be aware: There is an additional $10 convenience fee (on top of the report price) for requesting online.
Online reports are generally available within 3–10 business days after the crash, depending on the complexity of the incident.
2. Requesting In Person
If you prefer to handle things directly or need assistance, you can request your collision report at the SDPD Records Division. The Records Division is located at 1401 Broadway, San Diego, CA, 92101. It is open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed on holidays).
When you go, be sure to bring the following:
- Valid government-issued photo ID,
- Report number (if available),
- Names and date of the incident, and
- Payment (credit/debit or cash)
In-person requests may allow you to ask questions or clarify information with the records staff. However, wait times vary, especially during busy hours. There is also a $12 processing fee per report.
3. Requesting by Mail
Those who can’t make it in person and prefer not to go online can request a report by mail.
To do so, you’ll need:
- A written request including all identifying information,
- A copy of your government-issued photo ID,
- A check or money order (no cash) payable to the City Treasurer for the $12 required fee, and
- A stamped self-addressed envelope.
All of the above should be mailed to the San Diego Police Department Records Division, P.O. Box 121431, San Diego, CA 92112-1431.
Allow up to 2–3 weeks for receipt, especially if mailed from outside the San Diego area.
Important Notes When Requesting Your Report
Here are some things to keep in mind when ordering an accident report from the San Diego Police Department:
- Reports are not always available right away. The officer may take several business days to complete and upload the report.
- You must be a party of interest. If you’re not listed in the report, you may need written authorization or legal assistance to access it.
- The SDPD will not email reports. Online access is only through the authorized LexisNexis portal.
It’s also important to note that crash reports involving ongoing criminal investigations may be delayed or restricted.
What to Do If the Report Contains Errors
Sometimes, a San Diego police accident report may include incorrect information, such as misspelled names, wrong vehicle details, or a misstatement of what happened.
Do not ignore it. Mistakes can affect your insurance or legal case. Contact the SDPD officer listed in the report and ask about the correction process. If the report assigns blame unfairly, consult a car accident lawyer before making a formal dispute.
Need Help Getting or Understanding Your SD Accident Report?
Your San Diego crash report is a key part of your case.
At Silva Injury Law, we assist accident victims with every part of the process, from obtaining police reports to building strong injury claims. Founding attorney Michael Joe Silva has years of courtroom experience and a commitment to helping people who’ve been seriously hurt in preventable crashes.
Call our firm at (209) 600-4389 or fill out our online form today for a free consultation.
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