How Important is a CHP Accident Report in a Personal Injury Claim?

 Posted on March 10, 2023 in Car Accidents

Being in a car accident is not only scary but it can be downright chaotic, especially if it happens on a California freeway. With so many vehicles rushing by it can be difficult to stay composed and impossible if you suffer severe injuries. But an accident report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is a key document you will need if you want to file a personal injury claim.

CHP Accident Report

In any car accident, it is very important to determine the cause and identify the responsible parties. Vehicle accidents end up leaving people with expensive medical bills, the inability to work, and in some cases psychological trauma. Under California law, drivers are required to report car accidents involving injuries or death within 24 hours of an accident, to the CHP or their local police department. The easiest way to do this is by calling 911.

Under the law, you must report a car accident involving injuries to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within ten days of the crash. Failure to do so could result in losing your driver’s license. The DMV will suspend your license until you file an accident report. Depending on the circumstances, you may face fines and jail time for not reporting an accident.

You can request a copy of a CHP accident report from the agency in person or by mail. The cost will depend on how long the report is. You should sign the report, submit it, and pay a fee.

How Does a CHP Report Impact a Personal Injury Claim

A CHP report is considered an official document that will detail the circumstances of the traffic collision by a CHP officer. It is vital because it can be used to determine liability and whether or not criminal charges should be pursued. This document also carries a lot of weight when you decide to file a personal injury claim because it contains the following key accident details:

• The first section of the CHP report has information about the drivers involved in the accident, including their mailing addresses and driver’s license number.
• The second section asks about the vehicles involved in the accident, everything from the make and model of the car, to any damage that resulted from the accident.
• The last part of the report is perhaps the most important as it includes details about how the accident occurred. The officer who files the report attempts to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash and details what they believe happened. They may also include information about weather conditions, road conditions, and witness statements.

Under state law, if someone is responsible for causing an accident they can be held liable for the economic losses they caused someone to suffer and if you suffered serious injuries you may also be able to claim compensation for your pain and suffering. A CHP traffic accident report may seem confusing at first glance but an experienced car accident attorney can help you decipher each and how it may play into your claim for compensation.

Contact a California Car Accident Lawyer

At Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C., we have helped many clients recover damages after suffering injuries in a car accident. A skilled Los Angeles County car accident attorney will guide you through the claim process with your insurance provider and help build a personal injury case. Call 818-242-8201 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&sectionNum=20008.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=16004.&nodeTreePath=12.1.1&lawCode=VEH

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=16000&lawCode=VEH