Accident reports are key pieces of evidence after any car accident. But what happens if your California Highway Patrol (CHP) accident report is wrong? And how do you avoid common crash report mistakes in the first place? Our team answers these questions and more below.
What Is a CHP Accident Report?
The CHP responds to all crashes on highways, and roads and streets beyond city limits. An accident report from these officers sets out what happened to cause a traffic collision. The details included are:
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- Driver details
- Vehicle details
- Injuries/fatalities at the scene
- Passenger and witness information
- Likely cause of the crash
- Officer-issued citations at the scene e.g. for a DUI
A CHP car accident report can be sent to your insurance company, or personal injury attorney, for compensation claims.
Who Needs a CHP Car Accident Report?
Technically, not every accident requires a car crash report in CA. However, you must report a crash in CA if:
- The crash results in property damage, to any vehicle, worth $1,000 or more
- There is any bodily injury, however minor
It’s possibly considered a hit and run to not call CHP when required to do so by law.
What Happens if a Car Accident Report Is Wrong?
If your CHP traffic collision report is wrong, you might find that:
- Your insurer holds you responsible for the crash and you don’t get the damages you deserve.
- You can’t make a personal injury claim as your injuries are undocumented.
- Your insurers premiums increase, or you face driving penalties, for implications of careless driving.
Put simply, CHP report mistakes can mean you won’t get the compensation you’re entitled to. But the good news is that many mistakes can be amended, which we’ll cover below.
What Are Some Common CHP Accident Report Mistakes?
Car accidents are stressful – and sometimes frightening – experiences. So, it’s no surprise that mistakes can creep into car crash reports. However, since errors can make it harder for you to file a claim, they should be avoided.
Here are six common CHP accident report errors and how to avoid them.
1. Failing to Take Pictures or Video Evidence
The more evidence you have to support your claim, the better. So, one of the most common mistakes is failing to gather enough evidence from the scene itself. For example, if you don’t take pictures of property damage, it’s hard to prove the damage happened at the scene.
2. Reporting Incorrect Information
Whether it’s a wrong license plate number or street name, factual details are quite common. But they can cause delays and problems with any car accident claim.
So, always double-check the details supplied to the police at the scene. And once you get a copy of your report, check that the factual details are correct.
3. Failing to Seek Medical Attention
Not all injuries are apparent at the scene. However, failing to seek medical help could make it harder to file an injury claim later. Even if your injury is not apparent at the scene, you can always supply additional evidence after a diagnosis.
You should also check that any injuries noted in the report are accurate. Otherwise, again, your claim could be in jeopardy.
4. Admitting Fault at the Scene
Immediately after a crash, emotions run wild. You may be tempted to apologize to calm the situation, even if you’re not at fault. But any implication that you caused the crash could damage your claim. It could mean you get less damages than you actually deserve for the harm sustained.
Say as little as possible. Be polite but stick to the facts only. Leave it to your insurance company – and possibly your personal injury lawyer – to determine fault.
5. Waiting too Long to Report the Accident
You only have two years from the crash date to file a personal injury claim. And for property claims, the deadline is three years.
You should always file as soon as possible; the longer you wait, the less strong the evidence. And if you miss the deadline, you may be unable to claim at all.
6. Failing to Check the CHP Accident Report for Mistakes
Surprisingly, one of the most common errors is forgetting to check the report for errors!
It’s not enough just to have a copy of your crash report (although, this is essential). It’s crucial that you read it carefully and report any errors, however small, to the CHP immediately.
Can a CHP Traffic Collision Report Be Amended?
Often, the answer is yes. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s easy to have a CHP car accident report amended.
The CHP will expect you to provide evidence to show why the report is wrong, for one thing. This could mean, for example, submitting medical records or photographs. And it could also mean sending copies of your vehicle’s details should these be wrong.
It’s easier to amend factual errors e.g. a wrong license plate number than subjective errors, such as statements. However, even if you can’t amend the report, you can certainly request that an additional statement is included.
How to Request a CHP Accident Report Amendment
CHP crash report amendments can be complex. To ensure that your rights are respected, and that the correct changes are made, you might consider hiring an attorney. A lawyer will explain what can and can’t be changed, and they’ll negotiate the changes with the CHP on your behalf.
Can I Find a Copy of CHP Accident Reports Online?
Yes! If you’re a party of interest, meaning you’re the driver or property owner, you can get the report online. This saves you the trip of visiting an area office. Simply complete the form, provide ID, and pay the relevant fee.
Do you need help finding your California crash report? Trust Auto Accident Records. Our free lookup tool lets you find the car crash report you need, when you need it. Let us do the hard work of locating your report so you can focus on recovery!
Contact Auto Accident Records or complete our simple form to get started today.