After an accident in San Francisco, there’s a lot to sort out. One of the first things you’ll want to check off your list is getting your San Francisco police accident report. Let’s walk through what a police accident report is, why you’ll want a copy, and the different ways to get one in San Francisco.
What Is in a San Francisco Police Accident Report?
Think of a police report in San Francisco as a detailed snapshot of the accident. The responding SFPD officer carefully records details of the crash, including:
- The date, time, and location of the crash;
- The names and contact information of everyone involved;
- Vehicle damage and descriptions of injuries;
- A summary of what the officer observed at the scene; and
- Any citations or violations issued.
Insurance companies, attorneys, and courts often rely on this report when determining fault or assessing claims.
Why Getting a Copy of Your SFPD Accident Report Is Important
In the chaos following an accident, it’s easy to overlook the importance of the police report. However, getting a copy of SFPD accident reports is essential for crash victims.
- Insurance claims. Your insurance company will likely need the report to process your claim. The report gives them the officer’s perceptions at the scene and helps them understand what happened and who might be responsible.
- Protecting yourself. If there are disputes about who caused the accident or if someone was injured, the police report can be valuable objective evidence.
Now that you understand why it’s important to have this report, let’s look at how to get a police report in San Francisco.
How to Get SFPD Accident Reports
Getting a copy of your accident report isn’t terribly complicated. And the good news is it’s free of charge. Here are the main ways to request your report.
1. En línea
The San Francisco Police Department offers an online portal for requesting your accident report. This is often the fastest method. The steps you’ll take include the following:
- Create an account. Use your email and a password to create an account on the SFPD’s online records request page.
- Fill out the form. You will need to fill out a request form. You’ll provide the report number, date of the accident, and your name so the department can access your records.
- Verify your identity. You’ll have to verify who you are by uploading a copy of your driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
- Access the report. You’ll get the report by email or a secure download link.
Why choose this option? It’s quick, and you can handle it from the comfort of your home. Most online requests are processed within a few business days.
2. In-Person
You can visit the SFPD Records Division in person if you prefer to handle things face-to-face. Just make sure you have the necessary information to request your report, such as the report number and your ID. Steps for an in-person request include the following:
- Go to the SFPD CISU/Records Management Division at 1245 3rd Street.
- Bring a valid ID and the details of your accident, like the date, location, and report number if you have it.
Tip: Call ahead to make sure your report is ready for you to retrieve. The police can sometimes take a week or more to finalize the report after an accident, so this can save you an unnecessary trip.
3. By Mail
You can also request your SFPD accident reports by mail.
- Download the Incident Report Request Form from the SFPD Get Service page.
- Fill out the form completely, including all the details about your accident.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request to ensure the report can be mailed back to you.
- Send your completed form and envelope to the police department.
You will send your form to the following address:
San Francisco Police Department
Report Management Section
1245 3rd Street
San Francisco, CA 94158-2102
You can also email the completed request form to the address listed at the top of the form. However, mail requests can take several weeks, so this might not be the best choice if you need your report quickly.
4. Through an Attorney
If you’re working with an attorney, they can usually obtain your accident report. This can be helpful, as an attorney will know exactly what’s needed to get the report quickly and ensure it’s complete.
Things to Keep in Mind
Here are some helpful things to keep in mind.
- Who can request the report? To protect the privacy of those involved, only people directly involved in the accident can obtain a copy of the report. This includes drivers, passengers, their attorneys, or insurance representatives.
- Report availability. Allow at least five days from the accident date before requesting a copy of the report. This gives the police time to review and approve the report for release.
- Requesting corrections. You can request a correction if you find any errors in your report. An attorney can assist you with this process.
- Business hours. All email and in-person requests for police accident reports are processed only during regular business hours, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Silva Injury Law can assist you with obtaining your SFPD accident report. They will also use it to build a solid case for compensation.
Contact Silva Injury Law for Help Today
If you’ve been hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, Silva Injury Law is here to help. Our California personal injury lawyers have over 20 years of experience securing high-value settlements for clients, and we’ve earned five-star ratings for our dedication to client satisfaction.
When you work with us, you’re supported by a team that treats you like family while fighting to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact Silva Injury Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation.