How to Read a Police Report in California

If you suffered a car accident in California, you might not know what a police report is. If you don’t, it’s a document where the designated inspector can resume the incident, being a legal document that allows you to validate anything about the accident in court.

Even though it is some kind of technical document, the key is to recognize and determine which are the most important data to read, so we can understand the report properly. Generally speaking, it makes a record of any data involved such as when, how, and what happened in the accident. However, some cases require more details.

The Police Report information and How to Read It

During an investigation, the inspector will take note of some important information for the report. Any data altogether reflects on what happened and how, according to the testimony of the involved, and anything under the inspector’s sight.

Each note will be highlighted with photos and reliable data, so in most cases a report contains:

• Date and location of the accident.
• Personal info about the people involved, that is their phone numbers, address, and  any identity document they have.
• Info about the vehicle: license plate, vehicle type, brand, color, even its place of origin.
• Name and number of the Insurance company for each vehicle, either private or public (in some cases).
• Photos and info about the damage of both vehicles.
• A briefing about the weather and road conditions, as well as the lighting or any other factor that can hinder the driving capability of anyone involved.
• Info about passengers, injured or dead, in case there are any.
• A chart of the accident.
• A testimony of any witnesses and people involved in the accident. Also, a section about citations or law violations that anyone might have.
• The inspector’s own opinion about the case.

It can also include some facts like the type of vehicles in the accident. That is if there were only civilians in the accident, or there was a public transport, etc. In some cases, there was a commercial vehicle, so the inspector must note its content, weight and some other details.

Why is an Accident Police Report Important?

A police report is key evidence when it comes to bringing a lawsuit against the responsible of the accident. In addition to being evidence, it can also prove what happened during the incident.  These reports are also obligatory in many countries in order to keep the case, so it’s necessary to read the police report and have at least an idea of what it says.

In most countries, these kind of reports can only be seen after a legal application. That means that you have to be involved in the case and you should have a set amount in order to be granted access to it. However, you can shorten the process if you’re standing up legally for someone involved, or if you’re an insurance agent.